What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingDisodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Cleansing
Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate
Lauric Acid
Cleansing
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Coco-Glucoside
Cleansing
Sea Salt
Abrasive
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Menthol
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Cocamide Mea
Emulsifying
Microcrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentIllicium Verum Fruit/Seed Oil
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Dextrin
AbsorbentPolyquaternium-7
Juniperus Virginiana Oil
Masking
Sorbitol
Humectant
Zea Mays Starch
Absorbent
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMentha Arvensis Leaf Oil
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sucrose
Humectant
Tetrasodium EDTA
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Chromium Hydroxide Green
Sodium Salicylate
Preservative
Climbazole
Antimicrobial
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Ocimum Basilicum Oil
Masking
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
Masking
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Viola Odorata Leaf Extract
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Masking
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Nelumbo Nucifera Extract
Skin ConditioningPhyllostachys Bambusoides Juice
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Disodium EDTA
Water, Sodium Chloride, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Lauric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Sea Salt, Caffeine, Decyl Glucoside, Mentha Piperita Oil, Menthol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cocamide Mea, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Illicium Verum Fruit/Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Gluconolactone, Dextrin, Polyquaternium-7, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Sorbitol, Zea Mays Starch, Ethylhexylglycerin, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Sucrose, Tetrasodium EDTA, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Chromium Hydroxide Green, Sodium Salicylate, Climbazole, Salicylic Acid, Ocimum Basilicum Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Viola Odorata Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopherol, Nelumbo Nucifera Extract, Phyllostachys Bambusoides Juice, Kaolin, Disodium EDTA
Sodium Chloride
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningCoco-Betaine
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Sea Salt
Abrasive
Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate
Lauryl Betaine
CleansingCocamide Mea
Emulsifying
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Potassium Cocoate
Emulsifying
PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether
SolventTrehalose
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Menthol
Masking
Trihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
Polyquaternium-10
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Menthyl Lactate
Masking
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Camellia Seed Oil
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Lecithin
Emollient
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningFreesia Refracta Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Citrata Leaf Extract
Astringent
Chamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicMentha Piperita Extract
CleansingMentha Suaveolens Leaf Extract
AstringentCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningZinc Pyrithione
Antiseborrhoeic
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Sodium Chloride, Water, Coco-Betaine, Glycerin, Sea Salt, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Lauryl Betaine, Cocamide Mea, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Alcohol Denat., Potassium Cocoate, PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Trehalose, Caprylyl Glycol, Isopropyl Myristate, Menthol, Trihydroxystearin, Polyquaternium-10, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Sucrose Stearate, Tromethamine, Niacinamide, Menthyl Lactate, Mentha Piperita Oil, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polysorbate 80, Lecithin, Ceramide NP, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Mentha Citrata Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Caffeine, Adenosine, Biotin, Mentha Piperita Extract, Mentha Suaveolens Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Zinc Pyrithione, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Β
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesΒ
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCaffeine is a naturally occurring plant compound found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa pods, and guarana.
As an antioxidant, caffeine protects your skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and envionrmnetal stressors.
Early research also shows that caffeine can help calm redness, soothe irritated skin, and support hair growth by stimulating microcirculation in the scalp.
You might have seen eye creams marketing caffeine as a depuffing ingredient. This is because it is a vasoconstrictor meaning it can temporarily constrict blood vessels, though clinical evidence for this specific use is still limited.
Most skincare products contain this ingredient at concentrations between 1-6%. It is able to penetrate skin easily regardless of skin type or thickness.
Just so you know, a very small number of case reports describe caffeine-induced allergy. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the majority of people.
Learn more about CaffeineCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolThis ingredient is made by combining the fatty acids from coconut oil with monoethanolamine. It is an emulsifier that helps boost foam, thicken texture, and help keep ingredients together in a formula.
Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinThis ingredient is the essential oil from the leaves of cornmint. It is one of the richest natural sources of menthol on our planet (about 70-78%).
In cosmetics, this ingredient mostly works as a fragrance and/or masking agent used to cover up unpleasant smells of other ingredients.
The "cooling" sensation from mint isn't a real temperature change; menthol actives a nerve receptor in skin that gets triggered by cold. Your brain essentially gets a "cool" signal from it.
Just so you know, allergic contact dermatitis to menthol is documented in literature (but it's kind of uncommon). This is why the percentages allowed in leave-on products are quite low (0.2%). Be sure to patch test if you have sensitive skin.
Though this ingredient is not listed as an EU allergen, it's cousins (Mentha Piperita Oil, menthol and Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil) are.
Due to the high Menthol content of this ingredient, brands are required to label "menthol" as a separate ingredient on the list. The EU regulation labels the allergenic substance, not just the source ingredient, so the menthol carried in this ingredient still has to be declared.
Learn more about Mentha Arvensis Leaf OilThis essential oil is steam-distilled from peppermint leaves, also known as peppermint oil. It's mainly used for scent in skincare but also provides that signature "cooling" sensation.
Peppermint oil is a "feels amazing" ingredient until it doesn't.
At higher doses or for those with sensitive skin, methol-type cooling can quickly turn into burning/irritation. It can also trigger irritant dermatitis or even allergic contact dermatitis. In a large patch-test dataset, peppermint oil had a low but positive rate for this.
In cosmetics, Cosmetic Safety Reviews (CIR) concludes that peppermint oil is safe to use when formulated to be non-sensitizing with some restrictions; for instance, pulegone, a naturally occurring component of peppermint oil, should not exceed 1%.
Since peppermint oil contains fragrance allergens such as limonene, linalool, and menthol, it can be sensitizing for those with rosacea, eczema, a broken skin barrier, or just sensitive skin in general.
In Japan, this ingredient is known as Hakka Yu.
Learn more about Mentha Piperita OilMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, itβs still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSea salt has abrasive or exfoliation properties. It can sensitize and dry out the skin.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
