What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPEG-8
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingMirabilis Jalapa Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventSilica
AbrasiveAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentDisodium EDTA
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Isostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDeoxyphytantriyl Palmitamide Mea
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingWater, Niacinamide, Methyl Gluceth-20, Glycerin, PEG-8, Salicylic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Ceramide NP, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Lactobacillus Ferment, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Mirabilis Jalapa Extract, Propanediol, Silica, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Maltodextrin, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Chlorphenesin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Isostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Sodium Hydroxide, Pentylene Glycol, Deoxyphytantriyl Palmitamide Mea, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
SmoothingMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantPotassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingXanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingTetrasodium EDTA
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPotassium Chloride
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeTrideceth-9
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Alcohol Denat., Propanediol, Niacinamide, Methyl Gluceth-20, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Glycerin, Chlorphenesin, Allantoin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Sclerotium Gum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Trideceth-9, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinAminomethyl Propanol is used to adjust the pH of products. It is also used as a base to create other organic compounds. Having a balanced pH is important for protecting your skin.
Aminomethyl propanol is safe to use in cosmetics up to 1%. It is soluble in water.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid is a chelating agent.
Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted reactions and effects from using the product.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid is often used with natural antimicrobial products as an alternative to preservatives.
Learn more about Caprylhydroxamic AcidCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinMethyl Gluceth-20 is a humectant. Humectants help draw moisture from the air to your skin.
It is created by combining polyethylene glycol with glucose.
Niacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSalicylic 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, it’s 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 AcidWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water