What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Tetrasodium EDTA
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Bisulfite
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater
Skin ConditioningAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Trehalose
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberDisodium EDTA
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Algin
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantPhragmites Karka Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Zinc Sulfate
Antimicrobial
Water, Acacia Senegal Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Trehalose, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Triethanolamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Algin, CI 19140, Phragmites Karka Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, CI 17200, Phenoxyethanol, Zinc Sulfate
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.
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 preservatives
Acacia Senegal Gum has skin soothing, thickening, and formulation stabilizing properties. It comes from the Acacia tree that is native to sub-Saharan Africa.
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 GlycolPhenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!).
It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome.
On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive.
Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10).
You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhexylglycerin to Phenoxyethanol damages bacterial membranes as effectively as doubling the Phenoxyethanol concentration on its own.
Typical use concentrations range from 0.3-1% depending on the formula, and this ingredient is capped at 1% int the EU.
Safety-wise, the fear mongering does not hold up to the evidence. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and FDA consider it safe as a preservative at up to 1%, including for children of all ages.
Adverse systemic effects only showed up in animal studies at exposures roughly 200x higher than what people get from cosmetics. And despite its very widespread use, this ingredient is a rare sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon.
Learn more about PhenoxyethanolSalicylic 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
