What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingMenthol
MaskingMentha Arvensis Extract
MaskingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientCorchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCymbopogon Citratus Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingVigna Radiata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTerminalia Chebula Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningErythritol
HumectantCeratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract
MaskingCamellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningDiospyros Kaki Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingPolyquaternium-10
PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether
SolventDisodium EDTA
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPiroctone Olamine
PreservativeMethylpropanediol
SolventClimbazole
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCyclodextrin
AbsorbentLactic Acid
BufferingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingSodium DNA
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantParfum
MaskingWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Menthol, Mentha Arvensis Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Cymbopogon Citratus Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Vigna Radiata Seed Extract, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extract, Erythritol, Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Cocamide Mea, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Polyquaternium-10, PPG-3 Caprylyl Ether, Disodium EDTA, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Piroctone Olamine, Methylpropanediol, Climbazole, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Cyclodextrin, Lactic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium DNA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingLauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPotassium Benzoate
PreservativeMenthol
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningMentha Arvensis Leaf Oil
MaskingMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingC12-13 Alketh-9
EmulsifyingGlycol Distearate
EmollientSalicylic Acid
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningPinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialClimbazole
AntimicrobialDisodium EDTA
Niacinamide
SmoothingLimonene
Perfuming1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDecyl Glucoside
CleansingSucrose
HumectantMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCladosiphon Okamuranus Extract
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingSodium PCA
HumectantCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Leaf Oil
AstringentGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientMadecassoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, Dipropylene Glycol, Potassium Benzoate, Menthol, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, C12-13 Alketh-9, Glycol Distearate, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Trihydroxystearin, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Climbazole, Disodium EDTA, Niacinamide, Limonene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Decyl Glucoside, Sucrose, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Gluconolactone, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Sodium PCA, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Leaf Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid
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
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is one of the most researched botanical extracts in skincare with decades of studies backing its effects on inflammation, collagen, and the skin barrier.
That research keeps pointing back to the same four triterpenoid saponins: Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid.
These compounds allow centella to dial back inflammation, encourage the skin to build and hold onto collagen, support the barrier and hydration, and bring solid antioxidant activity to protect against signs of aging.
Centella also carries a nice supporting cast of Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and amino acids. Put it all together and you get an ingredient that soothes, hydrates, and protects, all at once.
Most of centella's magic comes from the four big compounds (Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid). These are the actives doing the heavy lifting in almost every centella study.
Here is the short version of what they do in the skin:
So it is not just soothing for the sake of soothing. Centella calms the skin AND helps it rebuild.
Just FYI, not all centella on an ingredient list is the same. What you are getting actually depends on the extract:
Fun fact on the ratios: the leaves tend to be richest in Madecassoside and Asiaticoside, and lower in the two acids. The exact amounts shift with where the plant is grown and how it is processed. This means purity really does vary brand to brand.
Centella is one of the most easygoing actives out there.
It layers well with basically everything: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamin C, and also pairs nicely with stronger actives like retinoids and exfoliating acids where it can help take the edge off irritation.
On the safety side, centella and its triterpenes are classified as weak sensitizers, meaning allergic reactions are possible but uncommon.
Patch tests at 1% and 5% came back negative in test panels, and creams at typical use levels did not cause allergic reactions across large groups of people.
But as with any new active, a patch test is still a smart move for very reactive skin.
Centella is widely used because it is effective at low percentages. For context, human safety testing found no meaningful irritation from creams containing centella extract at everyday use levels (the tested amounts were well under 1%).
The irritancy threshold in animal testing was also above 30% (so real-world formulas sit far below anything concerning).
In collagen lab studies, higher concentrations drove more collagen synthesis, so serums built around centella tend to feature it more prominently.
Bottom line: you will find centella working nicely anywhere from a fraction of a percent up to hero-ingredient levels depending on whether it is a supporting soother or the main event.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidClimbazole is a preservative.
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAThis ingredient is derived from guar gum. It is a skin conditioning agent that creates a thin, breathable film to reduce water loss during cleansing.
This leaves the skin feeling soft rather than stripped and also contributes to a creamier lather.
Due to the large molecule size, this ingredient is unlikely to penetrate skin.
Learn more about Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
The flowers of this tree are lilac colored.
Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractThis ingredient is also known as neem leaf extract. It contains natural compounds like nimbidin, quercetin, and other polyphenols that give it antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activity.
Lab studies have shown neem leaf extract can inhibit acne-related bacteria and help calm skin. Animal studies on wound gels using 1-3% neem leaf extract found it sped up healing without causing irritation.
A wound-healing study testing gels with the extract at 1%, 2%, and 3% concentrations and found none of them irritated the skin.
Most commercial products also use it in a similar low range (typically under 5%).
Allergy-wise, there are some case reports on neem oil causing allergic contact dermatitis so people with plant/botanical sensitivities may want to patch test first.
Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractMenthol 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 MentholNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolSalicylic 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 AcidSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a surfactant that helps water and oil mix so that dirt, sweat, sebum, and sunscreen can rinse away easily. It's not technically a sulfate, but behaves similarly in formulas.
What it does:
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a strong cleansing surfactant and is much stronger than many mild cleansers. Because it works deeply, it can disrupt the skin's barrier. This can lead to dryness or irritation for those with sensitive skin.
Compared to gentler surfactants, it's effective but more likely to dry or irritate if not balanced with soothing ingredients.
CIR considers sodium α-olefin sulfonates (including C14-16) to be safe for use in rinse-off products when properly formulated. It is poorly absorbed through normal skin but absorption increases if the skin barrier is already damaged.
Learn more about Sodium C14-16 Olefin SulfonateChances 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