What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyvinyl Alcohol
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingSodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Silica
Abrasive
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Rheum Palmatum Root Extract
Astringent
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract
MaskingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Propanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Sodium Polyacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Silica, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Rheum Palmatum Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingTriethylhexanoin
MaskingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Propylene Carbonate
SolventIsostearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dodecene
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sodium Chloride, Triethylhexanoin, Salicylic Acid, Zinc PCA, Niacinamide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hydroxyacetophenone, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, Isostearyl Alcohol, Dodecene, Disodium EDTA, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Propanediol 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
