Versus

MEDI-PEEL Strogen Rx ll Cream Versus MEDI-PEEL Melanon X Cream

Night Moisturizer
Facial Treatment
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on October 09, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 21 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances, oils and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

MEDI-PEEL Strogen Rx ll Cream 111 ingredients

MEDI-PEEL Melanon X Cream 53 ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

MEDI-PEEL Strogen Rx ll Cream 111 ingredients

MEDI-PEEL Melanon X Cream 53 ingredients

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Strogen Rx ll Cream

Water

Skin Conditioning

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract

Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Dipropylene Glycol

Masking

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate

Emollient

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Punica Granatum Callus Culture Extract

Skin Conditioning

Soy Isoflavones

Skin Conditioning

Pueraria Lobata Root Extract

Humectant

Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Pueraria Mirifica Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant Icon

Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Punica Granatum Fruit Extract

Antioxidant

Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract

Astringent
Good for Minimizing Pores Icon

Lavandula Angustifolia Extract

Skin Conditioning
May cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract

Antimicrobial

Origanum Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

Skin Conditioning

Thymus Vulgaris Extract

Perfuming
Fragrance Icon

Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Porphyridium Cruentum Culture Conditioned Media

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Xylitylglucoside

Humectant

Anhydroxylitol

Humectant

Xylitol

Humectant

Yeast Ferment Extract

Skin Conditioning

Lactobacillus

Skin Conditioning

Salix Alba Bark Extract

Astringent
Good for Oily Skin Icon

Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract

Masking
May worsen Eczema Icon

Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

Astringent

Portulaca Oleracea Extract

Skin Conditioning

Carica Papaya Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Prunus Mume Fruit Extract

Humectant

Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Calcium Pantothenate

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Pyridoxine Hcl

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate

Absorbent

Maltodextrin

Absorbent

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

Bleaching
Good for Dark Spots Icon

Cimicifuga Dahurica Root Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Phellinus Linteus Extract

Skin Conditioning

Angelica Gigas Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Morus Alba Bark Extract

Skin Conditioning

Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Sophora Japonica Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Glycine Max Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract

Astringent

Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract

Astringent

Hydrolyzed Collagen

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Lysine

Skin Conditioning

Histidine

Humectant

Arginine

Masking
Good for Scar Healing IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Aspartic Acid

Masking

Threonine

Serine

Masking

Glutamic Acid

Humectant

Proline

Skin Conditioning

Glycine

Buffering
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Alanine

Masking

Valine

Masking

Methionine

Skin Conditioning

Isoleucine

Skin Conditioning

Leucine

Skin Conditioning

Tyrosine

Masking

Phenylalanine

Masking

Cysteine

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

Emollient
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Laminaria Japonica Extract

Skin Protecting

Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Glyceryl Glucoside

Humectant

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

Emollient
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Rosa Canina Fruit Oil

Emollient
Oil IconGood for Scar Healing IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Emollient
0 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ceramide NP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

Glycereth-26

Humectant
0 / 0

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Betaine

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Allantoin

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Good for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising
1 / 0

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Stearyl Heptanoate

Emollient
4 / 0 Bad for Acne Prone Skin Icon

Ethyl Olivate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Olea Europaea Leaf Extract

Perfuming
Fragrance Icon

Cyclohexasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Tromethamine

Buffering

Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

Emulsion Stabilising

Isohexadecane

Emollient

Polysorbate 80

Emulsifying
0 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caramel

Cosmetic Colorant

Hydroxyacetophenone

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Humectant
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Punica Granatum Callus Culture Extract, Soy Isoflavones, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Pueraria Mirifica Root Extract, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis Root Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Origanum Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract, Porphyridium Cruentum Culture Conditioned Media, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Yeast Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Pyridoxine Hcl, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Maltodextrin, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Cimicifuga Dahurica Root Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Sophora Japonica Fruit Extract, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Lysine, Histidine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Threonine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Proline, Glycine, Alanine, Valine, Methionine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Cysteine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Glyceryl Glucoside, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Ceramide NP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycereth-26, Panthenol, Betaine, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearyl Heptanoate, Ethyl Olivate, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Tromethamine, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Caramel, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Parfum

Melanon X Cream

Water

Skin Conditioning

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Betaine

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Hydrogenated Polydecene

Emollient

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glyceryl Stearate

Emollient
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Beeswax

Emulsion Stabilising
0-2 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Alpha-Arbutin

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Broussonetia Kazinoki Callus Culture Extract

Skin Conditioning

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract

Emollient

PEG-100 Stearate

0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer

Skin Conditioning

Sorbitan Stearate

Emulsifying
0 / 1 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Sucrose Cocoate

Emulsifying
Can worsen Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cysteine

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Ascorbic Acid

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Carnitine

Cleansing

Tranexamic Acid

Astringent
Good for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Aletris Farinosa Root Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Biota Orientalis Leaf Extract

Humectant

Zanthoxylum Schinifolium Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Hamamelis Virginiana Extract

Antiseborrhoeic
Can worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Morus Alba Bark Extract

Skin Conditioning

Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract

Humectant

Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract

Skin Protecting

Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil

Emollient
2-3 / 0 Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

Emollient
0-2 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydroxyacetophenone

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Ozokerite

Emulsion Stabilising

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Arginine

Masking
Good for Scar Healing IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising
1 / 0

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Sh-Oligopeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Sh-Oligopeptide-2

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-3

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-16

Skin Protecting
Peptide Icon

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning
Good for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying

Disodium EDTA

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Propanediol

Solvent

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. 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
Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is created from the diester of stearic acid and the condensation product of methylglucose and Polyglycerin-3.

As an emulsifier, it is used to bind ingredients together. Many ingredients, such as oils and water, separate naturally. Emulsifiers prevent them from separating to ensure even consistency in texture.

One of the manufacturer for this ingredient states it is vegetable-based. It is also claimed to be stable at both high and low temperatures.

This ingredient may not be safe for fungal acne. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Smoothing

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

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.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin 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 Glycerin

Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract comes from the Japanese Knotweed plant native to Japan, Korea, and China.

This plant contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It contains high amounts of resveratrol, a potent antioxidant.

The root of the plant has been used in traditional folk medicine throughout Asia.

Learn more about Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Morus Alba Bark Extract yet.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.

Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.

Learn more about Arginine
Antioxidant, Masking

Cysteine is an amino acid found in our bodies. It becomes an antioxidant when converted into gluthatione.

Once it becomes gluthatione, it prevents oxidative damage to parts of our cell. Gluthatione has also been shown to protect our skin from UV-B induced damage.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.

This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.

Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.

Learn more about Betaine
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Skin Conditioning

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.

Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.

In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.

Learn more about Adenosine
Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.

A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.

Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.

What it does:

Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:

Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.

Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.

This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.

Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.

Learn more about Dimethicone
Antioxidant

Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.

This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.

Masking, Perfuming

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.

The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.

One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

When to use

MEDI-PEEL Strogen Rx ll Cream 111 ingredients

MEDI-PEEL Melanon X Cream 53 ingredients

54 Routines
41% use in am
59% use in pm
89% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->