What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Xylitylglucoside
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate Hcl
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Piroctone Olamine
Preservative
Climbazole
Antimicrobial
Hexamidine Diisethionate
Emollient
Oligopeptide-29
Antioxidant
Propanediol Caprylate
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCapryloyl Glycine
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant
Xylitol
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Xylitylglucoside, Salicylic Acid, Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate Hcl, Panthenol, Piroctone Olamine, Climbazole, Hexamidine Diisethionate, Oligopeptide-29, Propanediol Caprylate, Water, Hexylene Glycol, Capryloyl Glycine, Phenoxyethanol, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Maltooligosyl Glucoside
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantSalicylic Acid
Masking
Moringa Oleifera Callus Extract
Antioxidant
Triethanolamine
BufferingPhragmites Communis Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Yogurt Protein
Skin ConditioningInulin
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPiroctone Olamine
Preservative
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningWater, Propylene Glycol, Maltooligosyl Glucoside, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Salicylic Acid, Moringa Oleifera Callus Extract, Triethanolamine, Phragmites Communis Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Hydrolyzed Yogurt Protein, Inulin, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Piroctone Olamine, Sodium PCA, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Gluconate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Piroctone Olamine targets Malassezia, the fungus responsible for dandruff, which is why you'll find it in many anti-dandruff shampoos.
It's also water-soluble, so it blends easily into these formulas.
Propylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSalicylic 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
