What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingPropanediol
SolventPotassium Cocoyl Glycinate
SurfactantAcrylates Copolymer
Cetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPotassium Cocoate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
MaskingGlycol Distearate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Propanediol, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Acrylates Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Cocoate, Sorbitan Olivate, Salicylic Acid, Glycol Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Disodium EDTA
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Cocoate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantBetaine
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningErythritol
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningIllicium Verum Fruit Extract
PerfumingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingWater, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Panthenol, Erythritol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate
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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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
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 AcidDisodium 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 EDTAPropanediol 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 PropanediolWater. 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