What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Lecithin
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Menthol
Masking
Menthoxypropanediol
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Methylparaben
Preservative
Citral
Perfuming
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Masking
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 60730
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Allantoin, Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Menthol, Menthoxypropanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Citral, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, CI 42090, CI 60730
Water
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantSalix Nigra Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthemum Parthenium Extract
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Citric Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Tetrasodium EDTA
Water, Polysorbate 20, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root, Sodium PCA, Lactic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Benzoic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA
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 GlycolHamamelis Virginiana Water is made by distilling parts of the witch hazel plant. You can also call this ingredient "witch hazel water".
The name 'Hamamelis Virginiana Water' refers to the distillation product used in cosmetics. On the other hand, 'Witch Hazel' refers to the active drug ingredient.
Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel ingredients are distilled in denatured alcohol.
Witch Hazel water is an astringent, anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient.
It contains tannins. Tannins have a drying effect when used on skin by constricting proteins. The constriction also minimizes the appearance of pores.
Both the tannins and fragrance found in witch hazel may be skin-sensitizing.
Witch hazel water gets anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties from its catechin and gallic acid content.
Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation in North America for centuries.
Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana WaterPhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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
