What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Emulsifying
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
Benincasa Cerifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycereth-26
Humectant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Oil
Masking
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Tromethamine
BufferingWater, Niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine, Ethoxydiglycol, Pentylene Glycol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Butylene Glycol, Benincasa Cerifera Fruit Extract, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ferulic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Bisabolol, Zinc PCA, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Glycereth-26, Hydroxyacetophenone, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tromethamine
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also known as tea tree oil. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Tea tree oil is a complex lipophilic (fat-loving) oil that contains around 100 compounds with terpinen-4-ol being the most abundant (~40%).
Terpinen-4-ol is responsible for tea tree oil's broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and makes it a well-researched option for acne.
Clinical studies support 5% tea tree oil as an effective topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. A study with 124 patients compared 5% tea tree oil gel to 5% benzoyl peroxide and both reduced acne (though tea tree oil worked more slowly).
Besides acne, it is also seen in anti-dandruff shampoos and scalp treatments for it's antimicrobial and anti-seborrheic properties.
Safety-wise, the allergic potential of low concentrations on healthy skin is considered low. However, oxidized (old or improperly stored) tea tree oil is a stronger sensitizer.
Irritation can also occur if using the undiluted oil on skin; it's best to use this ingredient as part of a carefully crafted cosmetic formula. This is because regulations require tea tree oil in cosmetics to be stabilized to prevent degradation.
This ingredient has been deemed safe up to 2% in shampoo, 1% in cleansers, and 0.1% in face cream by the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
There is some lab evidence that tea tree oil is antifungal against Malassezia, but it is a supportive option at best and not a replacement for proven antifungal treatments.
Learn more about Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf OilSalicylic 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 AcidZinc PCA (or "zinc salt") differs slightly from zinc itself. PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. However, Zinc PCA comes from zinc.
It can help reduce redness, regulate sebum, and promote the general healing process of the skin.
Zinc PCA tends to be especially useful for those with oily, acne-prone skin. It's certainly an ingredient worth trying out!
Learn more about Zinc PCA
