What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingPPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingC12-15 Alkyl Lactate
EmollientParfum
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
PEG/PPG-20/6 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCetyl Lactate
EmollientBenzalkonium Chloride
AntimicrobialBoswellia Serrata Gum
MaskingMenthol
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
UV AbsorberPropylene Glycol
HumectantCitrus Grandis Fruit Extract
AstringentWater, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Parfum, Sodium Citrate, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, PEG/PPG-20/6 Dimethicone, Cetyl Lactate, Benzalkonium Chloride, Boswellia Serrata Gum, Menthol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Propylene Glycol, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentPropanediol
SolventSalicylic Acid
MaskingPoloxamer 184
EmulsifyingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingDisodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingUrea
BufferingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Poloxamer 184, Benzyl Alcohol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Urea, Dehydroacetic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
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 GlycolDisodium 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 EDTASalicylic 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 AcidSodium 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water