What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root
EmollientHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicSodium Citrate
BufferingCinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
AntimicrobialPinus Pinaster Bark Extract
AntioxidantMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCapryloyl Glycine
CleansingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSarcosine
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCamphor
MaskingCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveGlycine Soja Sterols
EmollientLinoleic Acid
CleansingPhospholipids
Skin Conditioning4-Terpineol
MaskingMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Salicylic Acid
MaskingAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Sodium Citrate, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Capryloyl Glycine, Hexylene Glycol, Octyldodeceth-16, Allantoin, Sarcosine, Ceramide NP, Camphor, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Silica, Glycine Soja Sterols, Linoleic Acid, Phospholipids, 4-Terpineol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Salicylic Acid
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinHamamelis Virginiana Extract comes from the witch hazel plant.
Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel ingredients are distilled in denatured alcohol.
Witch Hazel has astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.
The tannin content of witch hazel constrict the appearance of pores by drying out proteins. Witch hazel water gets anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties from its catechin and gallic acid content.
However, witch hazel may be skin-sensitizing due to the tannin and fragrance compounds.
North American Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation for centuries.
Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana ExtractSalicylic 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 Acid