What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantDextrin
AbsorbentGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingDimethyl Sulfone
SolventMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantMadecassoside
AntioxidantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Catechins
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Trehalose, Dextrin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Dimethyl Sulfone, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Madecassoside, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Beta-Glucan, Camellia Sinensis Catechins
Acrylates Copolymer
Vinyl Caprolactam/Vp/Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantPvp
Emulsion StabilisingSalicylic Acid
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingEpilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
AntimicrobialVolcanic Ash
AbrasiveSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLimonene
PerfumingAcrylates Copolymer, Vinyl Caprolactam/Vp/Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Pvp, Salicylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 80, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Volcanic Ash, Sodium Metabisulfite, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Limonene
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 GlycolThis 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, itβs 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 Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate