What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Isostearyl Palmitate
Emollient
Cetyl Ricinoleate
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
PEG-100 Stearate
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
Masking
Eugenia Caryophyllus Bud Oil
Masking
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Masking
Jasminum Officinale Oil
Masking
Viola Odorata Flower/Leaf Extract
MaskingPolianthes Tuberosa Extract
MaskingCitronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Hypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingJasminum Officinale Flower Wax
EmollientGelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Gentiana Lutea Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientPrunus Mume Fruit Extract
Humectant
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMorus Nigra Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingCastanea Sativa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentPerilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
TonicHydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract
TonicSalicylic Acid
Masking
Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
Emollient
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Glucosamine Hcl
Arginine
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Trehalose
Humectant
Tromethamine
BufferingPolysilicone-11
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Phytate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Butylene Glycol, Isostearyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Squalane, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus Bud Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Jasminum Officinale Oil, Viola Odorata Flower/Leaf Extract, Polianthes Tuberosa Extract, Citronellol, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Wax, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Morus Nigra Root Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Castanea Sativa Seed Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract, Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract, Salicylic Acid, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Phospholipids, Cholesterol, Glucosamine Hcl, Arginine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Trehalose, Tromethamine, Polysilicone-11, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningLauryl Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientBehenyl Behenate
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Candelilla Cera
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Lauryl Laurate, Squalane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Behenyl Behenate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sorbitan Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Candelilla Cera, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
Reviews
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Salicylic 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 HydroxideSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneWater. 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
