What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantCetearyl Olivate
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientBetaine
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Arginine
Masking
Lecithin
Emollient
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Magnolia Grandiflora Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Glucose
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetearyl Olivate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Sorbitan Olivate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Betaine, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Arginine, Lecithin, Polysorbate 80, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Sorbitan Oleate, Zinc PCA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Maltodextrin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bakuchiol, Magnolia Grandiflora Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Glucose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningStearyl Alcohol
Emollient
C14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingGlycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Kaolin
Abrasive
Tetrasodium EDTA
Tromethamine
BufferingZinc PCA
Humectant
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
PEG-20 Soy Sterol
Emulsifying
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Silica
Abrasive
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Magnesium Aspartate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Copper Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
Humectant
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Oligopeptide-10
Antimicrobial
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Benzalkonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Cera Alba
Emollient
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
Emollient
Isomerized Safflower Acid
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Zinc Sulfate
AntimicrobialWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearyl Alcohol, C14-22 Alcohols, Sorbitan Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Glycine Soja Sterols, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Kaolin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tromethamine, Zinc PCA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, PEG-20 Soy Sterol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Polysorbate 60, Silica, Salicylic Acid, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Benzoate, Copper Gluconate, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Honey Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Oligopeptide-10, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Benzalkonium Chloride, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cera Alba, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Isomerized Safflower Acid, Maltodextrin, Palmitic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Zinc Sulfate
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 GlycolGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinMaltodextrin is a polysaccharide. It is derived from starch such as rice, corn, wheat, or potato starch.
In food, Maltodextrin is used to improve the texture and thicken a product. Due to its structure, it can help create a gel texture. As an emulsion stabilizer, it helps keep the ingredients in a product together.
As a polysaccharide, Maltodextrin has moisturizing properties. Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate. The top layer of skin uses polysaccharides to retain water, keeping the skin hydrated.
Maltodextrin is water soluble and has a sweet taste.
Learn more about MaltodextrinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used to keep ingredients together, and prevent oils and waters from separating.
It is made from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. This ingredient can be found in cosmetics, foods, and medicine. It is water-soluble.
Polysorbate 80 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 80Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSalicylic 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 Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateWater. 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 WaterZinc 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
