What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 2%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantJojoba Esters
EmollientIsodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-11
Cordyceps Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantTrametes Versicolor Extract
Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingCeteareth-20
CleansingIsohexadecane
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAcacia Decurrens Flower Wax
EmollientPolyglycerin-3
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSodium PCA
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingMaclura Cochinchinensis Leaf Prenylflavonoids
T-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingGlycosaminoglycans
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingTrisodium EDTA
Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Jojoba Esters, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Polysilicone-11, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Trametes Versicolor Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ceteareth-20, Isohexadecane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butylene Glycol, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 60, Sodium PCA, Sodium Citrate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Maclura Cochinchinensis Leaf Prenylflavonoids, T-Butyl Alcohol, Glycosaminoglycans, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Trisodium EDTA
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-1
EmollientTapioca Starch
Cetyl Alcohol
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentSodium PCA
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingDisodium EDTA
Benzoic Acid
MaskingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeSalicylic Acid
MaskingBenzethonium Chloride
AntimicrobialOrmenis Multicaulis Oil
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-1, Tapioca Starch, Cetyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sodium PCA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Benzethonium Chloride, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate
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 moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPhenoxyethanol 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, 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 hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSodium 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 HydroxideSodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCATocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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