Primark PS Clear and Cool Cleansing Face Wash Versus The Body Shop Tea Tree Squeaky-Clean Exfoliating Face Scrub
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or silicones
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens, fragrances, oils and sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Primark PS Clear and Cool Cleansing Face Wash 18 ingredients
The Body Shop Tea Tree Squeaky-Clean Exfoliating Face Scrub 36 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Primark PS Clear and Cool Cleansing Face Wash 18 ingredients
The Body Shop Tea Tree Squeaky-Clean Exfoliating Face Scrub 36 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Acrylates Copolymer
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMenthol
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexylglycerin, Menthol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Lauryl Betaine
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Propanediol
Solvent
Perlite
AbsorbentPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Mannitol
Humectant
Sodium Chloride
Masking
P-Anisic Acid
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCellulose
AbsorbentPEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
Emulsifying
Acacia Concinna Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBalanites Aegyptiaca Fruit Extract
Menthol
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Gypsophila Paniculata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCalophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil
Antimicrobial
Limonene
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Citronellol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingLeptospermum Petersonii Oil
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Lauryl Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propanediol, Perlite, Phenoxyethanol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Mannitol, Sodium Chloride, P-Anisic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Cellulose, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Acacia Concinna Fruit Extract, Balanites Aegyptiaca Fruit Extract, Menthol, Disodium EDTA, Gypsophila Paniculata Root Extract, Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil, Limonene, Citral, Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citronellol, Linalool, Sorbic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Leptospermum Petersonii Oil, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, CI 19140, CI 42090
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates Copolymer is used as a film-forming agent and texture enhancer.
After applied, Acrylates Copolymer forms a thin film cover that helps skin feel more soft. It can help sunscreens become more water-resistant.
It is also used to make a product more thick.
Learn more about Acrylates CopolymerCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinThis tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Tea Tree plant. Tea tree oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
According to the book Journal of Profiles of Drug Substances, tea tree helps in reducing acne-causing bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes. This is due to the Terpinen components of tea tree oil.
Tea tree may cause sensitivity and irritation for some people. This oil naturally contains fragrance such as linalool and limonene.
However, research shows irritation usually occurs when using pure tea tree oil and not in cosmetic products.
Tea tree oil was found to help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis in one study.
Tea tree oil is toxic when ingested. Another study showed it to caused damage to the nervous system of dogs and cats when applied to their skin or given orally.
Learn more about Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf OilMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholPhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium 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 BenzoateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium 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 Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a foaming, cleansing, and emulsifying ingredient. It is created from palm kernel oil or coconut oil. SLES is not the same as sodium lauryl sulfate. It is much milder and less likely to irritate.
SLES helps create foam in personal products. It also prevents ingredients from separating, helping to elongate the shelf life.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a type of sulfate. It can be drying. We recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient if you have concerns.
Learn more about Sodium Laureth SulfateWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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