What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Artemisia Capillaris Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Water, Butylene Glycol, Artemisia Capillaris Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine Salicylate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Sodium Citrate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
Smoothing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Carica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Prunus Mume Fruit Extract
Humectant
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin Protecting
Sargassum Fulvellum Extract
Skin ConditioningHizikia Fusiforme Extract
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Betaine Salicylate
Antimicrobial
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Glycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
Emulsifying
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Water, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Allantoin, Propanediol, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Sargassum Fulvellum Extract, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Gluconolactone, Betaine Salicylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Salicylic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Sucrose Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
Think of it as a supportive ingredient that helps your gel-creams feel silky, "cloud cream-like", and spread evenly without being greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated it (along with 22 other acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers) and concluded it's:
Due to its large molecular size, it sits on the surface of skin rather than penetrating it.
Learn more about Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerBetaine Salicylate is considered a salicylic acid alternative.
Limited studies exist proving this ingredient to be a complete alternative to salicylic acid. Based on existing research, this ingredient does not penetrate as deeply and is not shown to be as effective.
However, this makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or need gentle BHA action.
This ingredient is created using betaine and salicylic acid.
This ingredient is oil-soluble and is most effective at a pH range of 3.8-4.2.
Learn more about Betaine SalicylateButylene 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 GlycolDipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinSodium 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 HyaluronateWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
