What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Betaine
Humectant
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Piroctone Olamine
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingDehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Pullulan
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingBenzoic Acid
Masking
Pantolactone
Humectant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Salicylic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Betaine, Benzyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Piroctone Olamine, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dehydroacetic Acid, Pullulan, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Cellulose Gum, Benzoic Acid, Pantolactone, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Behentrimonium Chloride
Preservative
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Dioleoylethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glycereth-2 Cocoate
Emulsifying
Climbazole
Antimicrobial
Piroctone Olamine
Preservative
Isopropyl Alcohol
Solvent
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Sodium Chloride
MaskingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Avena Sativa Kernel Oil
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
C12-13 Pareth-3
EmulsifyingC12-13 Pareth-23
CleansingZingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Menthol
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Dioleoylethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Dimethicone, Glycereth-2 Cocoate, Climbazole, Piroctone Olamine, Isopropyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Lactic Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Avena Sativa Kernel Oil, Glycerin, C12-13 Pareth-3, C12-13 Pareth-23, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Polysorbate 20, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Menthol, Salicylic Acid, Parfum, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sorbic Acid
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 (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an emulsifier derived from castor oil.
As an emulsifying agent, it helps other ingredients like fragrances and fat-soluble vitamins dissolve cohesively.
Due to its large molecule size, it doesn't penetrate beyond the skin's surface.
This ingredient has a solid regulatory track record; the CIR Expert Panel first concluded it was safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 100% in 1997. A 2012 reassessment reaffirmed that finding. Safety studies have also found no irritation or evidence of toxicity.
A 2019 study did find this ingredient to grow Malassezia, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilPiroctone Olamine targets Malassezia, the fungus responsible for dandruff, which is why you'll find it in many anti-dandruff shampoos.
It's also water-soluble, so it blends easily into these formulas.
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Potassium 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 BenzoateSorbic Acid is a preservative. It is the most commonly used food preservative in the world.
Sorbic Acid is a natural antibiotic and highly effective at preventing the growth of fungus. It is less effective against bacteria.
Potassium Sorbate, another commonly-used preservative, is the potassium salt of Sorbic Acid.
Sorbic Acid may worsen eczema. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
Learn more about Sorbic AcidWater. 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
