What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
O-Cymen-5-Ol
AntimicrobialDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantCetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingGlycolic Acid
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCoix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantArginine
MaskingPEG-7
HumectantDisodium Succinate
MaskingHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientEDTA
Succinic Acid
BufferingAlcohol
AntimicrobialC4-18 Alkyl Methacrylate/Methacryloyloxyethyl Phosphorylcholine Copolymer
HumectantParfum
MaskingO-Cymen-5-Ol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Cetyl Phosphate, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Arginine, PEG-7, Disodium Succinate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, EDTA, Succinic Acid, Alcohol, C4-18 Alkyl Methacrylate/Methacryloyloxyethyl Phosphorylcholine Copolymer, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingSqualane
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingMethylparaben
PreservativeDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantTranexamic Acid
AstringentDisodium EDTA
Menthol
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCamphor
MaskingCoix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingWater, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Squalane, Triethylhexanoin, Methylparaben, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tranexamic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Menthol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camphor, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolYou might know this plant as Job's Tears or Chinese pearl barley. It is a grain native to Southeast Asia.
This ingredient has skin conditioning properties. Emerging studies show the grain to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties as well. (With one study finding this ingredient to be effective at blocking melanin when skin is exposed to UV).
Job's tears is rich in nutrients, such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid.
You can also find great antioxidants such as ferulic acid, caffeic acid.
To top if off, ceramides are also present in this grain.
Learn more about Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed ExtractDipotassium 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 Glycyrrhizate