What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningBentonite
Absorbent
Glycerin
Humectant
Calamine
AbsorbentPropanediol
Solvent
Aluminum Silicate
Abrasive
Silicon
Abrasive
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Sulfur
Antiseborrhoeic
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
PEG-8
HumectantPolyacrylamide
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract
AstringentOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking
Papain
Skin ConditioningBromelain
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingC13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
C9-11 Pareth-6
EmulsifyingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Isostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Water, Bentonite, Glycerin, Calamine, Propanediol, Aluminum Silicate, Silicon, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Sulfur, Zinc Oxide, PEG-8, Polyacrylamide, Gluconolactone, Zinc PCA, Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Papain, Bromelain, Xanthan Gum, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Salicylic Acid, C9-11 Pareth-6, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Isostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Sodium Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Sulfur
Antiseborrhoeic
Zinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Succinic Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Royal Jelly Protein
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Water, Alcohol Denat., Propylene Glycol, 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate, Niacinamide, Sulfur, Zinc Gluconate, Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Allantoin, Hydrolyzed Royal Jelly Protein, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSalicylic 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, it’s 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 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 HydroxideSulfur is a commonly occurring element on Earth (and our universe!). In cosmetics, it helps kill bacteria, reduces sebum, and provides exfoliation. This makes it an effective ingredient to reduce breakouts and fight acne.
As a ketayolytic agent, it breaks down the top layer of skin. This is a form of exfoliation and may help decrease acne and hyperpigmentation.
Studies show sulfur has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Sulfur can be drying if used excessively or at higher concentrations. We recommend speaking with a medical professional if you have any concerns.
Ancient Greece, India, China, and Egypt have used sulfur in both traditional medicines and for household use.
Learn more about SulfurWater. 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
