What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSteartrimonium Methosulfate
Cellulose
AbsorbentPropanediol
SolventCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingMethylpropanediol
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Alcohol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Powder
AbrasiveC12-14 Alketh-12
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingChamaecyparis Obtusa Water
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant4-Terpineol
MaskingCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingSuccinic Acid
BufferingWater, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Steartrimonium Methosulfate, Cellulose, Propanediol, Carbomer, Methylpropanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Isopropyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Powder, C12-14 Alketh-12, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Dextrin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, 4-Terpineol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Gluconolactone, Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningMyristic Acid
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingStearic Acid
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventPalmitic Acid
EmollientCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingPotassium Benzoate
PreservativeButylene Glycol
HumectantSalicylic Acid 0.45%
MaskingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingDisodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingSorbitol
HumectantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Polyquaternium-7
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientArachidic Acid
CleansingLauric Acid
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract 0.02%
CleansingLactose
HumectantOleic Acid
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingMadecassoside 0.001%
AntioxidantHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Propanediol, Palmitic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Potassium Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid 0.45%, Coco-Glucoside, Disodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Sorbitol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-7, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Arachidic Acid, Lauric Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Citrate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Centella Asiatica Extract 0.02%, Lactose, Oleic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Madecassoside 0.001%, Houttuynia Cordata Extract
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
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 GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractGlycerin 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 OilPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSalicylic 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 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water