What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMica
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantTapioca Starch
Bentonite
AbsorbentPropanediol
SolventGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantBetaine
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Powder
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMentha Arvensis Powder
MaskingChromium Hydroxide Green
PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
EmulsifyingPolyisobutene
Centella Asiatica Extract
CleansingSalicylic Acid
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning4-Terpineol
MaskingGlucose
HumectantSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingJuniperus Mexicana Oil
MaskingMethyl Diisopropyl Propionamide
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Phytate
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningCymbopogon Citratus Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Arvensis Extract
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
MaskingFerula Galbaniflua Resin Oil
AntimicrobialErythritol
HumectantCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract
RefreshingPeucedanum Graveolens Extract
TonicLycium Chinense Fruit Extract
AntioxidantMyristica Fragrans Extract
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Mica, Butylene Glycol, Tapioca Starch, Bentonite, Propanediol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Betaine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Oryza Sativa Powder, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Mentha Arvensis Powder, Chromium Hydroxide Green, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Polyisobutene, Centella Asiatica Extract, Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Tromethamine, Panthenol, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus/Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Ferment Filtrate, CI 77492, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, 4-Terpineol, Glucose, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Citric Acid, Sodium Phytate, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Cymbopogon Citratus Extract, Mentha Arvensis Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Ferula Galbaniflua Resin Oil, Erythritol, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract, Peucedanum Graveolens Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Myristica Fragrans Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasivePropanediol
SolventKaolin
AbrasiveGlycerin
HumectantDiatomaceous Earth
Abrasive1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Seed Extract
HumectantBetaine
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Cellulose
AbsorbentCharcoal Powder
AbrasiveCalamine
AbsorbentCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningEthylcellulose
Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentLauric Acid
CleansingZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientMannitol
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingWater, Silica, Propanediol, Kaolin, Glycerin, Diatomaceous Earth, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract, Betaine, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Titanium Dioxide, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Cellulose, Charcoal Powder, Calamine, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethylcellulose, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Dextrin, Lauric Acid, Zea Mays Starch, Aluminum Hydroxide, Mannitol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Salicylic Acid
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.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
Betaine is a humectant. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It’s known for being gentle and for helping the skin maintain balanced hydration.
Betaine is mainly used to improve hydration and support calmer skin. It helps skin cells regulate water balance because it functions as an osmolyte.
Some studies suggest betaine may support making skin tone more even.
Fun fact: Betaine naturally exists in the skin and the body. In cosmetic products, it can be either plant-derived (most commonly from sugar beets) or synthetically produced for consistency and stability.
Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineButylene 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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
Though naturally occuring in Norwegian spruce needles, this ingredient is usually synthetically created.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing. Recent research also suggests it may have skin-brightening effects through tyrosinase inhibition.
Learn more about HydroxyacetophenonePropanediol 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 AcidTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum