What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMontmorillonite
AbsorbentGlycerin
HumectantArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientMethylpropanediol
SolventEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMagnesium Aluminometasilicate
AbsorbentGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientVolcanic Soil
Skin ConditioningPEG-100 Stearate
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
SmoothingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAlchemilla Vulgaris Extract
AstringentBisabolol
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSophora Flavescens Root Extract
AntioxidantTrehalose
HumectantOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningOphiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantGlucose
HumectantLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingPropylene Glycol
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingGentiana Scabra Extract
HumectantAmylopectin
Dextrin
AbsorbentFomes Officinalis Extract
Skin ProtectingPyrus Malus Bark Extract
AstringentCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningPropylparaben
PreservativeGlycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Montmorillonite, Glycerin, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Methylpropanediol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, CI 77891, Magnesium Aluminometasilicate, Glyceryl Stearate, Volcanic Soil, PEG-100 Stearate, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Xanthan Gum, Cetearyl Glucoside, Allantoin, Chlorphenesin, Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ceramide As, Ceramide EOP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Bisabolol, Silica, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Pentylene Glycol, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Trehalose, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Glucose, Lactobacillus Ferment, Parfum, Ceramide NP, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Propylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Gentiana Scabra Extract, Amylopectin, Dextrin, Fomes Officinalis Extract, Pyrus Malus Bark Extract, Ceramide Ns, Propylparaben, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, CI 77492
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingSuccinic Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid
MaskingNiacinamide
SmoothingCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningLactobionic Acid
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantXanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantEnantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerophosphoinositol Choline
Skin ProtectingBacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningCyclodextrin
AbsorbentWater, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Succinic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Gluconolactone, Lactobionic Acid, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Glycerophosphoinositol Choline, Bacillus Ferment, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Oleanolic Acid, Cyclodextrin
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
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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
Niacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
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 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 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