What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Menthol
Masking
Tromethamine
BufferingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicButylene Glycol
Humectant
Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Viridis Extract
MaskingMentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
TonicGlycine Max Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningNigella Sativa Seed Extract
Perfuming
Oryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Ribes Nigrum Fruit Extract
Astringent
Sesamum Indicum Sprout Extract
HumectantSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Hydrolyzed Centella Asiatica Extract
Antioxidant
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Leonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
SoothingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Water, Alcohol Denat., Menthol, Tromethamine, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Biotin, Butylene Glycol, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Mentha Viridis Extract, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Glycine Max Seed Extract, Nigella Sativa Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Ribes Nigrum Fruit Extract, Sesamum Indicum Sprout Extract, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Leonurus Sibiricus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
Vinegar
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Erythritol
Humectant
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingLactic Acid
Buffering
Octyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
Menthol
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Mentha Piperita Extract
CleansingMentha Viridis Extract
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
TonicMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Limonene
Perfuming
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Fructan
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningUrtica Dioica Extract
AstringentViola Mandshurica Flower Extract
Antioxidant
Equisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
Abrasive
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantSwertia Japonica Extract
Skin ConditioningUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Alcohol Denat., Isopentyldiol, Vinegar, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Erythritol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Lactic Acid, Octyldodeceth-16, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Gluconate, Mentha Piperita Oil, Cetrimonium Chloride, Sodium Lactate, Menthol, Salicylic Acid, Mentha Piperita Extract, Mentha Viridis Extract, Disodium EDTA, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Limonene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Fructan, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Urtica Dioica Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Swertia Japonica Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin
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
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
The "denat" part just means "denatured"; common denaturants include Denatonium Benzoate, t-butyl alcohol, and Diethyl Phthalate. This step makes the alcohol undrinkable (and lets brand skip taxes related to beverage alcohol).
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue to constrict pores and dry out your skin.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is this ingredient will probably not affect your skin much if it is near the end of an ingredients list.
One thing to note:
People with ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2) deficiency may experience skin irritation from continued alcohol use. About 8% of the world's population have this deficiency.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has determined denatured alcohols to be safe for use in concentrations between 0.05% and 12% (depending on which denaturant is used).
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Look for formulas that contain glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or panthenol if you want to offset any drying effect.
This ingredient will trip away your skin's natural oils/lipids that help it lock in moisture. This can worsen dryness, trigger eczema flare-ups, and aggravate rosacea.
Be sure to patch test any product with this ingredient if you have dry or sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea.
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.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 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 EthylhexylglycerinWe don't have a description for Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Mentha Viridis Extract yet.
Menthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholSalicylic 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
