What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
Masking
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingTrehalose
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingBenzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberDisodium EDTA
Tromethamine
BufferingHydrolyzed Algin
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingPhragmites Karka Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Zinc Sulfate
Antimicrobial
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Salicylic Acid, Acacia Senegal Gum, Trehalose, Pentylene Glycol, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Disodium EDTA, Tromethamine, Hydrolyzed Algin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate, Phragmites Karka Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Zinc Sulfate, CI 19140, CI 17200, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingMethylpropanediol
SolventEctoin
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Disodium EDTA
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Malic Acid
Buffering
Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract
MaskingPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Menthol
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Royal Jelly Protein
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glycolipids
Skin ConditioningGlycosphingolipids
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Sucrose
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, Acacia Senegal Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Methylpropanediol, Ectoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ceramide AP, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide Ng, Centella Asiatica Extract, Disodium EDTA, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid, Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Allantoin, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Menthol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Hydrolyzed Royal Jelly Protein, Oligopeptide-1, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycolipids, Glycosphingolipids, Propanediol, Sodium Lactate, Glycolic Acid, Sucrose, Urea, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol
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
Acacia Senegal Gum has skin soothing, thickening, and formulation stabilizing properties. It comes from the Acacia tree that is native to sub-Saharan Africa.
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 GlycolDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Salicylic 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 Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
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.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateWater. 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
