What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientHydrolyzed Rice Extract
Skin ConditioningPPG-14 Butyl Ether
Skin ConditioningCyclomethicone
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantCamellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientPEG-40 Stearate
EmulsifyingPvm/Ma Decadiene Crosspolymer
Polyacrylamide
C13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientLaureth-7
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, PPG-14 Butyl Ether, Cyclomethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Salicylic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethiconol, PEG-40 Stearate, Pvm/Ma Decadiene Crosspolymer, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantSulfur
AntiseborrhoeicPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingTriethanolamine
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSalicylic Acid
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingAmylopectin
Dextrin
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol Alginate
O-Cymen-5-Ol
AntimicrobialBHT
AntioxidantPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningPropylparaben
PreservativeMethylparaben
PreservativeParfum
MaskingPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningButyl Avocadate
Skin ConditioningChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCinchona Succirubra Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantPropylene Glycol
HumectantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sulfur, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Salicylic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Amylopectin, Dextrin, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Propylene Glycol Alginate, O-Cymen-5-Ol, BHT, Pyridoxine Hcl, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Parfum, Polyquaternium-51, Butyl Avocadate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Cinchona Succirubra Bark Extract, Asiaticoside, Propylene Glycol, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Citric Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Disodium 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 EDTAPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
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, itβs 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 AcidTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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