What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventEthoxydiglycol
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingMethylpropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate
StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Propylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Propanediol, Ethoxydiglycol, Salicylic Acid, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sclerotium Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantCoco-Glucoside
CleansingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract
AstringentSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingAcer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingDextrin
AbsorbentPolydextrose
HumectantAmylopectin
Niacinamide
SmoothingSodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeOlive Oil PEG-7 Esters
EmollientGlycolic Acid
BufferingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
UV AbsorberSodium Pg-Sulfonate
HumectantButeth-3
SolventTributyl Citrate
SolventParfum
MaskingWater, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Salicylic Acid, Dextrin, Polydextrose, Amylopectin, Niacinamide, Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Sodium Pg-Sulfonate, Buteth-3, Tributyl Citrate, Parfum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Glycerin (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 GlycerinPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol 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 AcidSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateWater. 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