What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Betaine
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyquaternium-37
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCapryloyl Glycine
CleansingCitronellyl Methylcrotonate
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXylitylglucoside
Humectant
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Vinegar
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningFagara Zanthoxyloides Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCoptis Chinensis Root Extract
Antioxidant
Chamomilla Recutita Flower
Skin Conditioning
Melia Azadirachta Leaf
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Menthol
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Propanediol, Polysorbate 20, Decyl Glucoside, Panthenol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Vinegar, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Fagara Zanthoxyloides Fruit Extract, Coptis Chinensis Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower, Melia Azadirachta Leaf, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Menthol, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, 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.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol 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 Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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 Water
