What's inside
What's inside
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
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
EmulsifyingSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide
MaskingGaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract
AstringentBeta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
PPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Gluconic Acid
Lysolecithin
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Pullulan
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingParfum
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Propanediol, Mandelic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Isopentyldiol, PPG-24-Glycereth-24, Saccharide Isomerate, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Pentylene Glycol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Betaine, Gluconic Acid, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Citric Acid, Pullulan, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyacetophenone, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum, Limonene
Reviews
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Betaine is a humectant. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It’s known for being gentle and for helping the skin maintain balanced hydration.
Betaine is mainly used to improve hydration and support calmer skin. It helps skin cells regulate water balance because it functions as an osmolyte.
Some studies suggest betaine may support making skin tone more even.
Fun fact: Betaine naturally exists in the skin and the body. In cosmetic products, it can be either plant-derived (most commonly from sugar beets) or synthetically produced for consistency and stability.
Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetainePEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an emulsifier derived from castor oil.
As an emulsifying agent, it helps other ingredients like fragrances and fat-soluble vitamins dissolve cohesively.
Due to its large molecule size, it doesn't penetrate beyond the skin's surface.
This ingredient has a solid regulatory track record; the CIR Expert Panel first concluded it was safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 100% in 1997. A 2012 reassessment reaffirmed that finding. Safety studies have also found no irritation or evidence of toxicity.
A 2019 study did find this ingredient to grow Malassezia, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilPropanediol 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 PropanediolSodium 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
