What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Sulfur
Antiseborrhoeic
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Kaolin
Abrasive
Propanediol
Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Squalene
Emollient
Sphingomonas Ferment Extract
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Beta-Sitosterol
Emulsion Stabilising
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Ceteareth-20
CleansingPropylene Carbonate
SolventDisodium EDTA
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Phosphoric Acid
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Glycerin, Sulfur, Cetearyl Alcohol, Kaolin, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Squalene, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Beta-Sitosterol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, PEG-40 Stearate, Ceteareth-20, Propylene Carbonate, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Phosphoric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, 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 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinKaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinPhenoxyethanol 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 PropanediolSulfur is a commonly occurring element on Earth (and our universe!). In cosmetics, it helps kill bacteria, reduces sebum, and provides exfoliation. This makes it an effective ingredient to reduce breakouts and fight acne.
As a ketayolytic agent, it breaks down the top layer of skin. This is a form of exfoliation and may help decrease acne and hyperpigmentation.
Studies show sulfur has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Sulfur can be drying if used excessively or at higher concentrations. We recommend speaking with a medical professional if you have any concerns.
Ancient Greece, India, China, and Egypt have used sulfur in both traditional medicines and for household use.
Learn more about SulfurWater. 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
