What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Propanediol
Solvent
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingMelaleuca Leucadendron Cajaput Oil
Masking
Methylpropanediol
SolventAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Hexamidine Diisethionate
Emollient
Sulfur
Antiseborrhoeic
Dextrin
AbsorbentCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingStephania Tetrandra Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCalamine
AbsorbentCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Trehalose
Humectant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Tranexamic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Propanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajaput Oil, Methylpropanediol, Allantoin, Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment, Hexamidine Diisethionate, Sulfur, Dextrin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Acacia Senegal Gum, Stephania Tetrandra Root Extract, Calamine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Trehalose, Hydroxyacetophenone, Xanthan Gum
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ceteth-20
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Avena Sativa Bran
Abrasive
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
Solvent4-Terpineol
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Menthol
Masking
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTetrasodium EDTA
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Camphor
Masking
Comb Extract
Skin ConditioningPaullinia Cupana Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningIlex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingWater, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteth-20, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Avena Sativa Bran, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Methylpropanediol, 4-Terpineol, Salicylic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Sorbitol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Menthol, Allantoin, Carbomer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Metabisulfite, Camphor, Comb Extract, Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateMethylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolPeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Salicylic 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 AcidWater. 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
