What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingDisodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Lauroamphoacetate
CleansingPEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeOlive Oil PEG-7 Esters
EmollientMethylpropanediol
SolventAllantoin
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantSodium Chloride
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningO-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial4-Terpineol
MaskingEpilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantWater, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Citric Acid, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, Methylpropanediol, Allantoin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, O-Cymen-5-Ol, 4-Terpineol, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Salicylic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Sodium Metabisulfite
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 EthylhexylglycerinPeg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is used to improve texture and stability of a product. It is sugar based and helps thicken a product.
Once applied, it also creates a thin film to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
This ingredient is the polyethylene glycol ether of the diester of oleic acid and methylglucose. The 120 represents an average of 120 moles of ethylene oxide.
There is limited research on this ingredient, although it is considered safe to use in skincare products.
Learn more about PEG-120 Methyl Glucose DioleatePhenoxyethanol 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.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water