What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 1.5%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingIsopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientBHT
AntioxidantPEG-100 Stearate
Stearyl Alcohol
EmollientIsobutane
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningBlue 1 Lake
Cosmetic ColorantSilica Silylate
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSilica
AbrasiveSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentPerlite
AbsorbentPhenylethyl Resorcinol
AntioxidantPoloxamer 338
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Tocopherol
AntioxidantCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingCapryloyl Glycine
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingAcrylonitrile/Methyl Methacrylate/Vinylidene Chloride Copolymer
Parfum
MaskingSalicylic Acid 1.5%, Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Octyldodecanol, BHT, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Isobutane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Blue 1 Lake, Silica Silylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Silica, Sodium Polyacrylate, Perlite, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Poloxamer 338, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Capryloyl Glycine, Xanthan Gum, T-Butyl Alcohol, Acrylonitrile/Methyl Methacrylate/Vinylidene Chloride Copolymer, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningElaeis Guineensis Oil
EmollientNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingAgar
MaskingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
SolventPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantPEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Dimethiconol
EmollientPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPvp
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
EmollientHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingSorbitan Laurate
EmulsifyingCyclomethicone
EmollientHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAcetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Skin ConditioningBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingCholesterol
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Arachidonate
EmollientGlyceryl Linoleate
EmollientGlyceryl Linolenate
EmollientUbiquinone
AntioxidantCeteth-24
CleansingCholeth-24
EmulsifyingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingThioctic Acid
AntioxidantBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientPEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol
CleansingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientCeteth-3
EmulsifyingCeteth-5
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningAnemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningFullerenes
AntimicrobialBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicTocopherol
AntioxidantFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningCoumarin
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingWater, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Parfum, Agar, Beta-Glucan, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Centella Asiatica Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Panthenol, Pentylene Glycol, Betaine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Polyacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Adenosine, Salicylic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Disodium EDTA, Dimethiconol, Potassium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Pvp, Dimethicone, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Sorbitan Laurate, Cyclomethicone, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Beta-Sitosterol, Cholesterol, Propylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Arachidonate, Glyceryl Linoleate, Glyceryl Linolenate, Ubiquinone, Ceteth-24, Choleth-24, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Thioctic Acid, Brassica Campestris Sterols, PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Ceteth-3, Ceteth-5, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Riboflavin, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Ceramide NP, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, Phytosphingosine, Fullerenes, Biotin, Tocopherol, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine, Coumarin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene 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 GlycolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeThis ingredient is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
This ingredient is a type of elastomer.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumSalicylic 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 Polyacrylate is the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid. It is used as an absorber, emollient, and stabilizer.
This ingredient is a super-absorbent polymer - meaning it can absorb 100 to 1000 times its mass in water. As an emollient, Sodium Polyacrylate helps soften and soothe skin. Emollients work by creating a barrier to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum