What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingPotassium Cocoyl Glycinate
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Sodium Chloride
MaskingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingStyrene/Vp Copolymer
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Dodoxynol-40 Sulfate
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberAlcohol
AntimicrobialTris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate
StabilisingSorbic Acid
PreservativeParfum
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, Gluconolactone, Tromethamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Ceramide NP, Salicylic Acid, Styrene/Vp Copolymer, Lauryl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Dodoxynol-40 Sulfate, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Alcohol, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)Citrate, Sorbic Acid, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate
Water
Skin ConditioningCellulose
AbsorbentButylene Glycol
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBromelain
Skin ConditioningAnanas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPapain
Skin ConditioningCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingMalic Acid
BufferingSalicylic Acid
MaskingTartaric Acid
BufferingGlycolic Acid
BufferingZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantRosa Centifolia Flower Extract
AstringentCocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingAcer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Paradisi Seed Extract
MaskingPhellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningMannitol
HumectantPsidium Guajava Leaf Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialMangifera Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMusa Sapientum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPassiflora Edulis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
AntimicrobialSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingPropanediol
SolventDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingParfum
MaskingWater, Cellulose, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bromelain, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Papain, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Glycolic Acid, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Glycerin, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Citrus Paradisi Seed Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Mannitol, Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract, Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gluconolactone, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Propanediol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneGlycerin 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 GlycerinParfum 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 AcidSalix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.
Salix Alba Bark Extract has often been described as salicylic acid's cousin. This is due to the salicin it contains. However, studies are limited showing salix alba bark to be an effective salicylic acid alternative.
Salicin does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has shown to decrease the formation of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-kappa B. Salicin also has a mildly exfoliating effect on the skin.
Several other components in salix alba bark extract also contain antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging as they neutralize harmful free-radical molecules.
Willow Bark extract has been used for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations used white willow to help treat pain and fevers.
Learn more about Salix Alba Bark ExtractTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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