What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Coconut Oil Methylpropanediol Esters
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
PEG-100 Stearate
Surfactant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Talc
Abrasive
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water
MaskingAphloia Theiformis Leaf Extract
AstringentAcrylates/Vinyl Isodecanoate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Tetrasodium EDTA
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Linalool
Perfuming
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Coconut Oil Methylpropanediol Esters, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Talc, Octyldodecanol, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water, Aphloia Theiformis Leaf Extract, Acrylates/Vinyl Isodecanoate Crosspolymer, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Limonene, Tetrasodium EDTA, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Linalool, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Surfactant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingZinc PCA
Humectant
Sarcosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSilica
Abrasive
Silica Silylate
Emollient
Perlite
Absorbent
Carnosine
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates Copolymer
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Parfum
Masking
Water, Propylene Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Dimethicone, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Salicylic Acid, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Zinc PCA, Sarcosine, Sodium Hydroxide, Silica, Silica Silylate, Perlite, Carnosine, Disodium EDTA, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Acrylates Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, 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.
Glyceryl Stearate is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid (typically sourced from plant oils like palm or coconut). It's an emulsifier, emollient, and mild occlusive.
Emulsifiers help ingredients like oil and water stay mixed so your formula stays nicely blended and uniform in texture.
This ingredient is typically used in concentrations between 1-10%. Studies have found it to be non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic, and non-photoallergenic.
A close cousin of this ingredient is Glyceryl Stearate SE ("self-emulsifying"). This just has a small amount of sodium or potassium stearate added so it can emulsify without a co-emulsifier.
Since this ingredient is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast can potentially metabolize within the C11-C24 range.
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Parfum 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 ParfumPeg-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, 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 Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
