What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Methylpropanediol
SolventDimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAphloia Theiformis Leaf Extract
AstringentPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Isohexadecane
EmollientCeteareth-33
CleansingParfum
Masking
Behenic Acid
Cleansing
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Zinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Tetrasodium EDTA
Ledum Groenlandicum Extract
MaskingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Methylpropanediol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Aphloia Theiformis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Isohexadecane, Ceteareth-33, Parfum, Behenic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Zinc Gluconate, Silica, Polysorbate 80, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Sorbitan Oleate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Ledum Groenlandicum Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Acacia Senegal Gum
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Kaolin
Abrasive
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Polyacrylamide
Steareth-21
CleansingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingC13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingSteareth-2
EmulsifyingAmmonium Glycyrrhizate
MaskingDimethicone
Emollient
Betaine
Humectant
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Cleansing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Fructose
Humectant
Glucose
Humectant
CI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Alcohol Denat., Octyldodecanol, Kaolin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polyacrylamide, Steareth-21, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Potassium Hydroxide, Steareth-2, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Dimethicone, Betaine, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Phenoxyethanol, Laureth-7, Caprylyl Glycol, Bisabolol, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, T-Butyl Alcohol, Fructose, Glucose, CI 14700, CI 42090
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
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.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
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 GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeHamamelis Virginiana Water is made by distilling parts of the witch hazel plant. You can also call this ingredient "witch hazel water".
The name 'Hamamelis Virginiana Water' refers to the distillation product used in cosmetics. On the other hand, 'Witch Hazel' refers to the active drug ingredient.
Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel ingredients are distilled in denatured alcohol.
Witch Hazel water is an astringent, anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient.
It contains tannins. Tannins have a drying effect when used on skin by constricting proteins. The constriction also minimizes the appearance of pores.
Both the tannins and fragrance found in witch hazel may be skin-sensitizing.
Witch hazel water gets anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties from its catechin and gallic acid content.
Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation in North America for centuries.
Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana WaterPhenoxyethanol 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, 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 AcidTetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.
Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water.
Water. 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 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
