What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingLauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingPropanediol
Solvent
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Sodium Phytate
Sodium Lactate
BufferingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningZinc PCA
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Myristoyl/Palmitoyl Oxostearamide/Arachamide Mea
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Coco-Glucoside, Propanediol, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Gluconate, Zinc PCA, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Myristoyl/Palmitoyl Oxostearamide/Arachamide Mea
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Coco-Betaine
CleansingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Tromethamine
BufferingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingSodium Chloride
Masking
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
Emulsifying
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glucose
Humectant
Fructooligosaccharides
Humectant
Fructose
Humectant
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Phytate
Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract
CleansingCitric Acid
Buffering
Cynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Althaea Rosea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Butylene Glycol, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Salicylic Acid, Tromethamine, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Decyl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Glucose, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Phytate, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Citric Acid, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCoco-Glucoside is a surfactant, or a cleansing ingredient. It is made from glucose and coconut oil.
Surfactants help gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants from your skin to be rinsed away.
This ingredient is considered gentle and non-comedogenic. However, it may still be irritating for some.
Learn more about Coco-GlucosideGlycerin 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 GlycerinSalicylic 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 AcidChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideThis gentle cleansing and foaming ingredient is known for leaving a smooth feeling in skin and hair. It is made using coconut oil.
According to the manufacturer, it is soluble in water and has resistance to hard water, acid, and alkali.
Due to its coconut base, it may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Sodium Methyl Cocoyl TaurateSodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
