Skin science article
BrioGeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Buildup Detox Spray Versus The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
BrioGeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Buildup Detox Spray Versus The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment What's inside Key Ingredients Benefits Concerns Ingredients Side-by-side Water Propanediol Arginine Betaine Salicylic Acid Lactic Aci
BrioGeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Buildup Detox Spray Versus The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Propanediol
Arginine
Betaine
Salicylic Acid
Lactic Acid
Gluconolactone
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Mentha Piperita Oil
Sodium PCA
Panthenol
Hyaluronic Acid
Charcoal Powder
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide
Zingiber Officinale Root Oil
Benzyl Alcohol
Water, Propanediol, Arginine, Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Gluconolactone, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, Charcoal Powder, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Zingiber Officinale Root Oil, Benzyl Alcohol
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Phenoxyethanol
Polyquaternium-37
Hexylene Glycol
Capryloyl Glycine
Citronellyl Methylcrotonate
Sodium Hydroxide
Ethylhexylglycerin
Xylitylglucoside
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Water, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Betaine, Panthenol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-37, Hexylene Glycol, Capryloyl Glycine, Citronellyl Methylcrotonate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xylitylglucoside, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
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Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Betaine is a humectant. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It’s known for being gentle and for helping the skin maintain balanced hydration.
Betaine is mainly used to improve hydration and support calmer skin. It helps skin cells regulate water balance because it functions as an osmolyte.
Some studies suggest betaine may support making skin tone more even.
Fun fact: Betaine naturally exists in the skin and the body. In cosmetic products, it can be either plant-derived (most commonly from sugar beets) or synthetically produced for consistency and stability.
Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
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.
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!