What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingPotassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Sphingomonas Ferment Extract
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract
SmoothingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Cleansing
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Sodium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids
Cleansing
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
Emulsifying
Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingMannitol
Humectant
Cholesterol
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Salicylic Acid, Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract, Ceramide NP, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Phosphatidylcholine, Mannitol, Cholesterol, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 AcidSalicylic 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 AcidWater. 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
