What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Water
AntioxidantSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingLauryl Betaine
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Glycerin
HumectantSodium Chloride
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHexadecene
SolventTetradecene
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantParfum
MaskingTromethamine
BufferingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingMandelic Acid
AntimicrobialPropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingSuccinic Acid
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Mume Fruit Extract
HumectantPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDecyl Glucoside
CleansingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantTabebuia Impetiginosa Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Annua Extract
MaskingBenzoic Acid
MaskingBenzaldehyde
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Niacinamide
SmoothingSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantGlycyrrhizic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantThiamine Hcl
MaskingPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lauryl Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hexadecene, Tetradecene, Butylene Glycol, Parfum, Tromethamine, Allantoin, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Malt Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Mandelic Acid, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Phosphatidylcholine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Gluconolactone, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Fruit Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Tabebuia Impetiginosa Bark Extract, Artemisia Annua Extract, Benzoic Acid, Benzaldehyde, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Cyanocobalamin, Folic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Pyridoxine, Riboflavin, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Thiamine Hcl, Potassium Hyaluronate
Salicylic Acid 2%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingPEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCalcium Gluconate
HumectantTriethyl Citrate
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientTetrasodium EDTA
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHectorite
AbsorbentPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningBenzoic Acid
MaskingSalicylic Acid 2%, Water, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Gluconolactone, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Calcium Gluconate, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xanthan Gum, Hectorite, Phytosphingosine, Benzoic Acid
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.
The antimicrobial property of Benzoic Acid helps elongate a product's shelf life. Its main role is to reduce fungi growth and is not found to be effective at fighting bacteria. Therefore Benzoic Acid is always added along with other preservatives.
In its pure form, Benzoic Acid looks like a white crystalline solid. It has slight solubility in water.
The name of Benzoic Acid comes from gum benzoin, which used to be the sole source of deriving this ingredient. Benzoic Acid is the most simple aromatic carboxylic acid.
Benzoic Acid is naturally occuring in strawberries, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. It has a slight scent but is not considered to be a fragrance.
Learn more about Benzoic AcidGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.
One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.
Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideSalicylic 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, itβs 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water