What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 2%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningSd Alcohol 40-B
AstringentGlycerin
HumectantSorbitol
HumectantSodium PCA
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientArnica Montana Flower Extract
MaskingCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root
EmollientLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentSpiraea Ulmaria Extract
AstringentCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingSalicylic Acid 2%, Water, Sd Alcohol 40-B, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Sodium PCA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentPropanediol
SolventSalicylic Acid
MaskingPoloxamer 184
EmulsifyingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingDisodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingUrea
BufferingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Poloxamer 184, Benzyl Alcohol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Urea, Dehydroacetic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Glycerin 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, 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