What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningChamaecyparis Obtusa Water
MaskingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Propanediol
Solvent
Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicMethyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Tromethamine
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Castanea Crenata Shell Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
Cleansing
Water, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Propanediol, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Methyl Gluceth-20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Carbomer, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Tromethamine, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Sodium Citrate, Salicylic Acid, Castanea Crenata Shell Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
Reviews
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 AcidHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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.
Learn more about PropanediolSalicylic 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
