This acne serum is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Zinc PCA to clear breakouts and refine the look of pores.
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Propanediol
Solvent
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
Sodium PCA
Humectant
PEG-35 Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-50 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Magnesium Silicate
Citric Acid
Buffering
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Inositol
Humectant
Laurtrimonium Chloride
Emulsifying
Glycine
Buffering
Fructose
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Calcium Pantothenate
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingParfum
Masking
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Diethyl Phthalate
Masking
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicWater, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Carbomer, Salicylic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, PEG-35 Castor Oil, Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract, PEG-50 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Inositol, Laurtrimonium Chloride, Glycine, Fructose, Urea, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Pantothenate, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Retinyl Palmitate, Linoleic Acid, Diethyl Phthalate, Biotin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPolysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Salicylic 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 AcidSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateWater. 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 Water
