What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Methylpropanediol
SolventPEG-15 Cocopolyamine
EmulsifyingSodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids
CleansingMannitol
Humectant
Xylitol
Humectant
Rhamnose
HumectantFructooligosaccharides
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLactic Acid
Buffering
Quaternium-80
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Vp/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Water, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Panthenol, Methylpropanediol, PEG-15 Cocopolyamine, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Mannitol, Xylitol, Rhamnose, Fructooligosaccharides, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Quaternium-80, Propylene Glycol, Vp/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate
Salicylic Acid 3%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingGlycol Distearate
Emollient
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Menthyl Lactate
Masking
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Caramel
Cosmetic ColorantMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
Antioxidant
Charcoal Powder
Abrasive
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Salicylic Acid 3%, Water, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Citrate, Glycol Distearate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Sodium PCA, Lactic Acid, Menthyl Lactate, Sodium Gluconate, Panthenol, Mentha Piperita Oil, Caramel, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Charcoal Powder, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Biotin, Hyaluronic 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.
Lactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they don’t penetrate as deeply. This means they’re less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skin’s microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the product’s pH.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolWater. 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
