This acne serum is formulated around Acetyl Glucosamine and Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and refine skin texture.
This acne serum is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Malic Acid to clear breakouts and refine skin texture.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSodium Citrate
BufferingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantMannitol
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPropyl Gallate
AntioxidantSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingAminoethanesulfinic Acid
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDiglycerin
HumectantGlycolic Acid
BufferingMalic Acid
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingPropanediol
SolventSodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantParfum
MaskingPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningZinc Lactate
Asiaticoside
AntioxidantSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingAlgin
MaskingAchillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingGlycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRhamnose
HumectantGlucose
HumectantGlucuronic Acid
BufferingWater, Alcohol Denat., Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diglycerin, Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Parfum, Phytosphingosine, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc Lactate, Asiaticoside, Sclerotium Gum, Algin, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Rhamnose, Glucose, Glucuronic 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.
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 GlycolParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPentylene Glycol (1,2-pentanediol) is a multitasking little diol with three main roles in a formula:
Research on alkanediols (the family pentylene glycol belongs to) show they work by disrupting microbial cell membranes. This disruption helps the primary preservative system in a product work more effectively at lower doses.
On the safety side, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in current cosmetic practices + concentrations.
Typical use levels in a formula run about 1-5%.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum