What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Azelate
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
C12-13 Alkyl Lactate
EmollientMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentSuccinic Acid
BufferingAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventMagnesium/Aluminum/Hydroxide/Carbonate
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Water, Dipotassium Azelate, Glycolic Acid, C12-13 Alkyl Lactate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Succinic Acid, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Magnesium/Aluminum/Hydroxide/Carbonate, Azelaic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Laureth-7, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Dipotassium Azelate
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMyrtus Communis Leaf Water
MaskingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentCanola Oil
Emollient
Succinic Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
Buffering4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Aminobutyric Acid
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingLecithin
Emollient
Pullulan
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSilica
Abrasive
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
Solvent
Citric Acid
Buffering
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Water, Glycolic Acid, Dipotassium Azelate, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Myrtus Communis Leaf Water, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Canola Oil, Succinic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aminobutyric Acid, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Pullulan, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Silica, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
We don't have a description for Dipotassium Azelate yet.
Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.
It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.
Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.
AHAs work by breaking down the structural âglueâ that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently.
Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs.
Overall, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.
To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (thatâs where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).
The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness:
It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts.
Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin.
If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead.
Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But donât skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless youâre highly sensitive, itâs well worth adding to your routine.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidMagnesium Aluminum Silicate is a type of silica. It comes from naturally occuring minerals such as silicate ores and clay.
Magnesium aluminum silicate is used for enhancing texture and as an absorbent. Due to its large molecular size, it is unable to be absorbed into the skin.
Like other types of silica, this ingredient can be used to thicken a product. As an absorbent, it may be used to absorb extra water or help prevent clumping.
Although âaluminumâ in an ingredient name can raise red flags for some consumers, the form and usage context matter significantly. For typical topical applications, there is no substantial evidence of health risks - such as cancer, neurotoxicity, or systemic âaluminum overload.â
Learn more about Magnesium Aluminum SilicateSuccinic acid is an odorless white powder. It is naturally found in our bodies but can also be derived from living organisms.
Succinic acid is water-soluble. The pH level of this ingredient is between 4.2 and 5.6.
While succinic acid posesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, these properties have not been studied in skincare products.
Fun fact: Succinic acid was known as the 'spirit of amber' in the past. This is because it used to be derived from distilling amber.
Learn more about Succinic AcidTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
Water. 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 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
