Carbon Theory Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Gel Cleanser Versus JLo Beauty That Hit Single Gel Cream Cleanser
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Carbon Theory Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Gel Cleanser 14 ingredients
JLo Beauty That Hit Single Gel Cream Cleanser 47 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Carbon Theory Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Gel Cleanser 14 ingredients
JLo Beauty That Hit Single Gel Cream Cleanser 47 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingPropanediol
Solvent
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingSodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate
CleansingAcrylates Crosspolymer-4
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Olea Europaea Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Aspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Pseudozyma Epicola/Olive Fruit Oil Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientCocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientHoney Extract
Humectant
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxypropylphosphate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
CleansingGlycol Distearate
Emollient
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Chloride
Masking
Glycolipids
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Squalane
Emollient
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
Oleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPolydextrose
HumectantDextrin
AbsorbentAmylopectin
Tetrapeptide-14
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Propanediol, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Butylene Glycol, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Pseudozyma Epicola/Olive Fruit Oil Ferment Filtrate, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Honey Extract, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Sodium Hydroxypropylphosphate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Glycol Distearate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, Glycolipids, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Mica, Squalane, Tin Oxide, Oleanolic Acid, Polydextrose, Dextrin, Amylopectin, Tetrapeptide-14, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, CI 77891, CI 75470
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetaineLauryl Glucoside sugar- and lipid-based cleansing agent. It is created from glucose and lauryl alcohol.
This ingredient is a surfactant, making it easier to rinse oil, dirt, and other pollutants away.
A British study found lauryl glucoside to cause skin sensitivity for some people. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Other names for this ingredient include "Lauryl Polyglucose", "Lauryl glycoside", and "D-Glucopyranoside".
Learn more about Lauryl GlucosidePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol 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 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 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 BenzoateSodium 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 HydroxideWe don't have a description for Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate yet.
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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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