What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingMandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningP-Anisic Acid
MaskingSodium Phytate
Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPapain
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Vitis Vinifera Juice
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Algin
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Mandelic Acid, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Water, Sodium Levulinate, P-Anisic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Papain, Citric Acid, Vitis Vinifera Juice, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Sodium Benzoate, Algin, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Coco-Betaine
CleansingSodium Chloride
Masking
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBetaine
Humectant
Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Oryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Phyllostachys Pubescens Shoot Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPulsatilla Koreana Extract
Skin ConditioningUsnea Barbata Extract
Aspergillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Water, Glycerin, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xanthan Gum, Betaine, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, Mandelic Acid, Oryza Sativa Extract, Phyllostachys Pubescens Shoot Bark Extract, Butylene Glycol, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata Extract, Aspergillus Ferment, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Cyclodextrin, Beta-Glucan
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinMandelic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).
Like other AHAs, it helps exfoliate the surface of the skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
Mandelic acid helps with:
Due to it having a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, mandelic acid is able to penetrate the skin more slowly and evenly. This makes it gentler and less irritating, making it a great option for sensitive or beginner skin.
Despite being milder, mandelic acid is still an effective exfoliant that improves skin texture and tone over time.
What makes mandelic acid stand out from other AHAs? It has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
These traits make it a great option for acne-prone or problem skin by reducing active breakouts and fading post-acne marks. Studies show that mandelic acid (especially when combined with salicylic acid) can significantly reduce pimples and hyperpigmentation while causing fewer side effects than stronger acids.
Mandelic acid is effective in concentrations of 5% and up with an ideal pH range of 3-4 for at-home use.
Like other AHAs, it’s important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your newly exfoliated skin.
However, unlike glycolic acid, mandelic acid is light-sensitive. Be sure your mandelic acid is packaged in opaque containers to ensure it stays stable and effective.
In short, mandelic acid is a gentle yet powerful AHA that exfoliates, brightens, and helps clarify skin while keeping irritation low. Its antibacterial action makes it especially beneficial for those with acne-prone, sensitive, or uneven skin, offering smoother, clearer, and more even-toned results over time.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Mandelic AcidWater. 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 Water
