What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Masking
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingVitis Vinifera Juice
Antioxidant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil
Masking
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
Emollient
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Phytate
Arginine
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Citral
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Alcohol Denat., Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Water, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Vitis Vinifera Juice, Salicylic Acid, Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Phytate, Arginine, Citric Acid, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingLactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Chloride
Glycerin
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Phytic Acid
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Amylopectin
Polydextrose
HumectantDextrin
AbsorbentCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Magnesium Chloride, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Phytic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Amylopectin, Polydextrose, Dextrin, Caprylyl Glycol
Reviews
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 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 AcidSalicylic 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, itβs 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 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
