What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Lysate
AntimicrobialPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Gluconic Acid
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Sebacate
SolventPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate/Caprate
StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Water, Lactobacillus Lysate, Pentylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Gluconic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Sebacate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether
EmulsifyingCoceth-7
EmulsifyingInulin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Triethanolamine
BufferingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Fructose
Humectant
Tetrasodium EDTA
Copper Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Malic Acid
Buffering
Gluconic Acid
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycolic Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, Coceth-7, Inulin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Parfum, Triethanolamine, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fructose, Tetrasodium EDTA, Copper Gluconate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Malic Acid, Gluconic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Salicylic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin
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 AcidGluconic acid is a mild acid and PHA.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
This ingredient also has chelating properties. This means it is often used to remove or inactivate unwanted metals in formulations.
PHAs also exhibit antioxidant activity by neutralizing free-radical molecules. This can help with anti-aging.
Fun fact: Gluconic acid can be naturally found in honey, wine, and fruit.
Learn more about Gluconic AcidPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSalicylic 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 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
