What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingPEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingPEG-150 Distearate
EmulsifyingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDecyl Glucoside
CleansingMenthyl Lactate
MaskingCocamidopropylamine Oxide
CleansingCocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Parfum
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingMethylparaben
PreservativeTetrasodium EDTA
Propylparaben
PreservativeBenzalkonium Chloride
AntimicrobialC12-15 Alkyl Lactate
EmollientEthylparaben
PreservativeVanillyl Butyl Ether
MaskingCetyl Lactate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCapryloyl Glycine
CleansingSarcosine
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
AntimicrobialCedrus Atlantica Bark Extract
PerfumingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid 0.5%, Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, PEG-150 Distearate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Phenoxyethanol, Decyl Glucoside, Menthyl Lactate, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Parfum, Citric Acid, Methylparaben, Tetrasodium EDTA, Propylparaben, Benzalkonium Chloride, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Ethylparaben, Vanillyl Butyl Ether, Cetyl Lactate, Butylene Glycol, Capryloyl Glycine, Sarcosine, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumSalicylic 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