What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingPEG-150 Distearate
Emulsifying
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingMenthyl Lactate
MaskingCocamidopropylamine Oxide
CleansingCocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Parfum
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Methylparaben
Preservative
Tetrasodium EDTA
Propylparaben
Preservative
Benzalkonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
C12-15 Alkyl Lactate
EmollientEthylparaben
Preservative
Vanillyl Butyl Ether
MaskingCetyl Lactate
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Capryloyl Glycine
CleansingSarcosine
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
Antimicrobial
Cedrus Atlantica Bark Extract
Perfuming
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic 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
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientNiacinamide
Smoothing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate/Hema Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
PEG-100 Stearate
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Polyacrylamide
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingTorreya Nucifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentMannitol
Humectant
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
CI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantSucrose
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Salix Nigra Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingCitric Acid
Buffering
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polysorbate 60, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate/Hema Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Salicylic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyacrylamide, Chondrus Crispus Extract, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Parfum, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Torreya Nucifera Seed Oil, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Zea Mays Starch, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Mannitol, Laureth-7, Disodium EDTA, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, CI 77288, Sucrose, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCitric 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 GlycerinParfum 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Salicylic 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
