What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingSalicylic Acid
MaskingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingGlycerin
HumectantSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentRosa Damascena Flower Extract
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingAchillea Millefolium Flower Extract
AntioxidantGlucose
HumectantLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantWater, Sodium Benzoate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Potassium Sorbate, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Glycerin, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Achillea Millefolium Flower Extract, Glucose, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Water
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Allantoin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
HumectantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningGinkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantWater, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Beta-Glucan, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Salix Alba Bark Extract comes from the bark of the white willow tree. The official CosIng listing states this ingredient to have astringent, skin conditioning, soothing, and tonic properties.
Its star compound is salicin, a natural glucoside that is chemically related to salicylic acid. That's why you'll often see it marketed as a "natural BHA alternative" but that's a bit of a stretch.
Your skin can't convert salicin to salicylic acid because it needs specific enzymes that aren't present on the skin's surface. It won't behave like true salicylic acid, especially at the concentrations used in cosmetics.
However, this ingredient has its own perks. It contains flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins that give it proven antioxidant and soothing properties.
An 8-week clinical study found a cream with 2% of this extract improved skin microcirculation, elasticity, and dark circles. This is most likely due to its role in increasing hyaluronic acid synthesis in fibroblasts and improved vascular integrity.
Another study found a topical serum with 0.5% salicin showed improvements in visible signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and texture.
Just be careful if you have a known aspirin/salicylate allergy and be sure to consult with a medical professional about using this ingredient if you do.
Fun fact: Willow Bark extract has been used for thousands of years and ancient civilizations used white willow to help treat pain and fevers.
Learn more about Salix Alba Bark ExtractWater. 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