What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 1.5%
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingMusa Sapientum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningLysolecithin
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPullulan
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantSilica
AbrasiveHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCalcium Gluconate
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMorinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid 1.5%, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Citrate, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract, Gluconolactone, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Maltodextrin, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Lactobacillus Ferment, Tocopherol, Silica, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Calcium Gluconate, Beta-Glucan, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningEthoxydiglycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentPhellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingZinc PCA
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicBenzoic Acid
MaskingArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingC18-22 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxypropyl Guar
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Ethoxydiglycol, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Lactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Zinc PCA, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide NP, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Cholesterol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Gluconolactone, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Water, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Benzoic Acid, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, C18-22 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxypropyl Guar, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Gluconate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
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.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactonePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSalicylic 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 AcidSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum