What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 1.5%
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingMusa Sapientum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Lysolecithin
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPullulan
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Silica
Abrasive
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Morinda 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 ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Silica
Abrasive
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Propanediol, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Salicylic Acid 2%, Sodium Citrate, Glycolic Acid, Isopentyldiol, Alcohol, Silica, Hydroxyacetophenone, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Lactic Acid, 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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 AcidSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSodium 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
