What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Arbutin
Antioxidant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroquinone
Stabilising
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialEucalyptus Globulus Leaf
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
Perfuming
Aspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Arbutin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroquinone, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Kojic Acid, Lactic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Disodium EDTA
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
Citric 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 AcidDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAHydroquinone is used to treat hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and age spots.
It works by decreasing the melanocytes in your skin. Melanocytes are cells that create melanin (the color pigment in skin).
Be sure to use this ingredient as prescribed by your doctor. Wearing sunscreen is also a must (you should be wearing sunscreen anyway!).
Most hydroquinone prescriptions are not to be used for longer than 3 months. Long term usage can cause ochronosis, or a condition in which the skin darkens more than before.
This ingredient is banned in the EU for being skin sensitizer. In the US, this ingredient is not allowed for over-the-counter sale.
However, it is still possible to get hydroquinone in the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and Japan from a doctor's prescription.
There is no known research backing this ingredient to be carcinogenic in humans.
Check out the European alternative to hydroquinone here.
Gentle reminder that all skin tones are beautiful!
Learn more about Hydroquinone
