What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Streptococcus Thermophilus Ferment
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Phytate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Pyrus Malus Juice
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Cynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningAlthaea Rosea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningEctoin
Skin Conditioning
Glutathione
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Viridis Extract
MaskingSilica
Abrasive
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Asiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Propolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Water, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Propanediol, Streptococcus Thermophilus Ferment, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sodium Phytate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pyrus Malus Juice, Beta-Glucan, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Ectoin, Glutathione, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tocopherol, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Mentha Viridis Extract, Silica, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Propolis 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.
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
Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.
It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.
Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.
AHAs work by breaking down the structural “glue” that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently.
Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs.
Overall, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.
To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (that’s where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).
The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness:
It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts.
Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin.
If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead.
Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But don’t skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless you’re highly sensitive, it’s well worth adding to your routine.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidPropanediol 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 PropanediolWater. 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
