What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingSalicylic Acid
MaskingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantInulin
Skin ConditioningFructose
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
BufferingPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingPropylene Glycol
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether
EmulsifyingCoceth-7
EmulsifyingInulin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingTriethanolamine
BufferingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingFructose
HumectantTetrasodium EDTA
Copper Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLactic Acid
BufferingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantMalic Acid
BufferingGluconic Acid
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeSalicylic Acid
MaskingTartaric Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycolic Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, Coceth-7, Inulin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Parfum, Triethanolamine, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fructose, Tetrasodium EDTA, Copper Gluconate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Malic Acid, Gluconic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Salicylic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Inulin is a polysaccharide (carbohydrate) with prebiotic and antioxidant properties.
The majority of inulin is extracted from chicory, but can also be obtained from other plants such as garlic, onion, asparagus, and sugarcane.
Studies show inulin may help with controlling your skin's natural microbiota when applied topically.
The antioxidant potential of inulin varies depending on the source.
Learn more about InulinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Salicylic 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, itβs 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 AcidWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water