What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingAcrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantEnantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingSpiraea Ulmaria Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPorphyra Umbilicalis Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSalicylic Acid 0.5%, Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Acrylates/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Oleanolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingLactic Acid
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-7
Yeast Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePanthenol
Skin ConditioningDavidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract
AntioxidantEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingDisodium EDTA
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitrus Paradisi Peel Oil
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingMentha Viridis Leaf Oil
AstringentFoeniculum Vulgare Oil
EmollientWater, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Decyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 80, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Polyquaternium-7, Yeast Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Davidsonia Jerseyana Fruit Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, Foeniculum Vulgare Oil
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetaineEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinPhenoxyethanol 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, 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 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water