What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 1%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentIsoceteth-20
EmulsifyingEthoxydiglycol
HumectantHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingCymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
MaskingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientCitrus Reticulata Leaf Oil
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingPorphyra Umbilicalis Extract
Skin ConditioningSerenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSesamum Indicum Seed Oil
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeBenzoic Acid
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingSalicylic Acid 1%, Water, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Hexylene Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Citrus Reticulata Leaf Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Beta-Sitosterol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Geraniol, Citronellol, Coumarin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAHamamelis Virginiana Water is made by distilling parts of the witch hazel plant. You can also call this ingredient "witch hazel water".
The name 'Hamamelis Virginiana Water' refers to the distillation product used in cosmetics. On the other hand, 'Witch Hazel' refers to the active drug ingredient.
Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel ingredients are distilled in denatured alcohol.
Witch Hazel water is an astringent, anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient.
It contains tannins. Tannins have a drying effect when used on skin by constricting proteins. The constriction also minimizes the appearance of pores.
Both the tannins and fragrance found in witch hazel may be skin-sensitizing.
Witch hazel water gets anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties from its catechin and gallic acid content.
Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation in North America for centuries.
Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana WaterPolysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Salicylic 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