What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialNiacinamide 4%
SmoothingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHippophae Rhamnoides Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantSodium Sulfite
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
T-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingSodium Phosphate
BufferingDenatonium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Alcohol, Niacinamide 4%, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysorbate 20, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Biotin, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Sulfite, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, T-Butyl Alcohol, Disodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Parfum, Sodium Phosphate, Denatonium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialHydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingGlycolic Acid
BufferingDiisopropyl Adipate
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningPEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingP-Anisic Acid
MaskingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingTetrasodium EDTA
Polyquaternium-10
Water, Alcohol Denat., Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Diisopropyl Adipate, Propylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Citric Acid, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, P-Anisic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-10
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 AcidPeg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps make the other ingredients more soluble; it is often used to solubilize fragrances. This increases spreadability and elongates shelf life in a product.
Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
This ingredient may or may not be vegan, depending on the source.
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil may not be fungal-acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Learn more about PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilWater. 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