What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Sodium Palmate
CleansingSodium Palm Kernelate
CleansingWater
Skin ConditioningTerpineol
Masking
L-Alpha-Pinene
Perfuming
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Eugenol
Perfuming
L-Beta-Pinene
Perfuming
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Parfum
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
AntimicrobialPalm Acid
Cleansing
Palm Kernel Acid
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingTetrasodium EDTA
Etidronic Acid
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Water, Terpineol, L-Alpha-Pinene, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Eugenol, L-Beta-Pinene, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Limonene, Parfum, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Palm Acid, Palm Kernel Acid, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Etidronic Acid, Titanium Dioxide, 1,2-Hexanediol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 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
