What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningPolyvinyl Alcohol
Sodium Citrate
BufferingTriethanolamine
BufferingPropylene Glycol
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingSalicylic Acid
MaskingMandelic Acid
AntimicrobialMaltodextrin
AbsorbentTetrasodium EDTA
Gluconolactone
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingPropanediol
SolventSodium PCA
HumectantMel
EmollientUrea
BufferingFructose
HumectantGlucose
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningGlucuronolactone
Skin ConditioningLidocaine Hcl
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingCI 27755
Cosmetic ColorantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantHydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTropolone
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Citrate, Triethanolamine, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Maltodextrin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Gluconolactone, Bisabolol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium PCA, Mel, Urea, Fructose, Glucose, Centella Asiatica Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Glycine, Acetyl Glucosamine, Glucuronolactone, Lidocaine Hcl, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, CI 27755, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, CI 16035, Hydrolyzed Collagen, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tropolone, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid 10%
BufferingIsohexadecane
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Lauryl Sulfate
CleansingSodium Cetearyl Sulfate
CleansingAmmonia
BufferingPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantCyclomethicone
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Extract
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBenzoic Acid
MaskingIngredients 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 âglueâ 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 (thatâs 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 donât 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 youâre highly sensitive, itâs well worth adding to your routine.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
Itâs often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolPropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolWater. 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