What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Cleansing
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Absorbent
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingCoconut Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Lauroamphoacetate
CleansingMyristic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingMoringa Oleifera Leaf Water
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
Humectant
Kaolin
Abrasive
Lactobacillus/Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract
Abrasive
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Montmorillonite
AbsorbentMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Quillaja Saponaria Wood Extract
Skin ConditioningLauric Acid
Cleansing
Cocamide Mipa
Emulsifying
Sodium Isethionate
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Illite
Abrasive
3-Hexenol
Masking
Beta-Caryophyllene
Masking
Canarium Luzonicum Gum Nonvolatiles
MaskingCitronellal
Masking
Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingEugenol
Perfuming
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Hexenyl Acetate
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Linalyl Acetate
Masking
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Zingiber Officinale Extract
Skin ConditioningCapric Acid
Cleansing
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningQuartz
Abrasive
Saponaria Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Decyl Glucoside, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Coconut Acid, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Myristic Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Moringa Oleifera Leaf Water, Sodium PCA, Kaolin, Lactobacillus/Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Montmorillonite, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Quillaja Saponaria Wood Extract, Lauric Acid, Cocamide Mipa, Sodium Isethionate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sodium Benzoate, Palmitic Acid, Lactic Acid, Illite, 3-Hexenol, Beta-Caryophyllene, Canarium Luzonicum Gum Nonvolatiles, Citronellal, Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Eugenol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Hexenyl Acetate, Linalool, Linalyl Acetate, Triethyl Citrate, Zingiber Officinale Extract, Capric Acid, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Quartz, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Gluconolactone, Maltodextrin, Limonene
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate
CleansingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Hydroxypropyl Bis-Hydroxyethyldimonium Chloride
HumectantPEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Phytic Acid
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
Emollient
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientAllium Sativum Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin Conditioning
Passiflora Incarnata Extract
AstringentSalvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingCamphor
Masking
Menthol
Masking
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Emulsifying
Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate
CleansingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Melissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
SoothingCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Angelica Archangelica Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Echinacea Angustifolia Leaf Extract
MoisturisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOcimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract
TonicOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Silica
Abrasive
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Kaolin
Abrasive
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingBenzyl PCA
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Salicylic Acid 0.5%, Water, Glycerin, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Hydroxypropyl Bis-Hydroxyethyldimonium Chloride, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium PCA, Phytic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Allium Sativum Bulb Extract, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Passiflora Incarnata Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Camphor, Menthol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Polysorbate 80, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Melissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Angelica Archangelica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Echinacea Angustifolia Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Maltodextrin, Silica, Palmitic Acid, Zinc PCA, Kaolin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Aminomethyl Propanol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl PCA, Phenoxyethanol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract comes from lemons. While lemon extract is exfoliating and antimicrobial, it can also cause skin sensitivity.
Lemons contains antioxidants, which may help with anti-aging. They are also rich in citric acid, an AHA.
And of course, lemons are rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps with skin-brightening and increasing collagen production.
The acidity of lemons may work as an astringent for acne.
However, lemons can also cause skin sensitivity due to its limonene content. It can also increase photosensitivity, or sensitivity to the sun.
This ingredient is also used to add a lemon scent to products.
Learn more about Citrus Limon Fruit ExtractGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinKaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinMaltodextrin is a plant-derived carbohydrate made by breaking down starch (usually from corn, potato, or rice). In cosmetic formulas, it's a multitasking absorbent, emulsion stabilizer, and skin conditioner.
This ingredient is mostly used to stabilize emulsions and improve the powdery, non-greasy feel of products (like dry shampoos).
Safety-wise, this ingredient is pretty solid; it's even recognized as a food additive. Both animal and clinical studies found no adverse effects at the levels used in cosmetics.
Industry data shows this ingredient is used up to 45.7% in spray products and up to 33% in powder products.
Learn more about MaltodextrinMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
The flowers of this tree are lilac colored.
Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractThis ingredient is also known as neem leaf extract. It contains natural compounds like nimbidin, quercetin, and other polyphenols that give it antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activity.
Lab studies have shown neem leaf extract can inhibit acne-related bacteria and help calm skin. Animal studies on wound gels using 1-3% neem leaf extract found it sped up healing without causing irritation.
A wound-healing study testing gels with the extract at 1%, 2%, and 3% concentrations and found none of them irritated the skin.
Most commercial products also use it in a similar low range (typically under 5%).
Allergy-wise, there are some case reports on neem oil causing allergic contact dermatitis so people with plant/botanical sensitivities may want to patch test first.
Learn more about Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractPalmitic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in our skin and in many plant and animal sources.
In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It serves many purposes in skincare, acting as a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.
Interestingly, topically applied Palmitic Acid can be elongated into longer chain fatty acids and ceramides. A 2019 study found low levels of Palmitic Acid lead to slower development of cells, suggesting it plays a role in keeping your skin's renewal process on track.
The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) panel determined it safe as used in cosmetics at concentrations up to 13%. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing in clinical studies.
The culprit behind fungal acne, the Malassezia yeast, feeds on fatty acids with carbon chain lengths between C11-C24. Palmitic Acid, at C16, falls right into that sweet spot.
In vitro studies have shown that Palmitic Acid is one of the fatty acids that induce rapid Malassezia growth in lab settings.
It's worth noting that what feeds yeast in a lab doesn't necessarily feed it on your face since formulation and your skin's chemistry play a bigger role.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidSodium PCA (the salt of PCA) is one of the most well-established humectants in skincare.
Why is it so special? Your skin already makes it naturally; it's a natural component of your skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), or the mix of water-binding compounds inside your skin cells that keeps things soft and hydrated.
As a cosmetic ingredient, it grabs water and holds it in the upper layers of skin to smooth roughness and ease dehydration.
There's some clinical support for the NMF approach with a study showing that a cream built to mimic the skin's NMF significantly boosted hydration.
Safety-wise, this ingredient non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and non-phototoxic in testing, with minimal skin absorption.
It also works really well with other hydrators like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, and typical usage is somewhere between 0.2-4%.
Learn more about Sodium PCAWater. 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
