What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Lauryl Sulfate
Cleansing
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
Solvent
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Grandis Extract
AntimicrobialXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPEG/PPG-8/3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingParfum
Masking
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Water, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Panthenol, Citrus Grandis Extract, Xanthan Gum, PEG/PPG-8/3 Diisostearate, Parfum, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingDisodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingLavandula Angustifolia Flower Water
Skin Conditioning
Triethanolamine
BufferingGlycerin
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Cellulose
AbsorbentPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningWater, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water, Triethanolamine, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Salicylic Acid, Cellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Sodium Gluconate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Salicylic 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, itβs 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
