What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
Solvent
Sodium Citrate
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Humectant
Whey Filtrate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Tricholoma Matsutake Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingRhododendron Chrysanthum Leaf Extract
MaskingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Citrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Whey Filtrate, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract, Rhododendron Chrysanthum Leaf Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPinus Pinaster Bark Extract
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Canina Fruit Extract
Astringent
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Water, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Panthenol, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Allantoin, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycolic 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 AcidSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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
