What's inside
What's inside
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingSodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate
CleansingDisodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingCocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium PCA
HumectantCoconut Acid
CleansingGlutamic Acid
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Panthenol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium PCA, Coconut Acid, Glutamic Acid, Citric Acid
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningCoco-Betaine
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Glycinate
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingPolyquaternium-10
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSesamum Indicum Seed Oil
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxypropyl Guar
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
BufferingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyquaternium-10, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Carbomer, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is the filtered, stabilized liquid pressed from the inner gel of the aloe vera leaf.
In cosmetics, it shows up as either soothing active or a water-replacement base. It is roughly 98-99% water and the last 1-2% is an interesting mix of polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
The polysaccharides do most of the work: they bind water at the skin surface for a light, non-greasy hydration boost. And one of the polysaccharides, glycomannan, is linked to fibroblast stimulation + collagen synthesis. This is also why aloe has such a long track record in wound and burn healing.
This ingredient is also calming with anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity, making it a great pick for sensitive, irritated, or post-sun skin.
Realistic expectations matter though; the solid evidence is mostly limited to hydration, soothing, and wound support. Deeper claims about anti-aging or sun protection are not well backed, and science reviews note it does not prevent radiation-induced skin injury.
Because it plays well with almost everything, it's commonly used as a base alongside other actives like niacinamide or vitamin C.
Typical usage concentrations range from 0.5% (where hydration benefits already show up) all the way to 90%+ (where it replaces water as the main base).
The safety for this ingredient is well-establish as well. Overall, this is a great supporting ingredient for those who want a boost in hydration.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric Acid