What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingPropanediol
SolventSodium Citrate
BufferingNiacinamide
SmoothingPhytic Acid
Malic Acid
BufferingSalicylic Acid
MaskingBoerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingPinus Pinaster Bark Extract
AntioxidantPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningVinegar
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract
AstringentArginine
MaskingAcer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingCitric Acid
BufferingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingArctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDocosahexaenoic Acid
Skin ConditioningEicosapentaenoic Acid
EmollientPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingLactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSorbitol
HumectantTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Citrate, Niacinamide, Phytic Acid, Malic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Vinegar, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Arginine, Acer Saccharum Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Phosphatidylcholine, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Phytate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root
EmollientHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicSodium Citrate
BufferingCinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
AntimicrobialPinus Pinaster Bark Extract
AntioxidantMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCapryloyl Glycine
CleansingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSarcosine
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCamphor
MaskingCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveGlycine Soja Sterols
EmollientLinoleic Acid
CleansingPhospholipids
Skin Conditioning4-Terpineol
MaskingMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Salicylic Acid
MaskingAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Sodium Citrate, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Capryloyl Glycine, Hexylene Glycol, Octyldodeceth-16, Allantoin, Sarcosine, Ceramide NP, Camphor, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Silica, Glycine Soja Sterols, Linoleic Acid, Phospholipids, 4-Terpineol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Salicylic Acid
Reviews
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Ā
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesĀ
Citric 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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin (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.
This ingredient is also known as Maritime pine. It has antioxidant properties.
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, itās 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 AcidSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium Citrate