What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
C13-15 Alkane
SolventHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingSodium Phytate
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Communis Fruit
AstringentMelia Azadirachta Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Water
Masking
Iris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingCucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
AntimicrobialMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Ocimum Basilicum Oil
Masking
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, C13-15 Alkane, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Carbomer, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Xanthan Gum, Tromethamine, Sodium Phytate, Dipropylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Pyrus Communis Fruit, Melia Azadirachta Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Citric Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Salicylic Acid
Reviews
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 AcidMethylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolSalicylic 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, it’s 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 Water
