What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPolyglycerin-6
HumectantAzelaic Acid
Buffering
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Squalane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Betaine
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Dextran
Water, Polyglycerin-6, Azelaic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Squalane, Glycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Betaine, Saccharide Isomerate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Dextran
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
Think of it as a supportive ingredient that helps your gel-creams feel silky, "cloud cream-like", and spread evenly without being greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated it (along with 22 other acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers) and concluded it's:
Due to its large molecular size, it sits on the surface of skin rather than penetrating it.
Learn more about Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerAzelaic acid is a multitasker ingredient that helps treat acne, pigmentation, and irritation. It is a great option for sensitive skin.
What makes it special?
OTC Azelaic acid is usually available in concentrations from 10-15% and anything over requires a prescription.
Here's what each tier does best:
Unlike other acids, azelaic acid will not make your skin more photosensitive/sun sensitive.
Though this ingredient is naturally occurring in grains like wheat, rye, and barley, it is usually synthetically created for cosmetics to ensure stability and effectiveness.
Learn more about Azelaic 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
