What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Plankton Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicSodium Benzoate
Masking
Oleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Niacinamide, Pvp, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Potassium Sorbate, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Plankton Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Biotin, Sodium Benzoate, Oleanolic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Alpinia Speciosa Flower/Leaf/Stem Water
AntimicrobialPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Potassium Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Water, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Pvp, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Glycerin, Alpinia Speciosa Flower/Leaf/Stem Water, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Phenoxyethanol, Ceramide AP, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Potassium Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Citric 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.
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 AcidPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolPvp is a water-soluble synthetic polymer and common hairstyling ingredient. It is a film-forming ingredient and used to "hold" specific shapes of hair.
In cosmetics, PVP helps products like sunscreens and color cosmetics last longer and wear more evenly.
It is less effective in high-humidity. It tends to draw moisture, but this moisture dismantles the structure and "hold".
PVP is generally well tolerated on skin and toxicity studies are negative for dermal irritation.
Learn more about PvpWater. 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
