What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine
Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate
EmulsifyingPEG-8/Smdi Copolymer
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Malic Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingGlycoproteins
Skin Conditioning
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Equisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Sucrose
Humectant
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Aspartic Acid
Masking
Glucose
Humectant
Fructose
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Nitrate
SoothingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Alanine
MaskingPolyquaternium-7
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Lactic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycolic Acid, Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, PEG-8/Smdi Copolymer, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Salicylic Acid, Malic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glycoproteins, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sucrose, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Glucose, Fructose, Glycerin, Urea, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Nitrate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Dextrin, Polysorbate 60, Octyldodecanol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Alanine, Polyquaternium-7, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Hydrated Silica
Abrasive
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Bentonite
Absorbent
Vaccinium Uliginosum Berry Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Extract
Skin ConditioningBambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Sodium Phytate
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Carrageenan
Glucose
Humectant
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Wax
Skin Conditioning
Borago Officinalis Extract
Emollient
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningDehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Menthyl Lactate
MaskingLactobacillus/Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Acer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningTartaric Acid
Buffering
Malic Acid
Buffering
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosa Damascena Extract
MaskingRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentMusa Sapientum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Camphora Linalooliferum Wood Extract
Perfuming
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Cell Extract
Skin ConditioningIsomalt
HumectantLecithin
Emollient
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Powder
Abrasive
Water, Glycerin, Hydrated Silica, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Bentonite, Vaccinium Uliginosum Berry Extract, Salix Alba Extract, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Phytate, Azelaic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Carrageenan, Glucose, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Wax, Borago Officinalis Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Menthyl Lactate, Lactobacillus/Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Ferment Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Extract, Cinnamomum Camphora Linalooliferum Wood Extract, Alcohol, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Cell Extract, Isomalt, Lecithin, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Powder
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Glucose is a simple sugar and is the most important source of energy in all organisms.
In skincare, glucose is used to hydrate the skin. It also acts as a prebiotic for our natural biome.
Glucose is hydrating due to its humectant property. As a humectant, glucose draws moisture from the air and from deeper levels in the skin.
Our skin contains many sugars that act as prebiotics and help strengthen our natural microbiome. Having a healthy microbiome helps protect our skin from harmful bacteria and other contaminants.
Studies show glucose may help with fading discoloration and pigmentation. This is because our skin metabolizes glucose into lactic acid. Lactic acid is an AHA that helps exfoliate the top layer of skin.
Learn more about GlucoseGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.
It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.
Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.
AHAs work by breaking down the structural âglueâ that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently.
Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs.
Overall, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.
To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (thatâs where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).
The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness:
It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts.
Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin.
If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead.
Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But donât skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless youâre highly sensitive, itâs well worth adding to your routine.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidLactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the âglueâ that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they donât penetrate as deeply. This means theyâre less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skinâs microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the productâs pH.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidMalic Acid is an acid with both AHA and BHA properties, but is considered an AHA because its AHA properties are stronger.
It can be naturally found in unripe fruit and especially apples (its name from the latin word "malum", meaning apple!).
Like other AHAs, malic acid gently removes the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin underneath.
Though itâs considered milder and less potent than glycolic or lactic acid, it can help improve:
Due to its larger molecular structure, it penetrates the skin more slowly and is often used in combination with other AHAs to enhance their overall effectiveness.
Malic acid often plays a role in balancing a productâs pH and is usually included in small amounts (around 1-2%) as a supporting exfoliant.
As with all exfoliating acids, you should wear sunscreen daily when using malic acid to protect your newly resurfaced skin.
Fun fact: Malic acid is the compound responsible for the tart flavor of apples and other sour fruits.
While research on malic acid is limited compared to glycolic or lactic acid, itâs still a safe and mild exfoliant.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Malic 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
