What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydroquinone 5%
StabilisingTretinoin 0.03%
Skin ConditioningDexamethasone 0.03%
Propylene Glycol 0.3%
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientMethyl 2,4-Dihydroxybenzoate
Skin ConditioningPropylparaben
PreservativeBHA
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantPEG-40 Glyceryl Stearate
EmulsifyingSodium Cetearyl Sulfate
CleansingParaffin
PerfumingIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientPetrolatum
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialCamphor
MaskingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantSorbitol 70%
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantLactic Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Water
Skin ConditioningHydroquinone 5%, Tretinoin 0.03%, Dexamethasone 0.03%, Propylene Glycol 0.3%, Cetyl Alcohol, Methyl 2,4-Dihydroxybenzoate, Propylparaben, BHA, BHT, PEG-40 Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Paraffin, Isopropyl Myristate, Petrolatum, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Panthenol, Alcohol Denat., Camphor, Titanium Dioxide, Sorbitol 70%, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Lactic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Water
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
The ingredient "BHA" stands for butylated hydroxyanisole. If you are looking for the beta-hydroxy acid, aka as Salicylic Acid, click here.
In cosmetics, butylated hydroxyanisole is used as a perservative. It also has antioxidant properties. The concentrations usually used in skincare are low and do not penetrate through skin.
It is only considered a carcinogen when ingested.
Butylated Hydroxyanisole is a synthetic and waxy petrochemical. It is used as a preservative in foods and cosmetics.
Learn more about BHADisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTASorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a hydrating and moisturizing agent created from the reduction process of glucose.
Most sorbitol is usually made from potato starch. It is also found in fruits such as apples and pears.
As a humectant, Sorbitol helps draw water to the skin. This helps keep the skin hydrated. Sorbitol also helps create a thicker texture in products. You might find sorbitol in your toothpaste and other gels.
It is a non-irritating ingredient that is great for those with dry skin.
Sorbitol is a prebiotic. It helps promote the growth of healthy bacteria on your skin. The bacteria on your skin form a microbiome. This microbiome helps protect your skin from infection and harmful bacteria.
Learn more about SorbitolWater. 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 WaterTretinoin is the best retinoid due to its proven skin benefits. It only available with a prescription in many countries.
All retinoids goes through a conversion line until it can become effective. The final step of conversion is retinoic acid; retinoic acid IS Tretinoin.
This is why tretinoin is so effective; it gets to work immediately on the skin.
Research on tretinoin has found it to be incredibly effective for reducing the signs of aging. It helps improve damage from the sun, even the skin tone, and smooth out wrinkles. It is also an effective acne treatment by reducing and balancing out sebum production in pores.
Tretinoin, like other forms of Vitamin A, increases the turnover cycle of skin cells. This helps the skin create newer and healthier skin cells faster.
It can cause irritation, redness, and dry skin because it is considered a "strong" ingredient. Those with sensitive skin should consult a professional about using tretinoin.
Using retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few weeks of use. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
Read about a form of retinoid you can purchase at the store, retinol.
Learn more about Tretinoin