What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Thioctic Acid
Antioxidant
Propanediol
Solvent
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Water, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Propylene Glycol, Thioctic Acid, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Caprylyl Glycol, Gluconolactone, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hyaluronate
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Propanediol
Solvent
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Steareth-21
CleansingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Triethanolamine
BufferingEDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning
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 PropanediolWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
