What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingBetaine
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate
Emulsifying
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Sodium Phytate
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSophora Japonica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycolic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Potassium Hydroxide, Betaine, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Salicylic Acid, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Sodium Phytate, Gluconolactone, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Sophora Japonica Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientSodium Lactate
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Citrus Sinensis Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPassiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Sulfite
Preservative
Punica Granatum Extract
AstringentParfum
Masking
Citral
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Propylene Glycol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Sodium Lactate, Glycolic Acid, Citrus Sinensis Fruit Extract, Lactic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol Denat., Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Sodium Sulfite, Punica Granatum Extract, Parfum, Citral, Limonene
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycolic 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 “glue” 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 (that’s 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 don’t 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 you’re highly sensitive, it’s well worth adding to your routine.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic 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
