This pore-care serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Lactic Acid to refine the look of pores and refine skin texture.
This betaine salicylate gel cleanser is formulated around Betaine Salicylate to clear breakouts and unclog pores.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Tromethamine
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Polyglycerin-3
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Dimethicone
Emollient
Gluconolactone
Chelating
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingLecithin
Emollient
C12-14 Alketh-12
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Dextrin
AbsorbentGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Phosphate
BufferingCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Myosotis Sylvatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningHemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningStellaria Media Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Taraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sorbitan Laurate
Emulsifying
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Sorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Acetyl Glutamine
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Skin Conditioning
Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-10
Skin Conditioning
Folic Acid
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Oligopeptide-3
Skin Conditioning
Oligopeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Hexapeptide-11
Skin Conditioning
Water, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Tromethamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglycerin-3, Lactic Acid, Dimethicone, Gluconolactone, Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Lecithin, C12-14 Alketh-12, Allantoin, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Butylene Glycol, Dextrin, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Trisodium Phosphate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Myosotis Sylvatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract, Stellaria Media Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Taraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbitan Laurate, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Stearate, Polysorbate 80, Caprylyl Glycol, Acetyl Glutamine, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Tocopherol, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-10, Folic Acid, Copper Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-3, Oligopeptide-2, Oligopeptide-1, Hexapeptide-11
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Styrax Japonicus Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Saccharomyces Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract
HumectantNelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPinus Palustris Leaf Extract
TonicUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBetaine Salicylate
Antimicrobial
Citric Acid
Buffering
Ethyl Hexanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
ChelatingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Disodium EDTA
ChelatingWater, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, Polysorbate 20, Styrax Japonicus Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Saccharomyces Ferment, Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Allantoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Betaine Salicylate, Citric Acid, Ethyl Hexanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric 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.
Rosacea skin has a lower threshold for acids generally, with 62.5% of rosacea subjects in one study reacting to lactic acid in a sting test. This is why we mark citric acid as a potential rosacea trigger.
However, this ingredient shows up as a pH adjuster or chelator at roughly 0.1-1% in many products. These low levels are unlikely to be an issue for rosacea skin and becomes a potential trigger at exfoliating concentrations (20%). Because everybody's skin is unique, we recommend a patch test if you are unsure.
Learn more about Citric AcidEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinWe don't have a description for Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract yet.
We don't have a description for Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract yet.
This ingredient comes from the Kudzu root.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateThis tree is also known as the David Elm. It contains the ingredient bakuchiol.
Other great compounds found in this ingredient include galactose, glucose, and phenolics. The sugar content gives it great skin hydrating properties. Phenolics are potent antioxidants commonly found in fruits and veggies.
A 2020 study found the phenolics of this root to have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Fun fact: This ingredient is used in traditional Asian medicine.
Learn more about Ulmus Davidiana Root ExtractWater. 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
