What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningBambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Decyl Oleate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingLactic Acid
Buffering
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Arginine
Masking
Melilotus Officinalis Extract
AstringentDolichos Biflorus Callus Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrolyzed Yeast Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglucuronic Acid
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Papain
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lecithin
Emollient
Algin
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Propanediol
Solvent
Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract, Glycerin, Octyldodecanol, Glycolic Acid, Decyl Oleate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Lactic Acid, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Salicylic Acid, Arginine, Melilotus Officinalis Extract, Dolichos Biflorus Callus Extract, Hydrolyzed Yeast Extract, Polyglucuronic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Papain, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Algin, Citric Acid, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Maltodextrin, Propanediol, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingLactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
Lactobacillus/Wasabia Japonica Root Ferment Extract
Antioxidant
Magnesium Chloride
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Palmaria Palmata Extract
Skin ProtectingMicrocitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Prunus Persica Leaf Extract
Emollient
Spiraea Ulmaria Extract
AstringentPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentPhytic Acid
Citric Acid
Buffering
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Sodium Salicylate
Preservative
Vinegar
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Magnesium Sulfate
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Bisulfite
Antioxidant
Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Sodium Gluconate, Triethanolamine, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Lactobacillus/Wasabia Japonica Root Ferment Extract, Magnesium Chloride, Mandelic Acid, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica Leaf Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Phytic Acid, Citric Acid, Gluconolactone, Salicylic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Maltodextrin, Sodium Salicylate, Vinegar, Propylene Glycol, Magnesium Sulfate, Alcohol Denat., Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Bisulfite
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 AcidGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinLactic 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 “glue” 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 don’t penetrate as deeply. This means they’re 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 skin’s 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 product’s 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 AcidMaltodextrin is a polysaccharide. It is derived from starch such as rice, corn, wheat, or potato starch.
In food, Maltodextrin is used to improve the texture and thicken a product. Due to its structure, it can help create a gel texture. As an emulsion stabilizer, it helps keep the ingredients in a product together.
As a polysaccharide, Maltodextrin has moisturizing properties. Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate. The top layer of skin uses polysaccharides to retain water, keeping the skin hydrated.
Maltodextrin is water soluble and has a sweet taste.
Learn more about MaltodextrinPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSalicylic 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 AcidSodium 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 BenzoateWater. 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
