What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Citrate
BufferingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingGlyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Polyquaternium-44
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Antimicrobial
Disodium EDTA
Salicylic Acid, Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Citrate, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-44, Sodium Benzoate, Panthenol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Disodium EDTA
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingDisodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingSodium Chloride
Masking
Glycol Distearate
Emollient
Amodimethicone
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
CleansingPPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingPotato Starch Modified
Cocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Trideceth-6
EmulsifyingTriethyl Citrate
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Cholesterol
Emollient
Coco-Betaine
CleansingCitric Acid
Buffering
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-10
Acrylates Copolymer
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Chloride, Glycol Distearate, Amodimethicone, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Potato Starch Modified, Cocamide Mipa, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Niacinamide, Trideceth-6, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Coco-Betaine, Citric Acid, Cetrimonium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Polyquaternium-10, Acrylates Copolymer, Benzoic Acid
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 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 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
