What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Magnesium PCA
Humectant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Dextrin
AbsorbentPolydextrose
HumectantAmylopectin
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Denatonium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingUrtica Dioica Extract
AstringentSalicylic Acid 2%, Water, Alcohol Denat., Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin, Zinc PCA, Magnesium PCA, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Gluconolactone, Dextrin, Polydextrose, Amylopectin, Calcium Gluconate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Denatonium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, T-Butyl Alcohol, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica Extract
Salicylic Acid 1%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Acrylates Copolymer
PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate
Cleansing
Urea
Buffering
Yeast Amino Acids
HumectantTrehalose
Humectant
Inositol
Humectant
Taurine
BufferingBetaine
Humectant
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Phoenix Dactylifera Seed
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Zinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Chitosan
Propyl Gallate
Antioxidant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingHydrogen Peroxide
AntimicrobialMenthol
Masking
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Emulsifying
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Bisulfite
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Propylene Carbonate
SolventBenzoic Acid
Masking
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Propanediol
Solvent
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingBenzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Perfuming
Parfum
Masking
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 60730
Cosmetic ColorantSalicylic Acid 1%, Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Jojoba Esters, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Retinyl Palmitate, Phoenix Dactylifera Seed, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Zinc Gluconate, Ascorbic Acid, Chitosan, Propyl Gallate, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydrogen Peroxide, Menthol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Bisulfite, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Carbonate, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Propanediol, Pvp, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Parfum, CI 42090, CI 60730
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinSalicylic 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, itβs 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
