What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Emollient
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Kaolin
Abrasive
Olus Oil
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Charcoal Powder
Abrasive
Cellulose
AbsorbentArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Maris Sal
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningSodium Anisate
AntimicrobialXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingWater, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Octyldodecanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Kaolin, Olus Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Salicylic Acid, Behenyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Charcoal Powder, Cellulose, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Maris Sal, Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Xanthan Gum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Salicylic 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
