What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Propanediol
Solvent
Acrylates Crosspolymer-4
Emulsion StabilisingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingGlycol Distearate
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Quinoa
Skin ConditioningCetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Polyquaternium-10
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Water, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Propanediol, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Glycol Distearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Cetrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-10, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Coco-Betaine
CleansingSodium Chloride
Masking
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingDicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Limonene
Perfuming
PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Oleyl Alcohol
Emollient
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Polyquaternium-7
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Citrus Sinensis Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Chloride, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Dicaprylyl Ether, Limonene, PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Salicylic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Oleyl Alcohol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyquaternium-7, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Citrus Sinensis Fruit Extract, Biotin, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol
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 AcidSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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
