What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroamphoacetate
CleansingSorbitol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate
CleansingSodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate
CleansingSodium Trideceth Sulfate
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPEG-100
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Acrylates Copolymer
Citric Acid
BufferingLauric Acid
CleansingPolyquaternium-10
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sorbitol, Glycerin, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Niacinamide, PEG-100, Salicylic Acid, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Disodium EDTA, Acrylates Copolymer, Citric Acid, Lauric Acid, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Benzoate
Salicylic Acid 2%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingPEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingLinoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Propylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate
Parfum
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Benzalkonium Chloride
AntimicrobialC12-15 Alkyl Lactate
EmollientPolyquaternium-7
Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
UV AbsorberCocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Ascorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingCitrus Grandis Fruit Extract
AstringentCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantCI 60725
Cosmetic ColorantSalicylic Acid 2%, Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Polysorbate 20, Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Propylene Glycol, PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Benzalkonium Chloride, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, CI 16035, CI 60725
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 AcidDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTASalicylic 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 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 Water