What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingSorbus Aucuparia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Gluconic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Riboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
Abrasive
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Carbonate
BufferingPolycitronellol
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Gluconolactone, Glycolic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sorbus Aucuparia Fruit Extract, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Gluconic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Riboflavin, Mica, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Carbonate, Polycitronellol, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Limonene, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPropanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingAgave Tequilana Leaf Extract
AstringentAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Pantolactone
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSalicylic Acid
Masking
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Caprylate/Caprate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Water, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Chlorphenesin, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Pantolactone, Phenoxyethanol, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Salicylic Acid, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-10 Caprylate/Caprate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.
It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.
Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.
AHAs work by breaking down the structural âglueâ that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently.
Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs.
Overall, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.
To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (thatâs where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).
The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness:
It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts.
Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin.
If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead.
Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But donât skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless youâre highly sensitive, itâs well worth adding to your routine.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
Itâs often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSalicylic 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, itâs 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 Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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. Remember to 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
