What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Acrylates Copolymer
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicNiacinamide
Smoothing
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Acer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningAcacia Seyal Gum Extract
HumectantPisum Sativum Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Quinoa
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Aspartic Acid
Masking
Alanine
Masking
Arginine
Masking
Glycine
Buffering
Histidine
Humectant
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
Masking
Proline
Skin Conditioning
Serine
Masking
Threonine
Valine
MaskingSodium PCA
Humectant
PCA
Humectant
Capryloyl/Caproyl Methyl Glucamide
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
PEG-8 Laurate
Emulsifying
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningBis-Cetearyl Amodimethicone
Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Silicone Quaternium-22
Cetyl Triethylmonium Dimethicone PEG-8 Succinate
Laureth-4
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate
EmulsifyingQuaternium-95
UV AbsorberPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Ceteareth-25
CleansingCeteareth-7
EmulsifyingSodium Lactate
Buffering
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent
Tetrasodium EDTA
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantSalicylic Acid 2%, Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Acrylates Copolymer, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Biotin, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Acacia Seyal Gum Extract, Pisum Sativum Sprout Extract, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Ascorbic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Alanine, Arginine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Valine, Sodium PCA, PCA, Capryloyl/Caproyl Methyl Glucamide, Polysorbate 20, PEG-8 Laurate, Potassium Hydroxide, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Bis-Cetearyl Amodimethicone, Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Silicone Quaternium-22, Cetyl Triethylmonium Dimethicone PEG-8 Succinate, Laureth-4, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Quaternium-95, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Ceteareth-25, Ceteareth-7, Sodium Lactate, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Cleansing
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingCocamide Mipa
Emulsifying
Acrylates Crosspolymer-4
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
Humectant
Heptyl Glucoside
Propanediol
Solvent
Polyester-37
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sodium Phytate
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Quaternium-95
UV AbsorberSodium Benzoate
Masking
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Isomalt
HumectantPolyquaternium-113
Helianthus Annuus Extract
Emollient
Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil
Emollient
Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
Antioxidant
Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Glycine
Buffering
Larix Europaea Wood Extract
HumectantPisum Sativum Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Dextran
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Zinc Chloride
AntimicrobialAcetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin Protecting
Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract
AstringentSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSorbeth-230 Tetraoleate
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Laurate
Emulsifying
Limonene
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamide Mipa, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Glycerin, Heptyl Glucoside, Propanediol, Polyester-37, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Phytate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Quaternium-95, Sodium Benzoate, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Butylene Glycol, Isomalt, Polyquaternium-113, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Sodium Metabisulfite, Glycine, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Pisum Sativum Sprout Extract, Citric Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Dextran, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Zinc Chloride, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, Sorbitan Laurate, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal
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 AcidGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlycine is the smallest amino acid and a key building block of collagen. It's part if your skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
A study from 2022 found that an amino acid complex featuring taurine, arginine, and glycine significantly reduced skin irritation, improved redness, and accelerated the skin repair process.
This ingredient is derived from guar gum. It is a skin conditioning agent that creates a thin, breathable film to reduce water loss during cleansing.
This leaves the skin feeling soft rather than stripped and also contributes to a creamier lather.
Due to the large molecule size, this ingredient is unlikely to penetrate skin.
Learn more about Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium ChlorideHexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a similar scent to jasmine. It can be naturally found in chamomile essential oil.
This ingredient is a known EU allergen and may sensitize the skin. The EU requires this ingredient to be listed separately on an ingredients list.
Hexyl Cinnamal is not water soluble but is soluble in oils.
Learn more about Hexyl CinnamalLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneWe don't have a description for Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract yet.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
We don't have a description for Pisum Sativum Sprout Extract yet.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s 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 PropanediolWe don't have a description for Quaternium-95 yet.
Sodium 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
