What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 2%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingAcrylates Copolymer
Propanediol Caprylate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingCocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingCassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Polyquaternium-113
Chlorphenesin
AntimicrobialTetrasodium EDTA
Silicone Quaternium-22
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantEpilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Caprate
EmulsifyingPEG-45m
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingParfum
MaskingSalicylic Acid 2%, Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Polysorbate 80, Acrylates Copolymer, Propanediol Caprylate, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamide Mipa, Cassia Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium-113, Chlorphenesin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Silicone Quaternium-22, Dipropylene Glycol, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, PEG-45m, Citric Acid, Parfum
Salicylic Acid 3%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingGlycol Distearate
EmollientMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantSodium PCA
HumectantLactic Acid
BufferingMenthyl Lactate
MaskingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentHydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
AntioxidantCharcoal Powder
AbrasiveCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSalicylic Acid 3%, Water, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Citrate, Glycol Distearate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Sodium PCA, Lactic Acid, Menthyl Lactate, Sodium Gluconate, Panthenol, Mentha Piperita Oil, Caramel, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Charcoal Powder, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Biotin, Hyaluronic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetaineGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinSalicylic 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