What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningBenzoyl Peroxide 10%
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingCapryl/Capramidopropyl Betaine
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Citric Acid
Buffering
Parfum
Masking
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Humectant
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningPEG-8 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Propanediol
Solvent
Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingWater, Benzoyl Peroxide 10%, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Capryl/Capramidopropyl Betaine, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Citric Acid, Parfum, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, PEG-8 Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Propanediol, Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Benzoyl Peroxide 5%
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Diazolidinyl Urea
Preservative
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningMethylparaben
Preservative
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Propylparaben
Preservative
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Cleansing
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingIngredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) is one of the most studied and widely used acne-fighting ingredients on the market for over five decades.
It works by releasing oxygen into your pores to kill Cutibacterium acne, or the bacteria closely linked to acne breakouts. This bacteria has a hard time surviving in an oxygen-rich environment.
On top of that, BPO has keratolytic properties to help shed dead skin cells and keep pores from getting clogged.
One of the coolest things about BPO is that bacteria do not develop resistance to it the way they can with antibiotics. That's why dermatologists recommend pairing it with topical antibiotics to keep resistance at bay.
BPO is usually available in 2.5%, 5%, and 10% concentrations. Research has shown that 2.5% tends to be just as effective as the higher strengths while being more gentle on the skin.
The FDA has classified BPO as a safe and effective acne treatment. You'll be able to find this ingredient in over-the-counter products in many countries.
Just so you know, BPO is a known mild irritant. It's common to see dryness, peeling, and some redness when you first start using it. This usually goes away as your skin adjusts.
A very small number of people might develop allergic contact dermatitis from it as patch test studies show positive reactions in about 1-5% of patients.
Once BPO is absorbed into the skin, our bodies turn it into benzoic acid and quickly exits in urine. It's also worth noting that BPO will bleach fabrics and hair, so watch your towels and pillowcases!
Learn more about Benzoyl PeroxideButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCitric 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 AcidWe don't have a description for Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid yet.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It is a surfactant derived from sarcosine, and a common source is coconut oil.
As a surfactant, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate helps lift dirts, oil, and other molecules to be washed away. In leave-on products, this ingredient is used as an emulsifier. Emulsifier help prevent ingredients such as oils and waters from separating.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is also commonly found as a foaming agent in shampoo, toothpaste, and shaving foam. It is amphiphilic, meaning it loves both water and fats.
Learn more about Sodium Lauroyl SarcosinateWater. 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
