What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Dimethicone
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingZinc PCA
Humectant
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract
AstringentSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Olivate
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Polysilicone-11
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantTotarol
Antioxidant
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
Emollient
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid 2%, Water, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Isopentyldiol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Zinc PCA, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharide Isomerate, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Cetearyl Olivate, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitan Olivate, Polysilicone-11, Decyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Maltodextrin, Ethoxydiglycol, Totarol, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Hydroxide
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Phenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!).
It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome.
On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive.
Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10).
You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhexylglycerin to Phenoxyethanol damages bacterial membranes as effectively as doubling the Phenoxyethanol concentration on its own.
Typical use concentrations range from 0.3-1% depending on the formula, and this ingredient is capped at 1% int the EU.
Safety-wise, the fear mongering does not hold up to the evidence. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and FDA consider it safe as a preservative at up to 1%, including for children of all ages.
Adverse systemic effects only showed up in animal studies at exposures roughly 200x higher than what people get from cosmetics. And despite its very widespread use, this ingredient is a rare sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon.
Learn more about PhenoxyethanolSaccharide Isomerate comes from sugars found in corn. It is a skin hydrator.
The structure of this ingredient can be altered to be more similar to the carbohydrates found in our skin. This ability to mimic our skin gives it hydrating properties.
Specifically, saccharide Isomerate is a humectant. Humectants draw moisture from the air to our skin.
Research shows Saccharide Isomerate to be an effective moisturizer.
Learn more about Saccharide IsomerateSalicylic 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, it’s 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
