What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus/Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract
Abrasive
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTaraxacum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Citrate
BufferingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Allantoin, Lactobacillus/Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Papain
Skin Conditioning
Bromelain
Skin Conditioning
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Carica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Salicylic Acid 2%, Alcohol, Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Propanediol, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Papain, Bromelain, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Metabisulfite
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 AcidSalicylic 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
