What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Zinc Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMalic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Arginine
Masking
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Volcanic Ash Extract
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
Humectant
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSea Water
HumectantArtemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Juniperus Mexicana Oil
Masking
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
Masking
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
Masking
Ethyl Hexanediol
SolventWater, Propanediol, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arginine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Squalane, Volcanic Ash Extract, Trehalose, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sea Water, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Ethyl Hexanediol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Glycerin 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 GlycerinHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.
Salicylic 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
