What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSd Alcohol 40
Astringent
Isopropyl Alcohol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
Antioxidant
Glycolic Acid 0.1%
Buffering
Lactic Acid 0.1%
Buffering
Camphor
Masking
Azadirachta Indica Leaf Oil 0.15%
Masking
Cera Alba
Emollient
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Betula Alba Bark Extract
Masking
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Sd Alcohol 40, Isopropyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Glycolic Acid 0.1%, Lactic Acid 0.1%, Camphor, Azadirachta Indica Leaf Oil 0.15%, Cera Alba, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Cyclohexasiloxane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Methylpropanediol
SolventC12-14 Alketh-12
EmulsifyingGlucose
Humectant
Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Dextrin
AbsorbentSorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
Emulsifying
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Succinic Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
Emollient
Mentha Arvensis Extract
MaskingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningJuniperus Mexicana Oil
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Leaf Extract
AstringentPinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Cynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Lactic Acid, Alcohol, Gluconolactone, Dipropylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, C12-14 Alketh-12, Glucose, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, Dextrin, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Mentha Piperita Oil, Succinic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Mentha Arvensis Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Glycolic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Leaf Extract, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Cynanchum Atratum Extract
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene 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 GlycolGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.
It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.
Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.
AHAs work by breaking down the structural âglueâ that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently.
Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs.
Overall, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.
To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (thatâs where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).
The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness:
It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts.
Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin.
If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead.
Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But donât skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless youâre highly sensitive, itâs well worth adding to your routine.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidHydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.
This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.
Learn more about HydroxyethylcelluloseLactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the âglueâ that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they donât penetrate as deeply. This means theyâre less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skinâs microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the productâs pH.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic 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, itâs 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 AcidSalix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.
Salix Alba Bark Extract has often been described as salicylic acid's cousin. This is due to the salicin it contains. However, studies are limited showing salix alba bark to be an effective salicylic acid alternative.
Salicin does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has shown to decrease the formation of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-kappa B. Salicin also has a mildly exfoliating effect on the skin.
Several other components in salix alba bark extract also contain antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging as they neutralize harmful free-radical molecules.
Willow Bark extract has been used for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations used white willow to help treat pain and fevers.
Learn more about Salix Alba Bark ExtractWater. 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
