What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingPolyquaternium-71
HumectantPolyquaternium-73
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientNigella Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientUrtica Dioica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGrateloupia Elliptica Extract
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicSerenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCedrus Atlantica Bark Oil
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingSalvia Sclarea Oil
MaskingPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Africana Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningCucurbita Pepo Seed Oil
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialZinc Pyrithione
AntiseborrhoeicSoy Isoflavones
Skin ConditioningBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingEmblica Officinalis Fruit
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Grandis Seed Extract
AstringentCymbopogon Flexuosus Oil
MaskingRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingNiacin
SmoothingTocopherol
AntioxidantSorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
CleansingXylityl Sesquicaprylate
AntimicrobialCitric Acid
BufferingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Polyquaternium-71, Polyquaternium-73, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Urtica Dioica Leaf Extract, Grateloupia Elliptica Extract, Biotin, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Salvia Sclarea Oil, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Prunus Africana Bark Extract, Cucurbita Pepo Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Zinc Pyrithione, Soy Isoflavones, Beta-Sitosterol, Emblica Officinalis Fruit, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis Seed Extract, Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Niacin, Tocopherol, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Xylityl Sesquicaprylate, Citric Acid
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is the filtered, stabilized liquid pressed from the inner gel of the aloe vera leaf.
In cosmetics, it shows up as either soothing active or a water-replacement base. It is roughly 98-99% water and the last 1-2% is an interesting mix of polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
The polysaccharides do most of the work: they bind water at the skin surface for a light, non-greasy hydration boost. And one of the polysaccharides, glycomannan, is linked to fibroblast stimulation + collagen synthesis. This is also why aloe has such a long track record in wound and burn healing.
This ingredient is also calming with anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity, making it a great pick for sensitive, irritated, or post-sun skin.
Realistic expectations matter though; the solid evidence is mostly limited to hydration, soothing, and wound support. Deeper claims about anti-aging or sun protection are not well backed, and science reviews note it does not prevent radiation-induced skin injury.
Because it plays well with almost everything, it's commonly used as a base alongside other actives like niacinamide or vitamin C.
Typical usage concentrations range from 0.5% (where hydration benefits already show up) all the way to 90%+ (where it replaces water as the main base).
The safety for this ingredient is well-establish as well. Overall, this is a great supporting ingredient for those who want a boost in hydration.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceCitric 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 AcidThis ingredient is also known as black seed oil or black cumin. It has emollient, skin conditioning, and perfuming properties.
It is rich in linoleic and oleic acids, making it a great skin hydrator or emollient. Other compounds found in black seed oil include thymoquinone, sterols, and various terpenes; these compounds give it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Studies show thymoquinone helps reduce oxidative stress and dampens the inflammatory pathways. Combining this with the oils makes this ingredient great for barrier repair and moisturization.
Other studies have found this ingredient to have antimicrobial activity against several acne-causing bacteria.
Learn more about Nigella Sativa Seed Oil