What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingNiacinamide
SmoothingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantBarosma Betulina Leaf Extract
PerfumingSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent4-Terpineol
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMethylpropanediol
SolventCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingWater, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Sodium Polyacrylate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, 4-Terpineol, Xanthan Gum, Methylpropanediol, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Gluconate, Aminomethyl Propanol
Salicylic Acid 2%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantKaolin
AbrasiveZinc Sulfate
AntimicrobialBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Algin
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Biosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingSalicylic Acid 2%, Water, Glycerin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Kaolin, Zinc Sulfate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Hydrolyzed Algin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Parfum
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 GlycolSalicylic 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 AcidSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium Polyacrylate is the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid. It is used as an absorber, emollient, and stabilizer.
This ingredient is a super-absorbent polymer - meaning it can absorb 100 to 1000 times its mass in water. As an emollient, Sodium Polyacrylate helps soften and soothe skin. Emollients work by creating a barrier to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Water. 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