What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 3%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Cleansing
PEG-10 Sunflower Glycerides
EmollientSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Parfum
Masking
Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialAcacia Farnesiana Flower Extract
Perfuming
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Cocamide Mea
EmulsifyingSodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate
CleansingBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingPolyquaternium-67
Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Benzophenone-4
UV Absorber
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Salicylic Acid 3%, Water, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, PEG-10 Sunflower Glycerides, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Parfum, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Acacia Farnesiana Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Cocamide Mea, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Benzyl Alcohol, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyquaternium-67, Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Potassium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Benzophenone-4, Isopropyl Myristate, Propylene Glycol
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingPEG-60 Almond Glycerides
Emulsifying
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingCoco-Betaine
CleansingPEG-90 Glyceryl Isostearate
Cleansing
Sodium Pg-Sulfonate
HumectantSalicylic Acid
Masking
Piroctone Olamine
Preservative
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningUndecyl Alcohol
AntiseborrhoeicZinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Polyquaternium-10
Parfum
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingZinc Pyrithione
Antiseborrhoeic
Laureth-2
CleansingMannitol
Humectant
Xylitol
Humectant
Oleyl Alcohol
Emollient
Rhamnose
HumectantJuniperus Oxycedrus Wood Extract
Perfuming
Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetate
BufferingSodium Chloride
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate
Emulsion StabilisingIsopropyl Alcohol
Solvent
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Fructooligosaccharides
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin Conditioning
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Coco-Betaine, PEG-90 Glyceryl Isostearate, Sodium Pg-Sulfonate, Salicylic Acid, Piroctone Olamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Pyridoxine Hcl, Undecyl Alcohol, Zinc Gluconate, Polyquaternium-10, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Zinc Pyrithione, Laureth-2, Mannitol, Xylitol, Oleyl Alcohol, Rhamnose, Juniperus Oxycedrus Wood Extract, Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Fruit Extract, Sodium Acetate, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Fructooligosaccharides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract
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 AcidDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumSalicylic 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
