What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSebacic Acid
BufferingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Phytic Acid
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Octadecenedioic Acid
Emulsifying
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Olive Glycerides
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid
Skin Conditioning1,10-Decanediol
SolventTriethanolamine
BufferingCyclohexane
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
Methylparaben
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
BHT
Antioxidant
BHA
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Carbomer, Sebacic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinol, Phytic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Allantoin, Alpha-Arbutin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Retinal, Ascorbic Acid, Ceramide NP, Octadecenedioic Acid, Phospholipids, Ferulic Acid, Olive Glycerides, Salicylic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, 1,10-Decanediol, Triethanolamine, Cyclohexane, Butylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, BHT, BHA, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingSorbus Aucuparia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Gluconic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Riboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic Colorant
Silica
Abrasive
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
Masking
Sodium Carbonate
BufferingPolycitronellol
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Gluconolactone, Glycolic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sorbus Aucuparia Fruit Extract, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Gluconic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Riboflavin, Mica, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Carbonate, Polycitronellol, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Limonene, CI 77891
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGlycerin 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 GlycerinSalicylic 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, itβs 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 BenzoateWater. 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
