What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningAzelaic Acid 10%
Buffering
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Kaolin
Abrasive
Propanediol
Solvent
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
C14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion Stabilising
Niacinamide 2%
Smoothing
Bentonite
Absorbent
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Coco-Glucoside
Cleansing
Coconut Alcohol
Emollient
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningStearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Skin ConditioningAmylopectin
Dextrin
AbsorbentPolydextrose
HumectantGlucose
Humectant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlycerin
Humectant
Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Azelaic Acid 10%, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Kaolin, Propanediol, Stearyl Alcohol, C14-22 Alcohols, Niacinamide 2%, Bentonite, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Zinc PCA, Coco-Glucoside, Coconut Alcohol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Amylopectin, Dextrin, Polydextrose, Glucose, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Glycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cyclomethicone
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Menthyl Lactate
Masking
Propylene Glycol Isostearate
Skin Conditioning
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
PEG-100 Stearate
Surfactant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingDimethicone
Emollient
Sodium Isostearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Methylparaben
Preservative
Ethylparaben
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
Butylparaben
Masking
Isobutylparaben
Antimicrobial
Water, Propylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclomethicone, Stearyl Alcohol, Menthyl Lactate, Propylene Glycol Isostearate, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Salicylic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Dimethicone, Sodium Isostearoyl Lactylate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Salicylic 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 Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideStearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Fatty alcohols are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent (ethanol) alcohols.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. It is a primary fatty alcohol with a chain length above 12 carbons. A study from 2019 show Malassezia can feed on fatty alcohols in this range, so it may trigger fungal acne in those prone to it.
Learn more about Stearyl AlcoholWater. 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
