What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantMethyl Gluceth-10
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningC12-14 Pareth-12
EmulsifyingSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Tranexamoyl Dipeptide-23
BleachingTocopherol
AntioxidantOligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Methyl Gluceth-10, Pentylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Panthenol, Chondrus Crispus Extract, C12-14 Pareth-12, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Phytate, Tranexamoyl Dipeptide-23, Tocopherol, Oligopeptide-2
Alternatives
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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about Ethylhexylglycerin