What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingDisodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Lauroamphoacetate
CleansingPEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeOlive Oil PEG-7 Esters
EmollientMethylpropanediol
SolventAllantoin
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantSodium Chloride
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningO-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial4-Terpineol
MaskingEpilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantWater, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Citric Acid, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, Methylpropanediol, Allantoin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, O-Cymen-5-Ol, 4-Terpineol, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Salicylic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Sodium Metabisulfite
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Lauryl Sulfate
CleansingSekken Soji
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingGlycol Distearate
EmollientDecyl Glucoside
CleansingPotassium Laureth Phosphate
EmulsifyingDistearyl Phthalic Acid Amide
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingCocamide Mea
EmulsifyingAcrylates Copolymer
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingMentha Arvensis Leaf Oil
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingGlycolic Acid
BufferingVolcanic Soil
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantSerine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingThreonine
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sekken Soji, Sodium Chloride, Glycol Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Potassium Laureth Phosphate, Distearyl Phthalic Acid Amide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Cocamide Mea, Acrylates Copolymer, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Volcanic Soil, Pentylene Glycol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Histidine, Serine, Aspartic Acid, Threonine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 42090
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 EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is used to improve texture and stability of a product. It is sugar based and helps thicken a product.
Once applied, it also creates a thin film to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
This ingredient is the polyethylene glycol ether of the diester of oleic acid and methylglucose. The 120 represents an average of 120 moles of ethylene oxide.
There is limited research on this ingredient, although it is considered safe to use in skincare products.
Learn more about PEG-120 Methyl Glucose DioleatePhenoxyethanol 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 AcidChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideWater. 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