What's inside
What's inside
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Acer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
Masking
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingIsoceteth-20
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Pvp, Isoceteth-20, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tetrasodium EDTA
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Cetylpyridinium Chloride
AntimicrobialCitric Acid
Buffering
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Bromelain
Skin ConditioningAnanas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningIngredients 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 AcidPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSodium 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 HydroxideWater. 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
