What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 1.5%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningCoco-Glucoside
CleansingPropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingCoco-Betaine
CleansingSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingHamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientCoconut Acid
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Cymbopogon Citratus Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid 1.5%, Water, Coco-Glucoside, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Coconut Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Cymbopogon Citratus Extract
Salicylic Acid 2%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingHamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarrageenan
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantCymbopogon Flexuosus Oil
MaskingSalicylic Acid 2%, Water, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Beeswax, Hamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.
Aloe is one of the most well-known natural soothing ingredients, and for good reason. It’s full of water and has a cooling, calming effect on the skin, especially when it’s sunburned, itchy, or irritated. Aloe also helps your skin stay hydrated and smooth by mimicking what healthy skin naturally produces. On top of that, it contains vitamins and nutrients that support skin recovery.Â
It doesn’t protect you from the sun, but it can help your skin bounce back after too much time in it.
Let’s get into the details:
Aloe contains antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and E, which help fight off free radicals (unstable molecules from things like pollution that can damage your skin).
It’s also rich in polysaccharides, which are natural sugars that help hydrate the skin by acting like the skin’s own moisturizing agents. These, along with other sugars like monosaccharides, help form a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
Aloe works as both a humectant and an emollient. That means it draws water into the skin (humectant) and helps trap it there (emollient), making it an effective natural moisturizer.
You’ll also find a mix of other skin-supporting ingredients in aloe, including folic acid, choline, calcium, amino acids, fatty acids, and even Vitamin B12.
Out of the 420+ species of aloe, Aloe barbadensis is the most widely used in skincare products thanks to its gentle yet effective properties.
There are over 420 species of aloe but Aloe Barbadensis is the most commonly used for topical products.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractHamamelis Virginiana Extract comes from the witch hazel plant. The witch hazel plant is native to eastern North America. Many parts of this plant are used in skincare from its twigs to its leaves.
Witch Hazel is an astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient.
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, it’s 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 AcidWater. 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