What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingMadecassoside
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Lecithin
Emollient
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningNymphaea Coerulea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Water, Propanediol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Salicylic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Madecassoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Lecithin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Nymphaea Coerulea Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSebacic Acid
BufferingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Phytic Acid
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Octadecenedioic Acid
Emulsifying
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Olive Glycerides
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid
Skin Conditioning1,10-Decanediol
SolventTriethanolamine
BufferingCyclohexane
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
Methylparaben
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
BHT
Antioxidant
BHA
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Carbomer, Sebacic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinol, Phytic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Allantoin, Alpha-Arbutin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Retinal, Ascorbic Acid, Ceramide NP, Octadecenedioic Acid, Phospholipids, Ferulic Acid, Olive Glycerides, Salicylic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, 1,10-Decanediol, Triethanolamine, Cyclohexane, Butylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, BHT, BHA, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinSalicylic 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 Ascorbyl Phosphate is a form of Vitamin C. It is the salt of ascorbic acid.
This ingredient is more gentle than ascorbic acid. It is also more stable when exposed to light and oxygen.
Vitamin C helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Your skin uses Vitamin C to produce collagen and collagen production plays a role in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. As an antioxidant, this ingredient also helps reduce the signs of aging such as fine-lines and wrinkles.
VItamin C helps brighten skin by blocking the process of skin darkening.
In a 2011 study, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate was found to have antibacterial properties. This may help treat acne.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateWater. 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
