What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingPEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
MaskingBetaine
HumectantZinc PCA
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Chloride
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCoco-Glucoside
CleansingGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCoconut Acid
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Tocopherol
AntioxidantHydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
EmollientWater, Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Salicylic Acid, Betaine, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Allantoin, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Benzyl Alcohol, Coconut Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMethylpropanediol
SolventDimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAphloia Theiformis Leaf Extract
AstringentPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeIsohexadecane
EmollientCeteareth-33
CleansingParfum
MaskingBehenic Acid
CleansingSalicylic Acid
MaskingZinc Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasivePolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingTetrasodium EDTA
Ledum Groenlandicum Extract
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Methylpropanediol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Aphloia Theiformis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Isohexadecane, Ceteareth-33, Parfum, Behenic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Zinc Gluconate, Silica, Polysorbate 80, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Sorbitan Oleate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Ledum Groenlandicum Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Acacia Senegal Gum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinCitric 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 AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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 AcidSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateWater. 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