What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Glycolic Acid
BufferingWater
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDaucus Carota Sativa Extract
PerfumingPropanediol
SolventCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
MaskingLactic Acid
BufferingTartaric Acid
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantTasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlycolic Acid, Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Daucus Carota Sativa Extract, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol
Salicylic Acid 2%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventDimethicone
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingIsopentyldiol
HumectantSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingZinc PCA
Humectant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingTrifolium Pratense Flower Extract
AstringentSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Butylene Glycol
HumectantSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingPolysilicone-11
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentEthoxydiglycol
HumectantTotarol
AntioxidantLavandula Hybrida Oil
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid 2%, Water, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Isopentyldiol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Zinc PCA, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharide Isomerate, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Cetearyl Olivate, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitan Olivate, Polysilicone-11, Decyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Maltodextrin, Ethoxydiglycol, Totarol, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Hydroxide
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
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 GlycerinPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSalicylic 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