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
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPropanediol
SolventPotassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBetaine
HumectantTranexamic Acid
AstringentKojic Acid
AntioxidantSalicylic Acid
MaskingPunica Granatum Seed Cell Culture Lysate
Skin ConditioningMannitol
HumectantPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientCholesterol
EmollientMaltodextrin
AbsorbentDecyl Glucoside
CleansingHydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingSorbic Acid
PreservativeSodium Phytate
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Chloride
MaskingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Betaine, Tranexamic Acid, Kojic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Punica Granatum Seed Cell Culture Lysate, Mannitol, Phosphatidylcholine, Lecithin, Cholesterol, Maltodextrin, Decyl Glucoside, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Reviews
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 GlycerinPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol 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 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum