What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Malic Acid
Buffering
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Medica Fruit Juice Extract
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tetrasodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingWater, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Panthenol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract, Citrus Medica Fruit Juice Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethanolamine
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric 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 AcidHydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.
This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.
Learn more about HydroxyethylcellulosePhenoxyethanol 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, 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 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
