What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 2%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentGlycereth-7 Trimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningGlycereth-26
HumectantMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantBenzoic Acid
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingSalicylic Acid 2%, Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Glycereth-7 Trimethyl Ether, Glycereth-26, Methyl Gluceth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Sodium Benzoate, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Salicylic Acid
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Oat Protein
Skin ConditioningGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantHydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingMedicago Sativa Extract
TonicPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantSilybum Marianum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAmylopectin
Dextrin
Absorbent3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Arbutin
AntioxidantPolydextrose
HumectantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantSalicylic Acid, Water, Niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract, Medicago Sativa Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Silybum Marianum Seed Extract, Amylopectin, Dextrin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Polydextrose, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Gluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Butylene Glycol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolSalicylic 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 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water