What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
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Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 2%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningSodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingJuglans Regia Shell Powder
AbrasiveGlycerin
HumectantSpiraea Ulmaria Extract
AstringentLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root
EmollientHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingAlgin
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCitral
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingSalicylic Acid 2%, Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Juglans Regia Shell Powder, Glycerin, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Algin, Allantoin, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Cellulose Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Citral, Limonene, Linalool
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Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 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