Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic Versus Creightons Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Tonic
Updated on February 08, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic 27 ingredients
Creightons Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Tonic 16 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic 27 ingredients
Creightons Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Tonic 16 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Bioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningPEG-60 Almond Glycerides
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingThymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Cupressus Sempervirens Seed Extract
Perfuming
Hordeum Vulgare Root Extract
EmollientPolygonatum Officinale Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonene
Perfuming
Water, Alcohol Denat., Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Bioflavonoids, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Polysorbate 20, Salicylic Acid, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Sodium PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Potassium Hydroxide, Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cupressus Sempervirens Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Root Extract, Polygonatum Officinale Extract, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Propanediol
Solvent
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycerin
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract
Antimicrobial
Trisodium EDTA
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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolPropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene 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, 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic 27 ingredients
Creightons Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Tonic 16 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
