Anua Azelaic Acid 3 Cica Skin Clarifying Toner Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant
This acne toner is formulated around Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and calm redness.
This pore-care exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Phytosphingosine to refine the look of pores and refine skin texture.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAzelaic Acid
Buffering
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAlthaea Rosea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningDocosahexaenoic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhizic Acid
HumectantHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSuccinic Acid
BufferingZinc PCA
Humectant
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Xylose
HumectantAsiatic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Totarol
Antioxidant
Squalane
Emollient
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Water, Azelaic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Propanediol, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Madecassoside, Centella Asiatica Extract, Panthenol, Glycine Soja Protein, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Asiaticoside, Allantoin, Ectoin, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Succinic Acid, Zinc PCA, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycolic Acid, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglutamic Acid, Xylose, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Totarol, Squalane, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Ceramide NP
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 GlycolHydroxyethylcellulose 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 HydroxyethylcelluloseSalicylic 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 Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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
