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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Apotheke Squalane Moisturizing Serum versus The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution .

Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on June 21, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 1 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Serum Filipino Brand Philippines
Serum Canadian Brand Canada

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Price

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Benefits

Hydrating

Notable Ingredients

BHA

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Reduces Large Pores
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Drying
Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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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.

1
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Learn more about Squalane

Apotheke Squalane Moisturizing Serum contains this as ingredient number 1.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution contains this as ingredient number 1.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

100% are loved or liked
0% have mixed ratings
0% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet
33% are loved or liked
33% have mixed ratings
33% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Apotheke Squalane Moisturizing Serum 1 ingredient

Squalane Moisturizing Serum hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution 9 ingredients

3.3 /5
from 3 ratings
Doesn't Work (1) Great Value (1) No Scent (1) Works Well (1)
jesssimon's avatar

jesssimon

2 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

Started using this product around 3-4 months ago. I have noticed a complete transformation in my acne. I had been using products with “fatty...

Started using this product around 3-4 months ago. I have noticed a complete transformation in my acne. I had been using products with “fatty alcohols” (Cerave), and unfortunately broke out.. bad. I had a ton of deep painful spots, majority on my chin and forehead. This product completely cleared/healed those spots within one month of use. Since then I have noticed, if I do get a spot, it appears much smaller and heals much faster. Of course this might not work for everyone. But to me this is a holy grail. The Ordinary does have some hit or miss products but this has seriously saved my skin.

Sophfeah's avatar

Sophfeah

3 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

makes my ENTIRE face red it does absolutely not work do not buy
it doesn't burn but it looks like you didn't put sunscreen on the next day and I...

makes my ENTIRE face red it does absolutely not work do not buy
it doesn't burn but it looks like you didn't put sunscreen on the next day and I didn't see any positive effects from using this product.

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 10 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Apotheke Squalane Moisturizing Serum.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 3 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution.

See 3 alternatives
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