Aravia Professional Lactic Acid Gentle Peel Versus Stridex Maximum 2% Salicylic Acid
Updated on April 01, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe . They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, oils or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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Ingredient Info
Aravia Professional Lactic Acid Gentle Peel 7 ingredients
Stridex Maximum 2% Salicylic Acid 12 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Aravia Professional Lactic Acid Gentle Peel 7 ingredients
Stridex Maximum 2% Salicylic Acid 12 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. 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 WaterPhenoxyethanol 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.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Aravia Professional Lactic Acid Gentle Peel 7 ingredients
Stridex Maximum 2% Salicylic Acid 12 ingredients

Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Aravia Professional Lactic Acid Gentle Peel 7 ingredients
Stridex Maximum 2% Salicylic Acid 12 ingredients
This is something that is consistently in my routine. I've been using this for over 10 years. I can't believe this still actually works. This is FA safe and helps with flare ups, especially when used in combination with a sulfur mask.
I like using this in the AM on non retinoid days as a short contact treatment. I find that if I leave it on all day my face becomes super dry. I leave it on for Show more
This was the Ride or Die, the absolute GOAT of affordable 2% BHAs before its reformulation at the end of 2019. The reformulation made the product far more sudsy and less effective. Previously it applied like water and left no trace behind, sinking in deeply and de-clogging congested skin like a champ. Now it bubbles a little while applying, and dries to form a visible film over the surface of the Show more