Biretix Tri-Active Anti-Blemish Gel Versus La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum
Updated on February 18, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, 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
Biretix Tri-Active Anti-Blemish Gel 26 ingredients
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum 20 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Biretix Tri-Active Anti-Blemish Gel 26 ingredients
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum 20 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Glycolic Acid 15%
Buffering
Niacinamide 5%
Smoothing
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Ammonium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyquaternium-10
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Oligopeptide-10
Antimicrobial
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethyl Isosorbide
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingBHT
Antioxidant
BHA
Antioxidant
Water, Alcohol Denat., Glycolic Acid 15%, Niacinamide 5%, Propylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid 2%, Ammonium Hydroxide, Polyquaternium-10, Retinol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Oligopeptide-10, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Honey Extract, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Pentylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Dimethyl Isosorbide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polysorbate 20, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, BHT, BHA
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Propanediol
SolventGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate
Emulsifying
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPhytic Acid
Polyquaternium-10
Parfum
Masking
Water, Alcohol Denat., Propanediol, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Citric Acid, PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Maltodextrin, Phytic Acid, Polyquaternium-10, Parfum
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 WaterAlcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying - mostly due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue, constricting pores and leaving your skin dried out.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is if this alcohol is near the end of an ingredients list, it will probably not affect your skin much.
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamidePolyquaternium-10 is an ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose. It is a white and granular powder used as a film-former and anti-static agent.
This ingredient is commonly found in hair conditioning products. According to a manufacturer, its positive charge makes it great for absorbing hair proteins. The manufacturer also states this ingredient helps with curl retention.
For haircare friends: this ingredient is not a silicone.
Learn more about Polyquaternium-10Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolDimethyl Isosorbide is a solvent and helps deliver actives into your skin. It is created from sorbitol.
As a solvent, dimethyl isosorbide helps dissolve other ingredients. This helps ensure even distribution of an ingredient. It may also be used to decrease the thickness of a product.
Studies show dimethyl isosorbide is able to penetrate skin to deliver other ingredients into the skin, making them more effective.
Learn more about Dimethyl IsosorbideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Biretix Tri-Active Anti-Blemish Gel 26 ingredients
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum 20 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Biretix Tri-Active Anti-Blemish Gel 26 ingredients
Strongone
Strong enough for acne and wrinkles.
15% glycolic acid, 2% salicylic acid, 5% niacinamide, retinol! But.... unsafe for fungal acne due to polysorbate 20.
