Versus

Boots Skin Clear 2 Hour Spot Gel Versus PCA Skin Acne Gel

Facial Treatment
Facial Treatment
British Brand United Kingdom
American Brand United States

Updated on October 14, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin and reducing pores

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

Boots Skin Clear 2 Hour Spot Gel 8 ingredients

PCA Skin Acne Gel 12 ingredients

What's inside

What's inside

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Boots Skin Clear 2 Hour Spot Gel 8 ingredients

PCA Skin Acne Gel 12 ingredients

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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 Glycol
Emulsion Stabilising, Stabilising

Hydroxyethylcellulose 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 Hydroxyethylcellulose
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water

When to use

Boots Skin Clear 2 Hour Spot Gel 8 ingredients

PCA Skin Acne Gel 12 ingredients

19 Routines
47% use in am
53% use in pm
79% use every day
32 Routines
34% use in am
66% use in pm
84% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

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PCA Skin Acne Gel 12 ingredients

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