What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialGlycolic Acid 15%
BufferingNiacinamide 5%
SmoothingPropylene Glycol
HumectantSalicylic Acid 2%
MaskingAmmonium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyquaternium-10
Retinol
Skin ConditioningHydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-10
AntimicrobialOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningBoswellia Serrata Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethyl Isosorbide
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingBHT
AntioxidantBHA
AntioxidantWater, 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
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Salicylic 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, itβs 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 Acid