What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Capryl/Capramidopropyl Betaine
CleansingUrea
Buffering
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Shea Butteramidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
Emulsifying
Laureth-9
EmulsifyingSodium Lactate
Buffering
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
C12-13 Alkyl Lactate
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Tetrasodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBenzoic Acid
Masking
Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Glycerin, Capryl/Capramidopropyl Betaine, Urea, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Shea Butteramidopropyl Betaine, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Laureth-9, Sodium Lactate, Niacinamide, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Chloride, Gluconolactone, C12-13 Alkyl Lactate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Saccharide Isomerate, Glycolic Acid, Calcium Gluconate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Lactic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzoic Acid
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, it’s 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 AcidWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
