What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSalix Purpurea Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningLauryl Glucoside
CleansingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Citrus Nobilis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Peel Extract
Perfuming
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Triethanolamine
BufferingWater, Sodium Lactate, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Sodium PCA, Pentylene Glycol, Salix Purpurea Bark Extract, Lauryl Glucoside, Salicylic Acid, Citrus Nobilis Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Peel Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Triethanolamine
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingParfum
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Ledum Groenlandicum Extract
MaskingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingWater, Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Ledum Groenlandicum Extract, Acacia Senegal Gum
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
