What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Myristic Acid
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycol Distearate
Emollient
Lauric Acid
Cleansing
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
4-Ethylresorcinol
AntimicrobialSalicylic Acid
Masking
Thymol
AntimicrobialTerpineol
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
PEG-4 Laurate
Emulsifying
Polyquaternium-7
Disodium EDTA
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Menthol
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingMyristic Acid, Glycerin, Water, Propylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Glycol Distearate, Lauric Acid, Decyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Niacinamide, 4-Ethylresorcinol, Salicylic Acid, Thymol, Terpineol, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-4 Laurate, Polyquaternium-7, Disodium EDTA, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Sodium Benzoate, Menthol, Sodium Hydroxide
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
