Dot & Key Skincare Cica Clear Spot Correction Gel + 2% Salicylic Versus Kiehl's Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Pimple Patch with Salicylic Acid
Updated on December 27, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, BHA and niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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
Dot & Key Skincare Cica Clear Spot Correction Gel + 2% Salicylic 17 ingredients
Kiehl's Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Pimple Patch with Salicylic Acid 12 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dot & Key Skincare Cica Clear Spot Correction Gel + 2% Salicylic 17 ingredients
Kiehl's Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Pimple Patch with Salicylic Acid 12 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Dextrin
AbsorbentPolydextrose
HumectantAmylopectin
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Lecithin
EmollientTriethanolamine
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
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 a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Dot & Key Skincare Cica Clear Spot Correction Gel + 2% Salicylic 17 ingredients
Kiehl's Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Pimple Patch with Salicylic Acid 12 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dot & Key Skincare Cica Clear Spot Correction Gel + 2% Salicylic 17 ingredients
Kiehl's Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Pimple Patch with Salicylic Acid 12 ingredients
Absolute perfect formula. It doesn't burn, and I wake up to results. Its too sticky to wear under makeup. I haven't tried it during the day or over makeup. But I love that it is clear. I highly recommend this product over any pimple patch. Pimple patches in public look awful! It's like wearing pajamas or a bonnet in public, save that for home!
Seems to help without causing irritation. Doesn't work as well as a pimple patch, but works well on emerging pimples. If you have an open newly popped pimple, use a pimple patch instead.
