Dr. Schatz Acne Cream Versus Circadia Spot Stop
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialSalicylic Acid 2%
MaskingAmylopectin
Dextrin
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingIsopropyl Myristate
Emollient10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Caprylic Acid
CleansingTribehenin
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingLactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningO-Cymen-5-Ol
AntimicrobialSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentRehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningBorneol
MaskingMenthol
MaskingWater, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Salicylic Acid 2%, Amylopectin, Dextrin, Xanthan Gum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Isopropyl Myristate, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Caprylic Acid, Tribehenin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Beeswax, Lactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Borneol, Menthol
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCeteth-20
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Stearyl Alcohol
EmollientAvena Sativa Bran
AbrasiveAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveEpilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
Solvent4-Terpineol
MaskingSalicylic Acid
MaskingSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentAscophyllum Nodosum Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMenthol
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTetrasodium EDTA
Sodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantCamphor
MaskingComb Extract
Skin ConditioningPaullinia Cupana Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningIlex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
PerfumingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingWater, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteth-20, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Avena Sativa Bran, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Methylpropanediol, 4-Terpineol, Salicylic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Sorbitol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Menthol, Allantoin, Carbomer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Metabisulfite, Camphor, Comb Extract, Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholPeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
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 AcidSalix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.
Salix Alba Bark Extract has often been described as salicylic acid's cousin. This is due to the salicin it contains. However, studies are limited showing salix alba bark to be an effective salicylic acid alternative.
Salicin does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has shown to decrease the formation of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-kappa B. Salicin also has a mildly exfoliating effect on the skin.
Several other components in salix alba bark extract also contain antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging as they neutralize harmful free-radical molecules.
Willow Bark extract has been used for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations used white willow to help treat pain and fevers.
Learn more about Salix Alba Bark ExtractWater. 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