e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel Versus ZO Skin Health Acne Treatment Pads - Canada
Updated on June 12, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens and fragrances
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
e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel 15 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Acne Treatment Pads 30 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel 15 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Acne Treatment Pads 30 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 1%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingCamphor
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Denatonium Benzoate
Masking
Salicylic Acid 1%, Water, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Camphor, Sodium Hydroxide, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, T-Butyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Denatonium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Urea
Buffering
Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Astringent
Pterocarpus Soyauxii Wood Extract
AstringentPhellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Distichon Extract
Skin ProtectingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCrithmum Maritimum Extract
Skin ConditioningSpiraea Ulmaria Extract
AstringentMenthyl Lactate
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Carbonate
BufferingSodium Chloride
Masking
Disodium EDTA
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Denatonium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Citronellol
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Urea, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Pterocarpus Soyauxii Wood Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Hordeum Distichon Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Menthyl Lactate, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, T-Butyl Alcohol, Denatonium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool
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 GlycolCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractDenatonium Benzoate is a denaturant and masking ingredient.
It is commonly used to denature alcohols, such as SD Alcohol 40.
Fun fact: This ingredient is the most bitter known compound. The bitter flavor is often used to deter consumption.
Learn more about Denatonium BenzoateHamamelis Virginiana Extract comes from the witch hazel plant.
Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel ingredients are distilled in denatured alcohol.
Witch Hazel has astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.
The tannin content of witch hazel constrict the appearance of pores by drying out proteins. Witch hazel water gets anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties from its catechin and gallic acid content.
However, witch hazel may be skin-sensitizing due to the tannin and fragrance compounds.
North American Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation for centuries.
Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana ExtractPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
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 AcidSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideT-Butyl Alcohol it is most commonly used as a solvent.
At room temperature, T-Butyl Alcohol melts and has a similar smell to camphor.
This ingredient is derived from isobutane. It is the simplest form of a tertiary alcohol. Due to its chemical structure, it is more resistant to oxidation.
Learn more about T-Butyl AlcoholWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel 15 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Acne Treatment Pads 30 ingredients
