Exposed Skincare Acne Treatment Serum Versus Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving Gel
Updated on December 31, 2024
Overview
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
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
Exposed Skincare Acne Treatment Serum 11 ingredients
Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving Gel 28 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
Exposed Skincare Acne Treatment Serum 11 ingredients
Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving Gel 28 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingLactic Acid
Buffering
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyacrylate-13
Polyisobutene
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
PPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid 0.5%, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Bisabolol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Water
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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