FaceTheory BHA Exfoliating Serum S3 Versus The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Updated on October 29, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and cruelty-free . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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
FaceTheory BHA Exfoliating Serum S3 19 ingredients
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 24 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
FaceTheory BHA Exfoliating Serum S3 19 ingredients
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Carnitine
CleansingPolyglyceryl-6 Stearate
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSodium Anisate
AntimicrobialSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Emulsion Stabilising
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Water, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Carnitine, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Tocopherol, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Levulinate, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDaucus Carota Sativa Extract
Perfuming
Propanediol
SolventCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlycolic Acid, Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Daucus Carota Sativa Extract, Propanediol, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol
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 WaterPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSalicylic 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 GlycerinXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
FaceTheory BHA Exfoliating Serum S3 19 ingredients
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
FaceTheory BHA Exfoliating Serum S3 19 ingredients
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 24 ingredients
The best exfoliator i ever tried. I think it's the best choice for those who has stubborn blackheads, because it literally melts them away. People with sensitive skin should be cautious, because it's an intense product and maybe too harsh for sensitive and dry skin types. I would highly recommend to use a deeply hydrating mask and restore skin's barrier after the procedure, because as I said Show more
Very good but beware it’s very strong. It says use once or twice a week but I would recommend once very 2 or three weeks. If it’s too strong for you, use the Glycerin Acid Toner 7%. After that don’t put any toner. Pair it up with Hyaluronic acid of your choice and a very moisturizing cream in the night time and you’re all set :)
