This acne serum is formulated around Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide to clear breakouts and calm redness.
This acne serum is formulated around Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and calm redness.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Triethanolamine
BufferingNiacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Capryloyl Glycine
CleansingSarcosine
Skin Conditioning
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
Antimicrobial
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Inulin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Water, Propanediol, Azelaic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Capryloyl Glycine, Sarcosine, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Gluconolactone, Betaine, Inulin, Sodium Hyaluronate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Azelaic acid is a multitasker ingredient that helps treat acne, pigmentation, and irritation. It is a great option for sensitive skin.
What makes it special?
OTC Azelaic acid is usually available in concentrations from 10-15% and anything over requires a prescription.
Here's what each tier does best:
Unlike other acids, azelaic acid will not make your skin more photosensitive/sun sensitive.
Though this ingredient is naturally occurring in grains like wheat, rye, and barley, it is usually synthetically created for cosmetics to ensure stability and effectiveness.
Learn more about Azelaic AcidPropanediol 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 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 HydroxideWater. 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
