iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Acne Serum Medicated Treatment Versus Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum
Updated on June 28, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or silicones
What's Inside
They both contain 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
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Acne Serum Medicated Treatment 60 ingredients
Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum 36 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Acne Serum Medicated Treatment 60 ingredients
Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum 36 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 1.5%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCoconut Alkanes
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Emulsifying
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Hexyl Laurate
Emollient
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
C15-19 Alkane
SolventPotassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Fucus Spiralis Extract
EmollientTetraselmis Chui Extract
EmollientRhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
HumectantTasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningZinc Sulfate
Antimicrobial
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialThymus Vulgaris Extract
Perfuming
Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Silybum Marianum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningVitex Agnus-Castus Extract
AstringentHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Oryza Sativa Germ Extract
EmollientAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Sodium Phytate
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSodium Anisate
AntimicrobialSalicylic Acid 1.5%, Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Lactobacillus Ferment, Coconut Alkanes, Coco-Caprylate, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Tranexamic Acid, Hexyl Laurate, Glycine Soja Oil, C15-19 Alkane, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Bakuchiol, Fucus Spiralis Extract, Tetraselmis Chui Extract, Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Zinc Sulfate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Silybum Marianum Seed Extract, Vitex Agnus-Castus Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Oryza Sativa Germ Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Levulinate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Anisate
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventC9-12 Alkane
SolventFragaria Vesca Fruit Extract
AstringentHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Succinic Acid
BufferingFragaria Vesca Leaf Extract
AstringentAzelaic Acid
Buffering
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Bisabolol
Masking
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Glucosamine
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingSaccharomyces Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Dextrin
AbsorbentPolydextrose
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Amylopectin
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Succinoglycan
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Lecithin
EmollientAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Parfum
Masking
Water, Methylpropanediol, C9-12 Alkane, Fragaria Vesca Fruit Extract, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Salicylic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Mandelic Acid, Succinic Acid, Fragaria Vesca Leaf Extract, Azelaic Acid, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bisabolol, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract, Niacinamide, Glucosamine, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Dextrin, Polydextrose, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Amylopectin, Butylene Glycol, Succinoglycan, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Phytate, Lecithin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Salicylic 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 AcidWater. 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 WaterNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideAllantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about Allantoin1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidXanthan 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 GumCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateSodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Acne Serum Medicated Treatment 60 ingredients
Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum 36 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Acne Serum Medicated Treatment 60 ingredients
Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum 36 ingredients
Amazing
not worth it
feels sticky and fragrance is super strong ur better off getting a different exfoliant and its super expensive for what it is
