innisfree Gentle Retinol Salicylic Daily Toner Pads Versus COSRX The AHA 2 BHA 2 Blemish Treatment
Updated on October 26, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and reef safe . They have a total of 7 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, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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
innisfree Gentle Retinol Salicylic Daily Toner Pads 37 ingredients
COSRX The AHA 2 BHA 2 Blemish Treatment 17 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
innisfree Gentle Retinol Salicylic Daily Toner Pads 37 ingredients
COSRX The AHA 2 BHA 2 Blemish Treatment 17 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycereth-26
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Dipropylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Erythritol
Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Squalane
Emollient
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
Masking
Sodium Phytate
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Seed Extract
Humectant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Water, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Allantoin, Erythritol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Adenosine, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Squalane, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Sodium Phytate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyglutamic Acid, Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract, Retinol, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Salicylic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
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.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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinDipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, antiâinflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the âgoodâ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
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, itâs 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 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
innisfree Gentle Retinol Salicylic Daily Toner Pads 37 ingredients
COSRX The AHA 2 BHA 2 Blemish Treatment 17 ingredients
