This acne treatment is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Gluconolactone to clear breakouts and refine skin texture.
This acne exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and refine the look of pores.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
BufferingGluconolactone
ChelatingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingButyl Avocadate
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningXylitylglucoside
HumectantZinc PCA
HumectantPolyacrylate-13
Anhydroxylitol
HumectantDisodium EDTA
ChelatingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSalicylic Acid
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPolyisobutene
Xylitol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialBoswellia Serrata Resin Extract
SmoothingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingO-Cymen-5-Ol
AntimicrobialPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingPropyl Gallate
AntioxidantWater, Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Alcohol Denat., Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Butyl Avocadate, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Pentylene Glycol, Xylitylglucoside, Zinc PCA, Polyacrylate-13, Anhydroxylitol, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Polyisobutene, Xylitol, Butylene Glycol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Chlorphenesin, Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysorbate 60, Parfum, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Polysorbate 20, Polyquaternium-51, Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Propyl Gallate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinHydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.
This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.
Learn more about HydroxyethylcellulosePolysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Salicylic 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