L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum Versus Neutrogena Anti-Pickel+ AHA/PHA/BHA Peeling Serum
This brightening serum is formulated around Ascorbic Acid and Salicylic Acid to brighten dull-looking skin and soften the look of wrinkles.
This smoothing serum is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Mandelic Acid to refine skin texture and clear breakouts.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingPolysilicone-11
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientAcetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantSilica
AbrasiveAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientC13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingLaureth-7
EmulsifyingPEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
EmulsifyingPoloxamer 338
EmulsifyingPolyacrylamide
Sorbitan Laurate
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBis-PEG/PPG-16/16 PEG/PPG-16/16 Dimethicone
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantSalicylic Acid
MaskingParfum
MaskingWater, Ascorbic Acid, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Potassium Hydroxide, Polysilicone-11, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Silica, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Laureth-7, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Poloxamer 338, Polyacrylamide, Sorbitan Laurate, Xanthan Gum, Bis-PEG/PPG-16/16 PEG/PPG-16/16 Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Salicylic Acid, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycolic Acid
BufferingDimethicone
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingMandelic Acid
AntimicrobialGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSalicylic Acid
MaskingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Dimethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Mandelic Acid, Gluconolactone, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Salicylic Acid, T-Butyl Alcohol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Disodium EDTA
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeSalicylic 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 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water