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Updated on June 13, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, silicones or sulfates

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.

Lion Pair Acne Cream W
Lion Pair Acne Cream W
Facial Treatment
Japanese Brand Japan
AXIS - Y Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Pair Acne Cream W
Ibuprofen Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ibuprofen.

Unknown Full details ->
Isopropyl-Methylphenetole Perfuming
Fragrance Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon

Isopropyl-Methylphenetole is a fragrance.

Unknown Full details ->
Stearyl Alcohol Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol Icon
Fatty AlcoholFatty Alcohol Icon

Stearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients.

2 Com. / 2 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Polysorbate 60 Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Paraben Preservative
Preservative IconParaben Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon ParabenParaben Icon

Sodium Paraben is a preservative and is a paraben.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Isopropanolamine Buffering

We don't have a description for Isopropanolamine.

Unknown Full details ->
Octyldodecanol Emollient, Masking

Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol. It is primarily used to enhance the texture of products.

Disliked Full details ->
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer

We don't have a description for Polyvinylalcohol Crosspolymer.

Unknown Full details ->
Parfum Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon 2 Concerns

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment
Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. 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.

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Propanediol Solvent

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

1,2-Hexanediol Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

Glycereth-26 Humectant
0 / 0

Glycereth-26 is a synthetic ingredient and polyethylene glycol ether of Glycerin. Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin and helps keep your skin moisturized.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Niacinamide Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Dark Spots IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon
NiacinamideNiacinamide Icon 6 Benefits

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Masking, Skin Conditioning

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.

Althaea Rosea Flower Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Althaea Rosea Flower Extract.

Laminaria Japonica Extract Skin Protecting

Laminaria Japonica Extract comes from a kelp more commonly known as 'sweet kelp'. It is commonly eaten in Japan, Korea, and China.

Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract comes from the false daisy plant. False daisy contains antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids.

Centella Asiatica Extract Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
2 Benefits

Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Ficus Carica Fruit Extract Humectant

Ficus Carica Fruit Extract comes from the fruit known as the fig. Figs are rich in antioxidants and helps hydrate the skin.

Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract.

Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent
Antioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps fight Acne Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon 5 Benefits

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.

Monarda Didyma Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Monarda Didyma Leaf Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Hydrangea Macrophylla Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Hydrangea Macrophylla Leaf Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Mentha Aquatica Extract Tonic

We don't have a description for Mentha Aquatica Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Sasa Quelpaertensis Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Sasa Quelpaertensis Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance IconGood for Oily Skin Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon Good for Oily SkinGood for Oily Skin Icon

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract comes from the Tea Tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, Myrtaceae. This tea tree is native to Australia.

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract Skin Conditioning

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.

Eclipta Prostrata Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Eclipta Prostrata Extract.

Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Extract Masking

We don't have a description for Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract Humectant

We don't have a description for Cryptomeria Japonica Leaf Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Pinus Pinaster Bark/Bud Extract Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Antioxidant Icon
AntioxidantAntioxidant Icon

Pinus Pinaster Bark/Bud Extract is an antioxidant.

Unknown Full details ->
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil Masking, Skin Conditioning
Oil Icon
OilOil Icon

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil is oil expressed from the leaves of the rosemary plant.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Hydrogenated Lecithin Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.

Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water Masking

We don't have a description for Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water.

Unknown Full details ->
Trehalose Humectant, Moisturising

Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.

Octyldodeceth-16 Emulsifying

Octyldodeceth-16 comes from the fatty-alcohol Octyldodecanol.

Unknown Full details ->
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Emulsion Stabilising

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.

Disliked Full details ->
Tromethamine Buffering, Masking

Tromethamine is an aliphatic compound. An aliphatic compound is an organic compound with open-chained carbon atoms. It is synthetically created. Tromethamine is used to balance pH and improve texture.

C12-14 Pareth-12 Emulsifying

C12-14 Pareth-12 is created from a mixture of synthetic C12-14 alcohols that have about 12 moles of ethylene oxide.

Unknown Full details ->
Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.
Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan 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.

Disliked Full details ->
Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->
Ceramide NP Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon
CeramideCeramide Icon 4 Benefits

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Fructooligosaccharides Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Fructooligosaccharides is an alternative sweetener. It is often derived from the blue agave plant.

Beta-Glucan Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness Icon
Helps reduce Skin RednessHelps reduce Skin Redness Icon

Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi.

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid Icon
Hyaluronic AcidHyaluronic Acid Icon

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.

4-Terpineol Masking

4-Terpineol is the main component of tea tree oil. It has antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root Emollient, Moisturising, Smoothing

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root is a plant material derived from the dried rhizomes and roots of the Licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Leguminosae

Unknown Full details ->
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Moringa oleifera plant. It is more commonly known as Moringa seed oil.

Glycolic Acid Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AHAAHA Icon 7 Benefits 2 Concerns

Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.

Salicylic Acid Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
BHA IconPreservative IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
BHABHA Icon PreservativePreservative Icon 5 Benefits 4 Concerns

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.

Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Pair Acne Cream W
1
6
4
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment
25
7
4
11
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

182 Routines
36% use in am
64% use in pm
66% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
158 Routines
33% use in am
67% use in pm
74% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Lion Pair Acne Cream W 11 ingredients

4.4 /5
from 9 ratings
Great Value (4) Absorbs Well (4) Works Well (3)
skinogre's avatar

skinogre

2 months ago · Oily Skin
Review

I have been using this product for 3 months now, since March.
What did this product do?
- when applied directly to spots and emerging breakouts,...

I have been using this product for 3 months now, since March.
What did this product do?
- when applied directly to spots and emerging breakouts, it immediately reduces their sebum retention and made them stop swelling
- ibroprophen in the product makes swelling from large nasty cysts stop being painful when you touch it within a few hours
- dried out puss and sebum filled spots so they’re easily glided off with an oil cleaner
How I’d use it:
I’d usually apply this directly to my individual spots, it’s my alternative to a pimple patch and the reason why I prefer this is because the ibroprophen also numbs the pain of any acne on my face.
Things to be wary about:
- This hasn’t happens for me but I have heard that others found the ibroprophen basically became useless on their skin after using it so much users built immunity to its healing properties, although after 3 months of applying it whenever I get a spot I have yet to see this happen to me.
- I noticed that personally if I apply more than a dash of it, it can make the skin a little too coarse on the area you placed it on as if you have been exfoliating it, you know that skin tension that you get when your skin has had harsh chemicals on it

In conclusion, I adore this acne spot cream, I’ve heard people use of it as a lotion or a mask but personally I believe it to be a little to harsh for that, but maybe I’ll try it, I think it’s a really unique acne cream and I know this is going to last me a minimum of 2 years because of how little I use in comparison to the packaging, it’s cute, I struggle a lot with forehead acne and the occasional spots appearing on my under eyes, nose and chin. I put this on my skin overnight and wake up with no more swelling, aching and sometimes the entire pimple is gone. It’s like a pimple patch solution without the sealant sheet over it. I recommend this as it serves a purpose beyond just treating your acne, it also nullifies the pain. The only reason when I do have a clear forehead is because of my exfoliants combined with this treasure that eliminates the smallest sign of a spot that comes my way

SkylerMikalson's avatar

SkylerMikalson

2 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

This is the most effective spot treatment I've found.

I waited to try it for a long time as I was put off by the inclusion of fragrance, but...

This is the most effective spot treatment I've found.

I waited to try it for a long time as I was put off by the inclusion of fragrance, but I've found it is worth it despite fragrance in the formulation. If your issue with fragrance is just the smell and not any potential sensitization, I don't find this to have any noticeable smell. I do find that if I apply a concentrated dot in the same spot multiple times, it can start to be slightly burn-y, but I'm not sure if that's because of the actives or because of the fragrance. Regardless, I would feel more comfortable if this was reformulated as totally fragrance free.

Nonetheless, I'm rating it five stars for it's unique effectiveness due to the uniqueness of its actives. you're not gonna find those in any other product

AXIS - Y Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment 47 ingredients

4.8 /5
from 4 ratings
Works Well (4) Absorbs Well (3) Light (3)
RyannCook's avatar

RyannCook

3 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

This is the best spot treatment I've ever used. I have mild acne, mostly due to environmental factors like alcohol or sugar intake or sometimes...

This is the best spot treatment I've ever used. I have mild acne, mostly due to environmental factors like alcohol or sugar intake or sometimes hormones. It always clears up a spot almost overnight.

Seraphim's avatar

Seraphim

5 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

After 2 weeks I could see the size of my blackheads and pores was visibly reduced. I only used it in my night routine. Once a week I also used...

After 2 weeks I could see the size of my blackheads and pores was visibly reduced. I only used it in my night routine. Once a week I also used "Salicylic Acid Shrink Pores Serum" (AHA+BHA), which might have contributed to the shrinkage of my pores. I'm satisfied with the product, although the packaging might be small for everyday use. After a month of using it in my evening routine, I've already used up one third of the 15ml bottle, but that's nothing unusual. To clarify, I use 3 drops on my entire face.