MDacne Advanced Dark Spot Remover Versus Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Balm
Updated on June 19, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens 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.
Ingredient Info
MDacne Advanced Dark Spot Remover 28 ingredients
Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Balm 16 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
MDacne Advanced Dark Spot Remover 28 ingredients
Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Balm 16 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Flower
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
PEG-100 Stearate
Propanediol
Solvent
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhenylethyl Resorcinol
Antioxidant
Bisabolol
Masking
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Arbutin
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Phyllanthus Emblica Extract
Skin ConditioningArctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingParfum
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Helianthus Annuus Flower, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysorbate 20, PEG-100 Stearate, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Glycolic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Bisabolol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Salicylic Acid, Arbutin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phyllanthus Emblica Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Hamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarrageenan
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil
Masking
Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Beeswax, Hamamelis Virginiana Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearatePeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
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, 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 AcidStearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic 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 WaterXanthan 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 GumIngredient Ratings
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When to use
MDacne Advanced Dark Spot Remover 28 ingredients
Thayers Blemish Clearing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Balm 16 ingredients
Reviews
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