Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser Versus Olehenriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask
Updated on June 05, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, BHA and Vitamin E
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, 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
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 30 ingredients
Olehenriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask 31 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
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 30 ingredients
Olehenriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask 31 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Acrylates Copolymer
Glycol Stearate
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Yeast Amino Acids
HumectantTrehalose
Humectant
Inositol
Humectant
Taurine
BufferingBetaine
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyquaternium-4
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Tetrasodium EDTA
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Jojoba Esters, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycol Stearate, Propanediol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium PCA, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyquaternium-4, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Glycerin
Humectant
Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate
CleansingBentonite
Absorbent
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Lauramidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Menthoxypropanediol
Masking
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Sodium Phytate
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEpilobium Fleischeri Extract
Skin ConditioningSaussurea Involucrata Extract
HumectantCitric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin Conditioning
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
CI 77289
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Kaolin, Glycerin, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Bentonite, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lactic Acid, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Menthoxypropanediol, Persea Gratissima Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Mentha Piperita Oil, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Phytate, Xanthan Gum, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, CI 77289, CI 77891
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Lactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.
Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.
Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSalicylic 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 C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a cleansing agent made from a mixture of long chain sulfonate salts. It can also help produce foam.
This ingredient may be drying. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 30 ingredients
Olehenriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask 31 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
