Versus

Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% Versus Naturium Salicylic Acid Serum 2%

Serum
Serum
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on June 05, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, brightening skin, oily skin and reducing pores

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

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.

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 Water
Solvent

Propanediol 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 Propanediol
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol
Preservative

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.

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.

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 Gum

When to use

468 Routines
48% use in am
52% use in pm
94% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
59 Routines
42% use in am
58% use in pm
71% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% 16 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (2) Light (2) Great Value (1)
MichelleR's avatar

MichelleR

1 year ago
Review

I really do love this product. The mix of niacinamide and zinc underneath my sunscreen make me feel super protected during the day. Especially since I cannot tolerate Vitamin C as my antioxidant. And this pairs super well with Paula's Choice BHA Gel Exfoliant on days where I'm having acne breakouts. I <3 it here!

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent
seandupont1's avatar

Noner Seaner

9 months ago
Review

It has helped my skins redness go way down after a couple uses. But after a while my redness and acne kind of came back worse..

#expensive
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well

Naturium Salicylic Acid Serum 2% 13 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (2) Great Value (2) Light (2)
MichelleR's avatar

MichelleR

1 year ago
Review

I typically use Salicylic Acid made by Paula’s Choice (2% BHA Gel and 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliants). It’s interesting, that even though I already have two other Sal Acid products in my regimen, I believe there is a place for this one as well.

I use the 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant at night when I am having breakouts and need to leave a sort of gentle Sal Acid layer on overnight, to purge my skin.
I use Show more

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent
pressleytoney's avatar

pressley toney

7 months ago
Review

This is a new holy grail product for me. I suffer with really bad hormonal acne that randomly appears, and this product completely cleared it up in a little over a week. definitely recommend

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well