Naturium Salicylic Acid Serum 2% Versus Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Acne Serum
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
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
Naturium Salicylic Acid Serum 2% 13 ingredients
Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Acne Serum 13 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Naturium Salicylic Acid Serum 2% 13 ingredients
Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Acne Serum 13 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Dimethicone
Emollient
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
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 a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Naturium Salicylic Acid Serum 2% 13 ingredients
Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Acne Serum 13 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Naturium Salicylic Acid Serum 2% 13 ingredients
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
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
Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Acne Serum 13 ingredients
great spot treatment
this absolutely will help flatten really large under-the-skin pimples, but I find it to be too drying and irritating to use all over the face. People with sensitive skin be careful! this BURNED my skin. luckily I didn't experience any breakouts using this. also, the smell is SO strong. this helps a lot with sebaceous filaments too
