Naturium Sulfur Spot Treatment 8% Versus iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Pimple Paste Overnight Blemish Drying Paste
This acne treatment is formulated around Sulfur and Kaolin to clear breakouts and balance excess oil.
This acne treatment is formulated around Kaolin and Salix Alba Bark Extract to clear breakouts and balance excess oil.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Sulfur 8%
Antiseborrhoeic
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Propanediol
Solvent
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Ganoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin Protecting
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Citric Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sulfur 8%, Water, Kaolin, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Niacinamide, Acacia Senegal Gum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tranexamic Acid, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Bentonite
Absorbent
Propanediol
Solvent
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Sulfur
Antiseborrhoeic
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Absorbent
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Silica
Abrasive
Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Oil
Masking
Origanum Vulgare Leaf Oil
Masking
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Sulfate
Zinc Sulfate
Antimicrobial
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil
Masking
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Genipa Americana Extract
Skin ConditioningArginine
Masking
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingCitric Acid
Buffering
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingAlgin
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Phytate
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Kaolin, Bentonite, Propanediol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Sulfur, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Silica, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Oil, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Genipa Americana Extract, Arginine, Acacia Senegal Gum, Citric Acid, Cellulose Gum, Algin, Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Phytate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydroxyacetophenone, CI 77891
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Acacia Senegal Gum has skin soothing, thickening, and formulation stabilizing properties. It comes from the Acacia tree that is native to sub-Saharan Africa.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is the filtered, stabilized liquid pressed from the inner gel of the aloe vera leaf.
In cosmetics, it shows up as either soothing active or a water-replacement base. It is roughly 98-99% water and the last 1-2% is an interesting mix of polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
The polysaccharides do most of the work: they bind water at the skin surface for a light, non-greasy hydration boost. And one of the polysaccharides, glycomannan, is linked to fibroblast stimulation + collagen synthesis. This is also why aloe has such a long track record in wound and burn healing.
This ingredient is also calming with anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity, making it a great pick for sensitive, irritated, or post-sun skin.
Realistic expectations matter though; the solid evidence is mostly limited to hydration, soothing, and wound support. Deeper claims about anti-aging or sun protection are not well backed, and science reviews note it does not prevent radiation-induced skin injury.
Because it plays well with almost everything, it's commonly used as a base alongside other actives like niacinamide or vitamin C.
Typical usage concentrations range from 0.5% (where hydration benefits already show up) all the way to 90%+ (where it replaces water as the main base).
The safety for this ingredient is well-establish as well. Overall, this is a great supporting ingredient for those who want a boost in hydration.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidKaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinPropanediol 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 PropanediolSulfur is a commonly occurring element on Earth (and our universe!). In cosmetics, it helps kill bacteria, reduces sebum, and provides exfoliation. This makes it an effective ingredient to reduce breakouts and fight acne.
As a ketayolytic agent, it breaks down the top layer of skin. This is a form of exfoliation and may help decrease acne and hyperpigmentation.
Studies show sulfur has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Sulfur can be drying if used excessively or at higher concentrations. We recommend speaking with a medical professional if you have any concerns.
Ancient Greece, India, China, and Egypt have used sulfur in both traditional medicines and for household use.
Learn more about SulfurWater. 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. Remember to 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 Gum
