Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner Versus Sesderma AZELAC Lotion
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe toners. They have a total of 5 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 common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols and silicones
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
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner 21 ingredients
Sesderma AZELAC Lotion 10 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
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner 21 ingredients
Sesderma AZELAC Lotion 10 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingC12-15 Alkyl Lactate
EmollientParfum
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
PEG/PPG-20/6 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingBenzalkonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Cetyl Lactate
EmollientSodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
UV AbsorberDisodium EDTA
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentBlue 1 Lake
Cosmetic ColorantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantSalicylic Acid, Water, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Parfum, Sodium Citrate, Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, PEG/PPG-20/6 Dimethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzalkonium Chloride, Cetyl Lactate, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Blue 1 Lake, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, CI 19140
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying - mostly due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue, constricting pores and leaving your skin dried out.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is if this alcohol is near the end of an ingredients list, it will probably not affect your skin much.
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.PEG/PPG-20/6 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSalicylic 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 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner 21 ingredients
Sesderma AZELAC Lotion 10 ingredients
Reviews
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Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner 21 ingredients
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