Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Acne Serum Versus Bliss Pro 11.8% AHA, BHA, PHA Liquid Exfoliant
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan and reef safe . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, BHA and PHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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
Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Acne Serum 13 ingredients
Bliss Pro 11.8% AHA, BHA, PHA Liquid Exfoliant 26 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Acne Serum 13 ingredients
Bliss Pro 11.8% AHA, BHA, PHA Liquid Exfoliant 26 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
Water
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Propanediol
SolventSodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Sodium Surfactin
CleansingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Resveratrol
Antioxidant
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCeramide Ng
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Succinate
Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate
Emulsifying
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingTetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Citrate, Gluconolactone, Salicylic Acid, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Surfactin, Allantoin, Resveratrol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Ceramide Ng, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Succinate, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid
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 WaterGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneSodium 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
Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Acne Serum 13 ingredients
Bliss Pro 11.8% AHA, BHA, PHA Liquid Exfoliant 26 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
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
