Olehenriksen Violet Ice Cold Plunge Pore Mask Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This wash off mask is formulated around Betaine Salicylate to clear breakouts and unclog pores.
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Juniperus Communis Fruit Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Betaine Salicylate
Antimicrobial
Lactobacillus/Salix Purpurea Bark Ferment Extract
AntiseborrhoeicMenthoxypropanediol
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Phytate
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Kaolin, Glycerin, Propanediol, Juniperus Communis Fruit Water, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Polyacrylate, Betaine Salicylate, Lactobacillus/Salix Purpurea Bark Ferment Extract, Menthoxypropanediol, Salicylic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Decyl Glucoside, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Phytate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, CI 77742
Reviews
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 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 AcidSodium 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 HydroxideWater. 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 Water
