What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
PEG-8
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningAcetamide Mea
HumectantPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientStrontium Chloride Hexahydrate
Skin ConditioningDiisopropyl Adipate
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Octadecenedioic Acid
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil
Masking
Dimethyl Sulfone
SolventArctium Majus Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Limon Peel Extract
EmollientFucus Vesiculosus Extract
Emollient
Hedera Helix Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningNasturtium Officinale Extract
Perfuming
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingSaponaria Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Silica
Abrasive
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Emulsifying
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Triethanolamine
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalyl Acetate
Masking
Citronellol
Perfuming
Hexamethylindanopyran
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Terpinolene
Perfuming
Propylene Glycol, Azelaic Acid, PEG-8, Water, Acetamide Mea, Polysorbate 20, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Strontium Chloride Hexahydrate, Diisopropyl Adipate, Dimethicone, Octadecenedioic Acid, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Dimethyl Sulfone, Arctium Majus Root Extract, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Hedera Helix Leaf Extract, Nasturtium Officinale Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Potassium Sorbate, Triethanolamine, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene, Linalyl Acetate, Citronellol, Hexamethylindanopyran, Linalool, Terpinolene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Azelaic acid is a multitasker ingredient that helps treat acne, pigmentation, and irritation. It is a great option for sensitive skin.
What makes it special?
OTC Azelaic acid is usually available in concentrations from 10-15% and anything over requires a prescription.
Here's what each tier does best:
Unlike other acids, azelaic acid will not make your skin more photosensitive/sun sensitive.
Though this ingredient is naturally occurring in grains like wheat, rye, and barley, it is usually synthetically created for cosmetics to ensure stability and effectiveness.
Learn more about Azelaic AcidSalicylic 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 Acid
