Updated on March 21, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe toners. They have a total of 4 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, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols
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
Papa Recipe Trouble AC Toner 22 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
Papa Recipe Trouble AC Toner 22 ingredients
Sesderma AZELAC Lotion 10 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Pinus Radiata Bark Extract
Antioxidant
Wine Extract
Antioxidant
Soy Isoflavones
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Ammonium Hydroxide
BufferingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Water, Propylene Glycol, Beta-Glucan, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Pinus Radiata Bark Extract, Wine Extract, Soy Isoflavones, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Azelaic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Caprylate, Propanediol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
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 naturally occurring acid derived from grains. This ingredient is effective in treating acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions.
It has been shown to reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce inflammation. On top of that, it helps reduce the production of sebum and unclog pores.
Azelaic Acid also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect our skin cells from free-radical damage.
One of the main benefits of azelaic acid is that it is gentle and well-tolerated by most people.
Fun fact: The lab-created form of azelaic acid is typically used within cosmetic products for its shelf-stability.
Learn more about Azelaic AcidPropylene 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
Papa Recipe Trouble AC Toner 22 ingredients
Sesderma AZELAC Lotion 10 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
