Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Versus Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA + Azelaic Acid + Niacinamide + AHA Cleanser
Updated on August 29, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 7 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 harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster 21 ingredients
Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA + Azelaic Acid + Niacinamide + AHA Cleanser 25 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster 21 ingredients
Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA + Azelaic Acid + Niacinamide + AHA Cleanser 25 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAzelaic Acid
Buffering
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMethyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract
Skin Protecting
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Azelaic Acid, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone, Salicylic Acid, Adenosine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingStearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Propanediol
SolventDisodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Bentonite
AbsorbentNiacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAzelaic Acid
Buffering
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolydextrose
HumectantDextrin
AbsorbentAmylopectin
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Stearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycolic Acid, Bentonite, Niacinamide, Sodium Hydroxide, Azelaic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polydextrose, Dextrin, Amylopectin, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. 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 WaterAzelaic 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 AcidGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinSalicylic 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 AcidXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster 21 ingredients
Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA + Azelaic Acid + Niacinamide + AHA Cleanser 25 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster 21 ingredients
Did nothing for my fungal acne. Actually did nothing at all.
(Compared to my cheap no-name Russian brand Azelaic acid cream which worked wonders).
Paula's Choice at it again with cetearyl alcohol high up on the ingredient list. I'm disappointed by their ingredients fairly consistently now.
Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA + Azelaic Acid + Niacinamide + AHA Cleanser 25 ingredients
I have acne prone skin hardcore! This cleanser is gentle enough for daily am&pm use but effective end and gives me definite results. I am dying to get the rest of the acne+ line up!
It actually cleared up my acne love the ingredients super gentle
