Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Dot & Key Skincare Cica + 2% Salicylic Acid Skin Clearing Face Serum
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores.
This acne serum is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Centella Asiatica Extract to clear breakouts and calm redness.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthoxydiglycol
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Glycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide As
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingC18-22 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxypropyl Guar
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Water, Ethoxydiglycol, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Lactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Zinc PCA, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide NP, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Cholesterol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Gluconolactone, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Water, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Benzoic Acid, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, C18-22 Hydroxyalkyl Hydroxypropyl Guar, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Gluconate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene 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 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
