Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Kate Somerville Eradikate Acne Mark Fading Gel
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCoconut Alkanes
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingSalicylic Acid
MaskingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventCetearyl Olivate
Polysilicone-11
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingMicrocitrus Australis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMicrocitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Glauca Fruit Extract
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDecyl Glucoside
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPolyglyceryl-3 Caprate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Zinc PCA
HumectantThymol
AntimicrobialTerpineol
MaskingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolydextrose
HumectantDextrin
AbsorbentAmylopectin
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Coconut Alkanes, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Methicone, Glycerin, Propanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Polysilicone-11, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Sorbitan Olivate, Carbomer, Microcitrus Australis Fruit Extract, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Citrus Glauca Fruit Extract, Sodium Lactate, Phytosphingosine, Adenosine, Decyl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium PCA, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Maltodextrin, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Butylene Glycol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Polysorbate 20, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Zinc PCA, Thymol, Terpineol, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polydextrose, Dextrin, Amylopectin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
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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 GlycolPolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Salicylic 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, itβs 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 Water