Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Murad Outsmart Acne Clarifying Treatment
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 1%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Polymethylsilsesquioxane/Silica Crosspolymer
Dimethicone
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-10
Antimicrobial
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Glycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Zinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Honey Extract
Humectant
Sebacic Acid
Buffering10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid
Skin ConditioningSilver Citrate
AntimicrobialGlycerin
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Yeast Amino Acids
HumectantTrehalose
Humectant
Inositol
Humectant
Taurine
BufferingBetaine
Humectant
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,10-Decanediol
SolventDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Parfum
Masking
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantSalicylic Acid 1%, Water, Propanediol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane/Silica Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Oligopeptide-10, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycolic Acid, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Allantoin, Honey Extract, Sebacic Acid, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, Silver Citrate, Glycerin, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butylene Glycol, 1,10-Decanediol, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene, Linalool, Parfum, CI 42090, CI 19140
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, 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 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
