Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - US Versus Neutrogena Clear & Defend 1% Salicylic Acid 2-In-1 Wash Mask - Sweden
Updated on February 08, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 2 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, oily skin and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, oils, parabens, silicones 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 Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 8 ingredients
Neutrogena Clear & Defend 1% Salicylic Acid 2-In-1 Wash Mask 22 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 8 ingredients
Neutrogena Clear & Defend 1% Salicylic Acid 2-In-1 Wash Mask 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Glycerin
Humectant
Kaolin
Abrasive
Bentonite
AbsorbentSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTrideceth-9
EmulsifyingC12-15 Alkyl Lactate
EmollientSalicylic Acid
Masking
Cetyl Lactate
EmollientCocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Menthol
Masking
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
PEG-5 Ethylhexanoate
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Benzalkonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Parfum
Masking
Glycerin, Kaolin, Bentonite, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, CI 77891, Trideceth-9, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Salicylic Acid, Cetyl Lactate, Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Menthol, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-5 Ethylhexanoate, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Benzalkonium Chloride, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Salicylic 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 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 HydroxideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 8 ingredients
Neutrogena Clear & Defend 1% Salicylic Acid 2-In-1 Wash Mask 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 8 ingredients
The first night I used Paula’s choice exfoliant just once, it cleaned up my skin scraping it whole, I was left GLOWING but it felt kind of tight like I had been using corsx salicylic acid for 3 days straight, it takes some getting used to, to the extent that the instructions literally say to start off once a week and slowly build your usage up overtime, it’s really strong but does the job well. Show more
Blackheads? Gone. Dry flakes? Gone. Nose? Smooth. Clogged pores who? My skin tends to be sensitive at times but it could easily handle this product.
