This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores.
This acne toner is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide to clear breakouts and refine the look of pores.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Tetrasodium EDTA
Parfum
Masking
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Hexamidine Diisethionate
Emollient
Water, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Niacinamide, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycolic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Tocopherol, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Allantoin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Parfum, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Propylene Glycol, Hexamidine Diisethionate
Reviews
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 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 HydroxideTetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.
Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water.
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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
