Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus REVOX B77 Zitcare AHA BHA PHA Active Face Toner
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores.
This acne toner is formulated around Niacinamide and Gluconolactone to clear breakouts and refine skin texture.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Nasturtium Officinale Leaf Extract
Masking
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingUrea
Buffering
Gluconolactone
Chelating
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Malic Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Carica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Triethanolamine
BufferingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
ChelatingWater, Glycerin, Betaine, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Nasturtium Officinale Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Urea, Gluconolactone, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Alcohol Denat., Triethanolamine, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA
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 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
