Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Microdermabrasion Blackhead Eliminator Versus Philosophy Pore Extractor Clay Mask
Updated on February 05, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both wash off masks. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and exfoliants
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 oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols and fragrances
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
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Microdermabrasion Blackhead Eliminator 22 ingredients
Philosophy Pore Extractor Clay Mask 27 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Peter Thomas Roth Pro Strength Microdermabrasion Blackhead Eliminator 22 ingredients
Philosophy Pore Extractor Clay Mask 27 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningAlumina
Abrasive
Bentonite
AbsorbentKaolin
Abrasive
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Protease
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid 2%, Water, Alumina, Bentonite, Kaolin, Maltodextrin, Propanediol, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citric Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polysorbate 20, Protease, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, T-Butyl Alcohol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Solum Diatomeae
Abrasive
Propanediol
SolventBentonite
AbsorbentDecyl Glucoside
CleansingAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Polysilicone-11
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium PCA
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Parfum
Masking
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Linalool
Perfuming
Disodium EDTA
Limonene
Perfuming
Laureth-12
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Geraniol
Perfuming
Vanillyl Butyl Ether
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Kaolin, Solum Diatomeae, Propanediol, Bentonite, Decyl Glucoside, Alcohol Denat., Lauryl Glucoside, Propylene Glycol, Polysilicone-11, Pvp, Xanthan Gum, Salicylic Acid, Sodium PCA, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Linalool, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Laureth-12, Phenoxyethanol, Geraniol, Vanillyl Butyl Ether, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 77891
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 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 WaterBentonite is an aluminium phyllosilicate clay with great absorbent properties. The name 'bentonite' comes from the area where the largest source is found: Fort Benton, Wyoming.
As a clay, bentonite is often used to absorb excess oil and provide exfoliation. It has also been shown to have some antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show bentonite was effective at calming dermatitis from poison ivy and in diaper dermatitis of infants. Bentonite has also been shown to act as a barrier against toxic compounds on your skin.
Sunscreens containing bentonite display higher water resistance and stay on the skin for much longer. The sunscreens containing bentonite also show higher potency and UV light absorbtion.
Bentonite is naturally created from volcanic ash and several natural weathering/hydrothermal processes.
A common usage of bentonite is removing excess protein from white wines. Bentonite contains a property of being able to absorb large amounts of protein from aqueous solutions.
Phyllosilicate clay has a structure formed by sheets.
Learn more about BentoniteKaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Ingredient Ratings
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