Puca – Pure & Care 2% BHA Peeling Serum Versus Apolosophy Active+ Hydroxy Acid Peeling Mask
Updated on October 03, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe . They have a total of 4 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, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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
Puca – Pure & Care 2% BHA Peeling Serum 19 ingredients
Apolosophy Active+ Hydroxy Acid Peeling Mask 11 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Puca – Pure & Care 2% BHA Peeling Serum 19 ingredients
Apolosophy Active+ Hydroxy Acid Peeling Mask 11 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Corn Gluten Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
SolventSodium Polyglutamate
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
MaskingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tremella Fuciformis Extract
Humectant
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Water, Butylene Glycol, Corn Gluten Amino Acids, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Salicylic Acid, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Sodium Polyglutamate, Dipropylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Sodium Polyacrylate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinSalicylic 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 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Puca – Pure & Care 2% BHA Peeling Serum 19 ingredients
Apolosophy Active+ Hydroxy Acid Peeling Mask 11 ingredients
Reviews
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