This acne serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and refine the look of pores.
This acne serum is formulated around Salicylic Acid 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 ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Betaine
Humectant
PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Amylopectin
Dextrin
AbsorbentSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Malic Acid
Buffering
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Trehalose
Humectant
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentGlycolipids
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingHydrolyzed Royal Jelly Protein
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycosphingolipids
EmollientTriethanolamine
BufferingHydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
ChelatingPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Betaine, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Pentylene Glycol, Amylopectin, Dextrin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, Glycolic Acid, Ectoin, Malic Acid, Ceramide Ns, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tartaric Acid, Sodium Lactate, Oligopeptide-1, Propanediol, Allantoin, Ceramide AP, Trehalose, Cyclodextrin, Glycolipids, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pvp, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Hydrolyzed Royal Jelly Protein, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycosphingolipids, Triethanolamine, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Disodium EDTA, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, O-Cymen-5-Ol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPropanediol 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 PropanediolSalicylic 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
