What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Glycolic Acid 3.5%
BufferingDierucic Acid 2%
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid 1.5%
MaskingCitric Acid 0.5%
BufferingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialWater
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventDiisopropyl Adipate
EmollientOctadecenedioic Acid
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingHydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingPolyquaternium-10
Tocopherol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientGlycolic Acid 3.5%, Dierucic Acid 2%, Salicylic Acid 1.5%, Citric Acid 0.5%, Alcohol Denat., Water, Methylpropanediol, Diisopropyl Adipate, Octadecenedioic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Polyquaternium-10, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Salicylic Acid 2%
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningPEG-32
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPvm/Ma Decadiene Crosspolymer
Niacinamide
SmoothingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantNordihydroguaiaretic Acid
AntioxidantZinc Gluconate
Skin ConditioningZinc Acetate
AntimicrobialMahonia Aquifolium Root Extract
AstringentLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
MaskingCamellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentSpiraea Ulmaria Extract
AstringentAesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCrithmum Maritimum Extract
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingSalvia Officinalis Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
MaskingGeranium Maculatum Oil
MaskingZingiber Officinale Root Oil
MaskingCymbopogon Martini Oil
MaskingCymbopogon Nardus Oil
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningCamphor
Masking10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid
Skin ConditioningSebacic Acid
BufferingCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning1,10-Decanediol
SolventOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingAmmonium Glycyrrhizate
MaskingPropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPEG-60 Almond Glycerides
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingSalicylic Acid 2%, Water, PEG-32, Butylene Glycol, Pvm/Ma Decadiene Crosspolymer, Niacinamide, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Zinc Gluconate, Zinc Acetate, Mahonia Aquifolium Root Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum Seed Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Yeast Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Salvia Officinalis Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Zingiber Officinale Root Oil, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Cymbopogon Nardus Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Biotin, Panthenol, Caffeine, Camphor, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, Sebacic Acid, Ceramide AP, 1,10-Decanediol, Oleanolic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol
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, itβs 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water