Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA + Azelaic Acid + Niacinamide + AHA Cleanser Versus Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense
Updated on August 29, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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
Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA + Azelaic Acid + Niacinamide + AHA Cleanser 25 ingredients
Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense 23 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA + Azelaic Acid + Niacinamide + AHA Cleanser 25 ingredients
Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingStearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Propanediol
SolventDisodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Bentonite
AbsorbentNiacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAzelaic Acid
Buffering
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolydextrose
HumectantDextrin
AbsorbentAmylopectin
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Stearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycolic Acid, Bentonite, Niacinamide, Sodium Hydroxide, Azelaic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polydextrose, Dextrin, Amylopectin, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Citric Acid
Buffering
Isopentyldiol
HumectantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract
Astringent
Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Lavandula Angustifolia Herb Oil
Perfuming
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMentha Viridis Leaf Oil
Astringent
Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Mandelic Acid, Citric Acid, Isopentyldiol, Maltodextrin, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Disodium EDTA, Lavandula Angustifolia Herb Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Linalool, Limonene
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 WaterCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is a synthetic cleansing agent, though it is derived from coconut oil.
It is used to enhance the texture of products by boosting lather and thickening the texture. As a cleanser, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is mild.
Sodium 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 HydroxideGlycerin 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 GlycerinEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Citric 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA + Azelaic Acid + Niacinamide + AHA Cleanser 25 ingredients
Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense 23 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA + Azelaic Acid + Niacinamide + AHA Cleanser 25 ingredients
I have acne prone skin hardcore! This cleanser is gentle enough for daily am&pm use but effective end and gives me definite results. I am dying to get the rest of the acne+ line up!
It actually cleared up my acne love the ingredients super gentle
Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense 23 ingredients
A great cleanser, i really liked it! I use it mornings and evenings and it really helped me cleanse my skin and get rid of active acne.
Feels very light on the skin but also don't forget to moisturize your skin after use.
