Slurp Decalt Versus Medik8 Press and Clear Tonic
This pore-care treatment is formulated around Gluconolactone and Salicylic Acid to refine the look of pores and refine skin texture.
This acne toner is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Tranexamic 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 ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientSalicylic Acid
MaskingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantSqualane
EmollientVolcanic Ash Extract
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingSea Water
HumectantArtemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantJuniperus Mexicana Oil
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingAmyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
MaskingAnthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
MaskingEthyl Hexanediol
SolventWater, Propanediol, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arginine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Squalane, Volcanic Ash Extract, Trehalose, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sea Water, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Ethyl Hexanediol
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycereth-26
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingTranexamic Acid
AstringentDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventCyclodextrin
AbsorbentAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantLecithin
EmollientOryza Sativa Lees Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantSclerotium Gum
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPullulan
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeButeth-3
SolventHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantSodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
UV AbsorberTributyl Citrate
SolventPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSilica
AbrasiveSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Propanediol, Glycereth-26, Salicylic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Cyclodextrin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Lecithin, Oryza Sativa Lees Extract, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sclerotium Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pullulan, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Phenoxyethanol, Buteth-3, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Tributyl Citrate, Potassium Sorbate, Silica, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolHydroxyacetophenone is a small phenolic molecule that earns its place in a formulas as an antioxidant and preservative booster.
As a phenol, it is able to neutralize free radicals to protect both the product and the skin from oxidative stress.
Though it can't kill microbes on its own, it works as a good supporting agent when combined with other preservatives like Phenoxyethanol or 1,2-Hexanediol.
This ingredient naturally occurs as piceol in Norwegian spruce needles (~0.4-1.1% dry weight and in cloudberries). Though the cosmetic-grade material is synthesized for purity and consistency.
You'll usually see it used at low levels and suppliers recommend up to 1% added to a water phase.
Safety testing was done at concentrations like 0.05% in SPF products and 0.5% in a Human Repeated Insult Patch Test. The safety evidence is assuring; this ingredient is safe for cosmetics in current use and also holds safety status as a food flavoring as well.
An honest caveat: the "soothing" and "anti-inflammatory" claims come mostly from supplier marketing rather than published clinical trials. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review's own literature search found no useful efficacy studies on this ingredient.
So the antioxidant and preservative-boosting roles are the well supported ones while the calming benefit is plausible but thinly evidenced.
Overall, this is a well-tolerated, low-irritation multitasker that quietly helps a formula stay fresh and stable.
Learn more about HydroxyacetophenonePropanediol 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