This acne treatment is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Zinc Sulfate to clear breakouts and refine the look of pores.
This acne serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and strengthen the skin barrier.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Trehalose
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberDisodium EDTA
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingTriethanolamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Algin
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantPhragmites Karka Extract
Skin ConditioningPoria Cocos Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Zinc Sulfate
Antimicrobial
Water, Acacia Senegal Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Trehalose, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Triethanolamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Algin, CI 19140, Phragmites Karka Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, CI 17200, Phenoxyethanol, Zinc Sulfate
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Methyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
PEG-8
HumectantSalicylic Acid
Masking
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Mirabilis Jalapa Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Silica
Abrasive
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Disodium EDTA
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Isostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Deoxyphytantriyl Palmitamide Mea
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Cholesterol
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Water, Niacinamide, Methyl Gluceth-20, Glycerin, PEG-8, Salicylic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Ceramide NP, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Lactobacillus Ferment, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Mirabilis Jalapa Extract, Propanediol, Silica, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Maltodextrin, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Chlorphenesin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Isostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Sodium Hydroxide, Pentylene Glycol, Deoxyphytantriyl Palmitamide Mea, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
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 GlycolDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAPentylene Glycol (1,2-pentanediol) is a multitasking little diol with three main roles in a formula:
Research on alkanediols (the family pentylene glycol belongs to) show they work by disrupting microbial cell membranes. This disruption helps the primary preservative system in a product work more effectively at lower doses.
On the safety side, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in current cosmetic practices + concentrations.
Typical use levels in a formula run about 1-5%.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolSalicylic 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
