Somethinc 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Versus Somethinc 5% Mandelic Acid Mild Exfoliating Serum
Updated on January 30, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe . They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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
Somethinc 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment 20 ingredients
Somethinc 5% Mandelic Acid Mild Exfoliating Serum 14 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Somethinc 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment 20 ingredients
Somethinc 5% Mandelic Acid Mild Exfoliating Serum 14 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSalicylic 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
AntimicrobialWater, 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
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.
This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.
This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.
Learn more about HydroxyethylcellulosePentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Somethinc 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment 20 ingredients
Somethinc 5% Mandelic Acid Mild Exfoliating Serum 14 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Somethinc 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment 20 ingredients
Somethinc 5% Mandelic Acid Mild Exfoliating Serum 14 ingredients
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