Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil Versus Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum
Updated on July 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 1 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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
Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil 35 ingredients
Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum 36 ingredients
- Silybum Marianum Seed Oil
- Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
- Cucumis Sativus Seed Oil
- Punica Granatum Seed Oil
- Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil
- Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
- Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
- Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil
- Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil
- Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
- Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
- Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil
- Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
- Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil 35 ingredients
Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum 36 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Ingredients Side-by-side
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Silybum Marianum Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Cucumis Sativus Seed Oil is created from the seeds of the cucumber.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Punica Granatum Seed Oil is created from the seeds of the pomegranate. Pomegranate seed oil helps hydrate the skin, is anti-inflammatory, and contains antioxidants.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil is created from the seeds of the North American cranberry plant. This plant is native to eastern Canada.
Dimethyl Isosorbide is a solvent and helps deliver actives into your skin. It is created from sorbitol.
Oil 2 Concerns
Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil is the expressed oil from the dried ripe seed of the Linseed, Linum usitatissimum L., Linaceae
Caprylic Acid is a fatty acid commonly found in plant oils, such as palm and coconut oils.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Ethyl Linoleate is a fragrance and isn't fungal acne safe.
Another popular name for this ingredient is Synovea HR. This ingredient is a skin lightener and antioxidant.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.
Preservative 5 Benefits 4 Concerns
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.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil is oil from the kernels of the Apricot, Prunus armeniaca L., Rosaceae. This oil is non-fragrant and non-volatile.
2 Benefits
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil comes from the chamomile flower (like the tea you drink).
Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the flowers of the Bitter Orange, Citrus aurantium L. var. amara L., Rutaceae
Fragrance Oil Good for Oily Skin
This tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Tea Tree plant. Tea tree oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Helps hydrate Dry Skin 2 Concerns
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
Oil
Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil is the volatile oil expressed from the peel of the Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi, Rutaceae.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is from the Neem tree. Neem trees originate from India.
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract comes from the Holy Basil plant. Holy Basil is native to India.
Curcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.
Corallina Officinalis Extract is from the red seaweed, Corallina Officinalis. This seaweed is found all over the world but is most common in the rocky shores of Great Britain and Ireland.
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Not safe for Fungal Acne
This ingredient is the fixed oil extracted from seeds of the desert shrub Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil. The seed oil is liquid wax ester from the plant. It is non-comedogenic.
Pearl Powder is made by grinding up fresh-water or salt-water pearls. Pearls are rich in amino-acids, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and antioxidant compounds.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Moringa oleifera plant. It is more commonly known as Moringa seed oil.
Silybum Marianum Seed Oil, Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Cucumis Sativus Seed Oil, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Caprylic Acid, Ethyl Linoleate, Hexylresorcinol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Salicylic Acid, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Amino Esters-1, Pinus Pinaster Leaf Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Lawsonia Inermis Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Pearl Powder, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Water. 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.
C9-12 Alkane is synethically created using alkanes, or paraffins. It is added to products as a solvent. This means its main purpose is to help dissolve ingredients and create even texture.
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate is a modified starch used to help thicken a product.
Preservative 5 Benefits 4 Concerns
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.
Pentylene 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.
2 Benefits 2 Concerns
Mandelic Acid helps exfoliate skin. It also contains antioxidant properties.
Succinic acid is an odorless white powder. It is naturally found in our bodies but can also be derived from living organisms.
Fragaria Vesca Leaf Extract comes from the leaves of the wild strawberry plant.
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid derived from grains. This ingredient is effective in treating acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions.
Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.
6 Benefits
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
Saccharomyces Ferment is created from fermenting and filtering saccharomyces, a group of fungus that includes yeasts. It is a humectant and helps hydrate the skin.
Dextrin is used to thicken a product and helps bind ingredients together. It is created from starch and glycogen.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant and helps with skin conditioning.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is a natural preservative. It comes from fermenting radish roots with a bacteria called leuconostoc. Leuconostoc comes from lactic acid. This bacteria is used to make the traditional Korean side-dish, kimchi. It is also used to make sourdough bread (both incredibly yummy foods).
This ingredient comes from a fatty acid (lauric acid) and amino acid (lysine). It is used to add a silky feel to cosmetics.
Sodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of fatty acids. These fatty acids usually are a mixture of phosphoric acid's choline ester connected to stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Most lecithins are created from plant ingredients scuh as sunflower.
Aminomethyl Propanol is used to adjust the pH of products. It is also used as a base to create other organic compounds. Having a balanced pH is important for protecting your skin.
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
2 Concerns
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Water, Methylpropanediol, C9-12 Alkane, Fragaria Vesca Fruit Extract, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Salicylic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Mandelic Acid, Succinic Acid, Fragaria Vesca Leaf Extract, Azelaic Acid, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bisabolol, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract, Niacinamide, Glucosamine, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Dextrin, Polydextrose, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Amylopectin, Butylene Glycol, Succinoglycan, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Phytate, Lecithin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Parfum
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 AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil 35 ingredients
Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum 36 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil 35 ingredients
Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum 36 ingredients
sayumi
not worth it
feels sticky and fragrance is super strong ur better off getting a different exfoliant and its super expensive for what it is
