The Derma Co 30% AHA + 2% BHA Peeling Solution Versus Pilgrim Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide Oil Control Serum
Updated on February 13, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, 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
The Derma Co 30% AHA + 2% BHA Peeling Solution 20 ingredients
Pilgrim Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide Oil Control Serum 23 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Derma Co 30% AHA + 2% BHA Peeling Solution 20 ingredients
Pilgrim Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide Oil Control Serum 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Vaccinium Myrtillus Bud Extract
Antioxidant
Beta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Chamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin Conditioning
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Cucurbita Pepo Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propylene Glycol, Vaccinium Myrtillus Bud Extract, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cucurbita Pepo Seed Extract, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Propanediol
SolventCamellia Sinensis Extract
Antioxidant
Melia Azadirachta Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Sodium Lactate
BufferingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Heptyl Glucoside
Hydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Water, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Propanediol, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Melia Azadirachta Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Gluconate, Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Heptyl Glucoside, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
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 WaterSalicylic 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 AcidPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateXanthan 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.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateIngredient Ratings
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