The Face Shop Tea Tree Pore Clarifying Gel Cleanser Versus So True 2% Salicylic Acid + AHA Face Wash
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantLauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingPotassium Cocoyl Glycinate
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Alaninate
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingSalicylic Acid
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
MaskingVetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil
MaskingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCarnitine
CleansingSerine
MaskingArginine
MaskingCitric Acid
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantWater, Glycerin, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Salicylic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Carnitine, Serine, Arginine, Citric Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Gluconolactone, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantCocamidopropyl Betaine
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientSalicylic Acid
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Sinensis Peel Extract
PerfumingSodium PCA
HumectantZinc PCA
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeLactic Acid
BufferingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Coco-Glucoside, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Salicylic Acid, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Citrus Sinensis Peel Extract, Sodium PCA, Zinc PCA, Panthenol, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Lactic Acid, Sodium Gluconate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Coco-Glucoside is a surfactant, or a cleansing ingredient. It is made from glucose and coconut oil.
Surfactants help gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants from your skin to be rinsed away.
This ingredient is considered gentle and non-comedogenic. However, it may still be irritating for some.
Learn more about Coco-GlucosideEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinSalicylic 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, itβs 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water