This acne serum is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Zinc PCA to clear breakouts and refine the look of pores.
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Papain and Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zea Mays Starch
Absorbent
Microcrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Cleansing
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate
SurfactantDiglycerin
Humectant
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Aspergillus/Rice Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningPapain
Skin Conditioning
Prunus Mume Fruit Extract
Humectant
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycerin
Humectant
Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Vigna Radiata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Zea Mays Starch, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Diglycerin, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Aspergillus/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Papain, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Salicylic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Allantoin, Vigna Radiata Seed Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Maltodextrin, Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinMaltodextrin is a plant-derived carbohydrate made by breaking down starch (usually from corn, potato, or rice). In cosmetic formulas, it's a multitasking absorbent, emulsion stabilizer, and skin conditioner.
This ingredient is mostly used to stabilize emulsions and improve the powdery, non-greasy feel of products (like dry shampoos).
Safety-wise, this ingredient is pretty solid; it's even recognized as a food additive. Both animal and clinical studies found no adverse effects at the levels used in cosmetics.
Industry data shows this ingredient is used up to 45.7% in spray products and up to 33% in powder products.
Learn more about MaltodextrinSalicylic 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
