Updated on July 18, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens 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 Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution 9 ingredients
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich 38 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution 9 ingredients
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich 38 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
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:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Ingredients Side-by-side
Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
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.
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.
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides isn't fungal acne safe.
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone is a synthetically created molecule made to mimic ginger extract.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
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.
Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol. It is primarily used to enhance the texture of products.
Urea is also called carbamide and is the diamide of carbonic acid. In cosmetics, urea is used to hydrate the skin. It also provides exfoliation in higher concentrations.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
2 Concerns
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Decyl Oleate comes from decyl alcohol and oleic acid.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
3 Concerns
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil comes from the grape vine. Grape seeds are a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine.
Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract is an antioxidant.
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Not safe for Fungal Acne
Persea Gratissima Oil is made by pressing dehydrated avocado fruit from the tree Persea gratissima, Lauraceae.
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a hydrating and moisturizing agent created from the reduction process of glucose.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
Antioxidant Helps brighten skin
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides isn't fungal acne safe.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It can be found naturally in our skin and hair.
Oil Not safe for Fungal Acne
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of the Olive. In other words - olive oil.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
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.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate is created from fermenting leuconostoc, a microorganism.
5 Concerns
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
Sorbitan Oleate is created from compounds in oleic acid and sorbitol. It is used to stabilize a product by preventing ingredients from separating.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Antioxidant 6 Benefits Not safe for Fungal Acne
Ascorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
Antioxidant 6 Benefits
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Water, Octyldodecanol, Urea, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Butter, Decyl Oleate, Zea Mays Germ Oil, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract, Persea Gratissima Oil, Sorbitol, Propanediol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Panthenol, Phytosterols, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate, Whey Filtrate, Alcohol, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Baicalin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Pantolactone, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglyceridePhenoxyethanol 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
When to use
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution 9 ingredients
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich 38 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution 9 ingredients
jesssimon
Started using this product around 3-4 months ago. I have noticed a complete transformation in my acne. I had been using products with “fatty...
Started using this product around 3-4 months ago. I have noticed a complete transformation in my acne. I had been using products with “fatty alcohols” (Cerave), and unfortunately broke out.. bad. I had a ton of deep painful spots, majority on my chin and forehead. This product completely cleared/healed those spots within one month of use. Since then I have noticed, if I do get a spot, it appears much smaller and heals much faster. Of course this might not work for everyone. But to me this is a holy grail. The Ordinary does have some hit or miss products but this has seriously saved my skin.
Sophfeah
makes my ENTIRE face red it does absolutely not work do not buy
it doesn't burn but it looks like you didn't put sunscreen on the next day and I...
makes my ENTIRE face red it does absolutely not work do not buy
it doesn't burn but it looks like you didn't put sunscreen on the next day and I didn't see any positive effects from using this product.
