The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque Versus Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne Treatment Gel
Updated on June 13, 2024
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils 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% Masque 19 ingredients
Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne Treatment Gel 47 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 19 ingredients
Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne Treatment Gel 47 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Squalane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventSilica Cetyl Silylate
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCharcoal Powder
Abrasive
4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Masking
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhytic Acid
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Kaolin, Squalane, Glycerin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Silica Cetyl Silylate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Pentylene Glycol, Charcoal Powder, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Sclerotium Gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Phytic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Triethanolamine
BufferingCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Polysorbate 85
Emulsifying
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningButyl Avocadate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingRetinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Steareth-3
EmulsifyingPEG-100 Stearate
Polyacrylate-13
Sucrose Distearate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSucrose Stearate
EmollientPolyisobutene
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Methyldihydrojasmonate
MaskingC12-14 Pareth-12
EmulsifyingEpilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Ethylene Brassylate
MaskingEthyl Linalool
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Isobutyl Methyl Tetrahydropyranol
MaskingMethylenedioxyphenyl Methylpropanal
Perfuming
Methylparaben
Preservative
Cystoseira Amentacea/Caespitosa Branchycarpa Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Gamma-Undecalactone
Perfuming
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Cyclamen Aldehyde
MaskingSodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Triethanolamine, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polysorbate 85, Propylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butyl Avocadate, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Retinyl Palmitate, Steareth-3, PEG-100 Stearate, Polyacrylate-13, Sucrose Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sucrose Stearate, Polyisobutene, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Titanium Dioxide, Methyldihydrojasmonate, C12-14 Pareth-12, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Polysorbate 20, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ethylene Brassylate, Ethyl Linalool, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Isobutyl Methyl Tetrahydropyranol, Methylenedioxyphenyl Methylpropanal, Methylparaben, Cystoseira Amentacea/Caespitosa Branchycarpa Extract, Chlorphenesin, Gamma-Undecalactone, Benzoic Acid, Cyclamen Aldehyde, Sodium Metabisulfite, CI 19140, CI 17200, CI 42090
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 WaterGlycerin 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 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 AcidPolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Chlorphenesin 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.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinPhenoxyethanol 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 products.
When to use
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 19 ingredients
Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne Treatment Gel 47 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 19 ingredients
The only mask good for my skin
DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, explore products carefully, mindfully, and have fun :) | (Skin profile: combination, slightly sensitive, textured, oily T-zone, enlarged pores) | For years I've struggled with top-layer exfoliation because any product I'd use would leave my skin red, irritated, and looking like tight plastic foil. I tried dozens of wet masks, Show more
Waay too harsh for my skin, doesnt do much..
But feels fun in the moment
