The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque Versus Revolution Beauty Targeted Blemish Serum 2% Salicylic Acid
Updated on June 13, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, 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 Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 19 ingredients
Revolution Beauty Targeted Blemish Serum 2% Salicylic Acid 24 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 19 ingredients
Revolution Beauty Targeted Blemish Serum 2% Salicylic Acid 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Squalane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventSilica Cetyl Silylate
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Pentylene 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 ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Eugenol
Perfuming
Water, Propanediol, Polysorbate 20, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Alcohol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hydroxycitronellal, Eugenol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 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 20Salicylic 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan 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 GumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque 19 ingredients
Revolution Beauty Targeted Blemish Serum 2% Salicylic Acid 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
