The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque Versus The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Mask
Updated on June 13, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both wash off masks. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and exfoliants
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, 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
The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Mask 28 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
The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Mask 28 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
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 ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Bentonite
Absorbent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Masking
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Methylpropanediol
SolventC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Skin ConditioningPolyurethane-35
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Charcoal
Abrasive
Chamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium PCA
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Kaolin, Bentonite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Ethoxydiglycol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Methylpropanediol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Polyurethane-35, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Salicylic Acid, Charcoal, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Xanthan Gum, Sodium PCA, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
4-T-Butylcyclohexanol has skin soothing and perfuming/masking properties.
A study from 2016 found it to have skin-soothing properties both in-vivo and in-vitro. It works by intercepting the signals of irritation and can soothe the skin in a few minutes.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient has a scent similar to musk or patchouli. Besides having a skin soothing effect, it can also help cover other unpleasant scents as a masking ingredient.
Learn more about 4-T-ButylcyclohexanolGlycerin 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 GlycerinKaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinPentylene 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.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Salicylic 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
The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Mask 28 ingredients
Reviews
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