The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution Versus Good Molecules BHA Clarify Gel Cream
Updated on March 04, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 3 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 common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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% Solution 11 ingredients
Good Molecules BHA Clarify Gel Cream 25 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% Solution 11 ingredients
Good Molecules BHA Clarify Gel Cream 25 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Diheptyl Succinate
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTriethyl Citrate
Masking
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil
Humectant
Bisabolol
Masking
Punica Granatum Seed Oil
Emollient
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Diglucosyl Gallic Acid
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Water, Propanediol, Diheptyl Succinate, Glycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Salicylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethyl Citrate, Benzoic Acid, Allantoin, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Bisabolol, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Diglucosyl Gallic Acid, T-Butyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
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 AcidPhenoxyethanol 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.
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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 11 ingredients
Good Molecules BHA Clarify Gel Cream 25 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 11 ingredients
The BHA didnt remove my acne, the clogged pores, and the sebaceous filaments. I've been using it for 4 months, and my acne condition is still the same.
Good Molecules BHA Clarify Gel Cream 25 ingredients
I'm in my second tube and using it daily it have cleared up my bumps in my forehead and my acne around my cheeks.
first impression: i accidentally used WAY too much and it BURNED. it hurt so bad i genuinely saw stars but i didn’t wanna wipe off the skincare under it so i kept it on as an overnight mask (because of how much i used there was no way i could rub it in lol) but when i woke up, every last blackhead on my forehead was gone and i had a lot. for the first use, thats kinda crazy.
general impression: Show more
