What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientKaolin
Abrasive
Hydrolyzed Algin
Zinc Sulfate
AntimicrobialBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Sarcosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Acetic Acid
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBiosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Isononyl Isononanoate, Kaolin, Hydrolyzed Algin, Zinc Sulfate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Sarcosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Acetic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Caprylyl Glycol, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum
Reviews
Alternatives
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 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 Water
