Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner Versus S'he vec Slyc-Alright 2% Salicylic Acid + Copper Peptide + Laurus Nobilis

Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner Versus S'he vec Slyc-Alright 2% Salicylic Acid + Copper Peptide + Laurus Nobilis

This smoothing toner is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Salix Alba Bark Extract to refine skin texture and clear breakouts.

This acne toner is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Copper Tripeptide-1 to clear breakouts and refine the look of pores.

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Water

Dipropylene Glycol

1,2-Hexanediol

Salicylic Acid

C12-14 Pareth-12

Octyldodeceth-16

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract

Pentylene Glycol

Salix Alba Bark Extract

Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract

Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract

Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract

Pueraria Lobata Root Extract

Centella Asiatica Extract

Ficus Carica Fruit Extract

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium Citrate

Citric Acid

Xanthan Gum

Disodium EDTA

Tocopherol

Ceramide NP

Butylene Glycol

Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Potassium Hyaluronate

Hyaluronic Acid

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate

Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Ethylhexylglycerin

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, C12-14 Pareth-12, Octyldodeceth-16, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Butylene Glycol, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin

Laurus Nobilis Leaf Water

Glycolic Acid

Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate

Magnesium Aspartate

Niacinamide

Zinc PCA

Panthenol

Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract

Zinc Gluconate

Lactic Acid

Tartaric Acid

Malic Acid

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

Glycerin

Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract

Citrus Medica Fruit Juice Extract

Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract

Saccharum Officinarum Extract

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract

Caprylyl Glycol

Phenoxyethanol

Copper Gluconate

Copper Tripeptide-1

Water, Laurus Nobilis Leaf Water, Glycolic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Salicylic Acid, Magnesium Aspartate, Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, Panthenol, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract, Citrus Medica Fruit Juice Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Copper Gluconate, Copper Tripeptide-1

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Alternatives

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.

Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.

However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.

Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.

In skincare formulas, citric acid can:

While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.

Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.

Rosacea skin has a lower threshold for acids generally, with 62.5% of rosacea subjects in one study reacting to lactic acid in a sting test. This is why we mark citric acid as a potential rosacea trigger.

However, this ingredient shows up as a pH adjuster or chelator at roughly 0.1-1% in many products. These low levels are unlikely to be an issue for rosacea skin and becomes a potential trigger at exfoliating concentrations (20%). Because everybody's skin is unique, we recommend a patch test if you are unsure.

Pentylene Glycol (1,2-pentanediol) is a multitasking little diol with three main roles in a formula:

Research on alkanediols (the family pentylene glycol belongs to) show they work by disrupting microbial cell membranes. This disruption helps the primary preservative system in a product work more effectively at lower doses.

On the safety side, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in current cosmetic practices + concentrations.

Typical use levels in a formula run about 1-5%.

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.

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. Remember to stay hydrated!

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