Skin science article
Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum Versus The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum
Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum Versus The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum This pore-care serum is formulated around Rosa Damascena Flower Water and Niacinamide to refine the look of pores and clear breakouts. This acne
Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum Versus The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Serum
This pore-care serum is formulated around Rosa Damascena Flower Water and Niacinamide to refine the look of pores and clear breakouts.
This acne serum is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Zinc PCA to clear breakouts and refine the look of pores.
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Alcohol
Niacinamide
Butylene Glycol
Palmitoyl Grape Seed Extract
Xanthan Gum
Salicylic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate
Tocopherol
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Sodium Hydroxide
Mentha Piperita Oil
Citral
Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Citronellol
Geraniol
Sodium Phytate
Linalool
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil
Limonene
Water, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Alcohol, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Grape Seed Extract, Xanthan Gum, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Mentha Piperita Oil, Citral, Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Citronellol, Geraniol, Sodium Phytate, Linalool, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil, Limonene
Propanediol
Betaine
Zinc PCA
Phenoxyethanol
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Maltodextrin
Ethylhexylglycerin
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Water, Propanediol, Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Maltodextrin, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
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.
Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
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!