Cocokind Postbiotic Acne Serum Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Cocokind Postbiotic Acne Serum Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This acne serum is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Gluconolactone to clear breakouts and refine skin texture.

This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores.

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Salicylic Acid 1.5%

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Propanediol

Glycerin

Sodium Citrate

Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract

Gluconolactone

Lysolecithin

Sclerotium Gum

Maltodextrin

Sodium Benzoate

Sodium Hydroxide

Pullulan

Xanthan Gum

Lactobacillus Ferment

Tocopherol

Silica

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Calcium Gluconate

Beta-Glucan

1,2-Hexanediol

Caprylyl Glycol

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract

Salicylic Acid 1.5%, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Citrate, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract, Gluconolactone, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Maltodextrin, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Lactobacillus Ferment, Tocopherol, Silica, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Calcium Gluconate, Beta-Glucan, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract

Water

Methylpropanediol

Butylene Glycol

Salicylic Acid

Polysorbate 20

Camellia Oleifera Leaf

Tetrasodium EDTA

Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Camellia Oleifera Leaf, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA

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 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.

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