Cosmoderm Niacinamide Salicylic Acid Calming Toner Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Cosmoderm Niacinamide Salicylic Acid Calming Toner Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This acne toner is formulated around Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and balance excess oil.

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

Water

Alcohol Denat.

Niacinamide

Dipropylene Glycol

Ethoxydiglycol

Panthenol

Polysorbate 20

Salicylic Acid

Sodium Carbonate

Lactic Acid

Mentha Piperita Oil

Biosaccharide Gum-1

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Parfum

Phenoxyethanol

Benzyl Alcohol

Ethylhexylglycerin

Water, Alcohol Denat., Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Panthenol, Polysorbate 20, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Carbonate, Lactic Acid, Mentha Piperita Oil, Biosaccharide Gum-1, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin

Methylpropanediol

Butylene Glycol

Camellia Oleifera Leaf

Sodium Hydroxide

Tetrasodium EDTA

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

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.

It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.

The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.

Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).

True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.

Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.

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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