Skin science article
Dr Sam’s Flawless Neutralising Gel Versus Paula's Choice Defense Antioxidant Pore Purifier
Dr Sam’s Flawless Neutralising Gel Versus Paula's Choice Defense Antioxidant Pore Purifier This acne treatment is formulated around Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and calm redness. This pore-care treatment is formulated around Ascorbyl Gluc
Dr Sam’s Flawless Neutralising Gel Versus Paula's Choice Defense Antioxidant Pore Purifier
This acne treatment is formulated around Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and calm redness.
This pore-care treatment is formulated around Ascorbyl Glucoside and Salicylic Acid to refine the look of pores and balance excess oil.
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Propylene Glycol
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Azelaic Acid
Squalane
Salicylic Acid
Glyceryl Stearate
Disodium EDTA
PEG-100 Stearate
Sodium Hydroxide
Bakuchiol
Water, Propylene Glycol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Azelaic Acid, Squalane, Salicylic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Disodium EDTA, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Bakuchiol
Propanediol
Butylene Glycol
Ethoxydiglycol
Glycerin
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Panthenol
Camellia Sinensis Callus
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Coffea Arabica Fruit Extract
Ceramide NP
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Niacinamide
Phytic Acid
Epigallocatechin Gallate
Adenosine
Ubiquinone
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
Sodium Hyaluronate
Lecithin
Centella Asiatica Extract
Sucrose Stearate
Glycine Soja Seed Extract
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Carbomer
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Caprylyl Glycol
Polysorbate 20
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Ethylhexylglycerin
Phenoxyethanol
Water, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Callus, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Coffea Arabica Fruit Extract, Ceramide NP, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Niacinamide, Phytic Acid, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Adenosine, Ubiquinone, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sucrose Stearate, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Carbomer, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
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.
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!