Skin science article
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant This wash off mask is formulated around Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and unclog pores. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to r
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This wash off mask is formulated around Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and unclog pores.
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
Glycolic Acid
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Glycerin
Sodium Hydroxide
Salicylic Acid
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract
Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Silybum Marianum Seed Extract
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Vitis Vinifera Juice Extract
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder
Cicer Arietinum Seed Powder
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Sodium PCA
Allantoin
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Dextrin
Polydextrose
Sorbitan Isostearate
Amylopectin
Niacinamide
Phytosphingosine
Lactic Acid
Propanediol
Citric Acid
Titanium Dioxide
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Polysorbate 60
Caprylyl Glycol
Chlorphenesin
Phenoxyethanol
Water, Glycolic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Silybum Marianum Seed Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Vitis Vinifera Juice Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Cicer Arietinum Seed Powder, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium PCA, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Dextrin, Polydextrose, Sorbitan Isostearate, Amylopectin, Niacinamide, Phytosphingosine, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Citric Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol
Methylpropanediol
Butylene Glycol
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.
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!