Fyne BHA Clarifying Serum Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant

Fyne BHA Clarifying Serum Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant

This acne serum is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Centella Asiatica Extract to clear breakouts and refine the look of pores.

This pore-care exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Phytosphingosine to refine the look of pores and refine skin texture.

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Water

Butylene Glycol

Methylpropanediol

Salicylic Acid

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer

Triethanolamine

Allantoin

Centella Asiatica Extract

Tetrasodium EDTA

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Phenoxyethanol

Glycerin

Propylene Glycol

Sodium Hyaluronate

Citrus Nobilis Peel Extract

Panthenol

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract

Citric Acid

Sodium Benzoate

Sorbic Acid

Water, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Salicylic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Triethanolamine, Allantoin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Nobilis Peel Extract, Panthenol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbic Acid

Polysorbate 20

Phytosphingosine

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract

Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract

Epilobium Angustifolium Extract

Bisabolol

Sodium Hydroxide

Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Salicylic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Extract, Bisabolol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide

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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.

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Methylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.

As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.

Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.

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.

Tetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.

Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water.

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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