Skin science article
Geek & Gorgeous Porefectly Clear Versus Paula's Choice Calm 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant
Geek & Gorgeous Porefectly Clear Versus Paula's Choice Calm 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant This pore-care serum is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Sarcosine to refine the look of pores and clear breakouts. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around S
Geek & Gorgeous Porefectly Clear Versus Paula's Choice Calm 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant
This pore-care serum is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Sarcosine to refine the look of pores and clear breakouts.
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Allantoin to refine skin texture and calm redness.
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Pentylene Glycol
Dipropylene Glycol
Methyl Gluceth-20
Salicylic Acid
Butylene Glycol
Sarcosine
Allantoin
Sodium Hydroxide
Xanthan Gum
Disodium EDTA
Water, Pentylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Salicylic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Sarcosine, Allantoin, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA
Methylpropanediol
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
C15-19 Alkane
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Propanediol
Inulin
Caprylyl Glycol
Tocopherol
Ethylhexylglycerin
Hexylene Glycol
Sorbitan Isostearate
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Glycerin
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Albatrellus Confluens Extract
Glycine Soja Oil
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Galactoarabinan
Citric Acid
Schizophyllan
Maltodextrin
Phenoxyethanol
Water, Methylpropanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, C15-19 Alkane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Salicylic Acid, Propanediol, Inulin, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Tocopherol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Glycerin, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Albatrellus Confluens Extract, Glycine Soja Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Galactoarabinan, Citric Acid, Schizophyllan, Maltodextrin, 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.
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
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!