IMAGE skincare Clear Cell Clarifying Salicylic Tonic Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

IMAGE skincare Clear Cell Clarifying Salicylic Tonic Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This acne toner is formulated around Glycolic Acid 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.

Glycerin

Polysorbate 20

Hamamelis Virginiana Water

Glycolic Acid

Propylene Glycol

Salicylic Acid

Sodium Hydroxide

Alcohol

Phenoxyethanol

Caprylyl Glycol

Ethylhexylglycerin

Hexylene Glycol

Sodium Phytate

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Arnica Montana Flower Extract

Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil

Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil

Limonene

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract

Aesculus Hippocastanum Extract

Maltodextrin

Butylene Glycol

Syringa Vulgaris Extract

Sodium Benzoate

Potassium Sorbate

Boswellia Serrata Extract

Mel Extract

Oryza Sativa Bran Extract

Oligopeptide-10

Water, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Glycolic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Phytate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Limonene, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum Extract, Maltodextrin, Butylene Glycol, Syringa Vulgaris Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Mel Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Oligopeptide-10

Methylpropanediol

Camellia Oleifera Leaf

Tetrasodium EDTA

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

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Alternatives

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.

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.

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!

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