Skin science article
Paula's Choice Clear Acne Body Spray Versus Naturium Salicylic Acid Body Spray 2%
Paula's Choice Clear Acne Body Spray Versus Naturium Salicylic Acid Body Spray 2% What's inside Key Ingredients Benefits Concerns Ingredients Side-by-side Water Dipropylene Glycol Butylene Glycol Polysorbate 20 Pentylene Glycol Salicylic Acid Panthenol Sodium
Paula's Choice Clear Acne Body Spray Versus Naturium Salicylic Acid Body Spray 2%
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Dipropylene Glycol
Butylene Glycol
Polysorbate 20
Pentylene Glycol
Salicylic Acid
Panthenol
Sodium Hyaluronate
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Berberis Vulgaris Root Extract
Lauric Acid
Allantoin
Glycerin
PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
Methyl Gluceth-20
Glycereth-26
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium Metabisulfite
Disodium EDTA
Potassium Sorbate
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Pentylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Berberis Vulgaris Root Extract, Lauric Acid, Allantoin, Glycerin, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Methyl Gluceth-20, Glycereth-26, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Metabisulfite, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate
Niacinamide
Acetyl Glucosamine
Hydrolyzed Oat Protein
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract
Medicago Sativa Extract
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
Silybum Marianum Seed Extract
Amylopectin
Dextrin
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Alpha-Arbutin
Polydextrose
Hydroxyacetophenone
Sodium Gluconate
Sodium Benzoate
Salicylic Acid, Water, Niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Cicer Seed Extract, Medicago Sativa Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Silybum Marianum Seed Extract, Amylopectin, Dextrin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Polydextrose, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Gluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Butylene Glycol
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.
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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
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.
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!