Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Murad Outsmart Acne Clarifying Treatment

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Murad Outsmart Acne Clarifying Treatment

This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores.

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

What's inside

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

Water

Methylpropanediol

Butylene Glycol

Salicylic Acid

Polysorbate 20

Camellia Oleifera Leaf

Sodium Hydroxide

Tetrasodium EDTA

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

Salicylic Acid 1%

Propanediol

Polymethylsilsesquioxane/Silica Crosspolymer

Dimethicone

Niacinamide

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

PPG-26-Buteth-26

Oryza Sativa Bran Extract

Boswellia Serrata Extract

Oligopeptide-10

Tocopheryl Acetate

Glycolic Acid

Glycine Soja Seed Extract

Zinc Gluconate

Allantoin

Honey Extract

Sebacic Acid

10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid

Silver Citrate

Glycerin

Urea

Yeast Amino Acids

Trehalose

Inositol

Taurine

Betaine

Cetearyl Olivate

Sorbitan Olivate

Cetyl Alcohol

Xanthan Gum

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

1,10-Decanediol

Disodium EDTA

Citric Acid

Caprylyl Glycol

Chlorphenesin

Phenoxyethanol

Sodium Benzoate

Limonene

Linalool

Parfum

CI 42090

CI 19140

Salicylic Acid 1%, Water, Propanediol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane/Silica Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Oligopeptide-10, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycolic Acid, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Allantoin, Honey Extract, Sebacic Acid, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, Silver Citrate, Glycerin, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butylene Glycol, 1,10-Decanediol, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene, Linalool, Parfum, CI 42090, CI 19140

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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.

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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