The Purest Solutions Oil Control Toner 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Toner Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant

The Purest Solutions Oil Control Toner 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Toner Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant

This oil-control treatment is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid to balance excess oil and clear breakouts.

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

Pentylene Glycol

Ethoxydiglycol

Salicylic Acid

Glycolic Acid

Lactic Acid

Citric Acid

Tartaric Acid

Malic Acid

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract

Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract

Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract

Saccharum Officinarum Extract

Propylene Glycol

Phenethyl Alcohol

1,2-Hexanediol

Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract

Centella Asiatica Extract

Inulin

Fructose

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

Panthenol

Niacinamide

Zinc PCA

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Curcuma Longa Root Extract

Water, Pentylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Propylene Glycol, Phenethyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Inulin, Fructose, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Curcuma Longa Root Extract

Methylpropanediol

Butylene Glycol

Polysorbate 20

Phytosphingosine

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract

Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract

Epilobium Angustifolium Extract

Bisabolol

Tetrasodium EDTA

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

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.

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!

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