CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Detailed comparison of CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser US versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant. This salicylic acid gel cleanser is formulated around Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and unclog pores. This pore-care exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Phytosphingosine to refine the look of pores and refine skin texture. Salicylic Acid 2% Water Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine Glycerin Niacinamide Gluconolactone Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate Ceramide NP Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP Carbomer Calcium Gluconate Triethyl Citrate Sodium Benzoate Sodium Hydroxide Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Cholesterol Tetrasodium EDTA Caprylyl Glycol Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Xanthan Gum Hectorite Phytosphingosine Benzoic Acid Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Gluconolactone, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Calcium Gluconate, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xanthan Gum, Hectorite, Phytosphingosine, Benzoic Acid Methylpropanediol Butylene Glycol Polysorbate 20 Salicylic Acid Hydroxyethylcellulose Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract Epilobium Angustifolium Extract Bisabolol 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 These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin as a building block for ceramides.. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin. Phytosphingosine contributes to your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The NMF is responsible for hydration, a strong barrier, and plasticity. Our NMF decreases with age. Increasing NMF leads to more healthy and hydrated skin. Studies show products formulated with NMF ingredients help strengthen our skin's barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier reduces irritation and increases hydration. Our skin barrier is responsible for having plump and firm skin. It also helps protect our skin against infection, allergies, and inflammation. Fun fact: Phytosphingosine is abundant in plants and fungi. More ingredients that help boost collagen in skin: 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. Tetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable. Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water. Water. It's the most common cosmet