Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

Good Molecules BHA Clarify Gel Cream Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant

Good Molecules BHA Clarify Gel Cream Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Detailed comparison of Good Molecules BHA Clarify Gel Cream versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant. This acne moisturizer is formulated around S

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Good Molecules BHA Clarify Gel Cream Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Detailed comparison of Good Molecules BHA Clarify Gel Cream versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant. This acne moisturizer is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Centella Asiatica Extract to clear breakouts and refine the look of pores. This pore-care exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Phytosphingosine to refine the look of pores and refine skin texture. Water Propanediol Diheptyl Succinate Glycerin Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer Salicylic Acid Phenoxyethanol Caprylyl Glycol Tromethamine Ethylhexylglycerin Triethyl Citrate Benzoic Acid Allantoin Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Bisabolol Punica Granatum Seed Oil Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil Centella Asiatica Extract Diglucosyl Gallic Acid T-Butyl Alcohol 1,2-Hexanediol Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Water, Propanediol, Diheptyl Succinate, Glycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Salicylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethyl Citrate, Benzoic Acid, Allantoin, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Bisabolol, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Diglucosyl Gallic Acid, T-Butyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Methylpropanediol Butylene Glycol Polysorbate 20 Phytosphingosine Hydroxyethylcellulose Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract Epilobium Angustifolium Extract 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 These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Bisabolol is a gentle skin conditioner, antioxidant, and soothing ingredient. It's primary claim to fame is soothing and research shows topically applied bisabolol can quiet the chemical messengers that cause your skin to become inflamed, helping to sooth any irritation. A clinical study found that applying 0.5% bisabolol daily for 8 weeks produced an average 9% decrease in skin pigmentation. Researchers found it can also suppress the process that leads to excess melanin production in skin. In vitro studies found that bisabolol combined with propylene glycol significantly increased skin permeability by increasing lipid fluidity in the stratum corneum. You'll likely see use concentrations quite low, usually 0.1-0.2%. Overall, this is a well-tolerated ingredient that works well in formulas designed for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure 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. 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!