Neutrogena Clear & Defend Facial Scrub Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Neutrogena Clear & Defend Facial Scrub Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Detailed comparison of Neutrogena Clear & Defend Facial Scrub versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant US. This acne exfoliator is formulated around Cellulose and Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and refine skin texture. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores. Water Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine Sorbitol Cellulose Salicylic Acid Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate Acrylates Crosspolymer-4 C12-15 Alkyl Lactate Panthenol Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate Talc Disodium Tetrapropenyl Succinate Cera Microcristallina Sodium Chloride Disodium EDTA Citric Acid Sodium Hydroxide Benzalkonium Chloride Parfum CI 19140 CI 73360 Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sorbitol, Cellulose, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Panthenol, Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Talc, Disodium Tetrapropenyl Succinate, Cera Microcristallina, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzalkonium Chloride, Parfum, CI 19140, CI 73360 Methylpropanediol Butylene Glycol Polysorbate 20 Camellia Oleifera Leaf Tetrasodium EDTA Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Camellia Oleifera Leaf, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA 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. 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!