Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser Versus First Aid Beauty Oil-Minimizing Toner with Salicylic Acid

Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser Versus First Aid Beauty Oil-Minimizing Toner with Salicylic Acid Detailed comparison of Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser versus First Aid Beauty Oil-Minimizing Toner with Salicylic Acid. This pore-care toner is fo

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Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser Versus First Aid Beauty Oil-Minimizing Toner with Salicylic Acid Detailed comparison of Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner Cleanser versus First Aid Beauty Oil-Minimizing Toner with Salicylic Acid. This pore-care toner is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid to refine the look of pores and refine skin texture. This oil-control toner is formulated around Salicylic Acid to balance excess oil and refine the look of pores. Water Alcohol Denat. Glycolic Acid Hamamelis Virginiana Extract Sodium PCA Salicylic Acid Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract Allantoin Sodium Lactate PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Parfum Water, Alcohol Denat., Glycolic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Sodium PCA, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Sodium Lactate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum Polysorbate 20 Glycerin Hamamelis Virginiana Water Dipropylene Glycol Salix Nigra Bark Extract Carica Papaya Fruit Extract Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract Avena Sativa Kernel Extract Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Lactic Acid Butylene Glycol Maltodextrin Citric Acid Phenoxyethanol Sodium Hydroxide Sodium Benzoate Potassium Sorbate Benzoic Acid Tetrasodium EDTA Water, Polysorbate 20, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root, Sodium PCA, Lactic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Benzoic Acid, 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 PCA (the salt of PCA) is one of the most well-established humectants in skincare. Why is it so special? Your skin already makes it naturally; it's a natural component of your skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), or the mix of water-binding compounds inside your skin cells that keeps things soft and hydrated. As a cosmetic ingredient, it grabs water and holds it in the upper layers of skin to smooth roughness and ease dehydration. There's some clinical support for the NMF approach with a study showing that a cream built to mimic the skin's NMF significantly boosted hydration. Safety-wise, this ingredient non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and non-phototoxic in testing, with minimal skin absorption. It also works really well with other hydrators like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, and typical usage is somewhere between 0.2-4%. 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!