Paula's Choice Clear Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment With 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Versus Malezia Acne Treatment Gel (2.5% Micronized Benzoyl Peroxide)

Paula's Choice Clear Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment With 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Versus Malezia Acne Treatment Gel (2.5% Micronized Benzoyl Peroxide) Detailed comparison of Paula's Choice Clear Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment With 5% Benzoyl Peroxide versus Malezia Acne Treatment Gel (2.5% Micronized Benzoyl Peroxide). This acne treatment is formulated around Benzoyl Peroxide to clear breakouts. Water Benzoyl Peroxide Propylene Glycol Bisabolol Allantoin Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Hydroxyethylcellulose Sodium Citrate Laureth-4 Caprylyl Glycol Sodium Hydroxide Disodium EDTA Hexylene Glycol Phenoxyethanol Water, Benzoyl Peroxide, Propylene Glycol, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Citrate, Laureth-4, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol Propanediol Glycerin Carbomer Sodium Phytate Benzoyl Peroxide, Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Carbomer, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Hydroxide These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) is one of the most studied and widely used acne-fighting ingredients on the market for over five decades. It works by releasing oxygen into your pores to kill Cutibacterium acne, or the bacteria closely linked to acne breakouts. This bacteria has a hard time surviving in an oxygen-rich environment. On top of that, BPO has keratolytic properties to help shed dead skin cells and keep pores from getting clogged. One of the coolest things about BPO is that bacteria do not develop resistance to it the way they can with antibiotics. That's why dermatologists recommend pairing it with topical antibiotics to keep resistance at bay. BPO is usually available in 2.5%, 5%, and 10% concentrations. Research has shown that 2.5% tends to be just as effective as the higher strengths while being more gentle on the skin. The FDA has classified BPO as a safe and effective acne treatment. You'll be able to find this ingredient in over-the-counter products in many countries. Just so you know, BPO is a known mild irritant. It's common to see dryness, peeling, and some redness when you first start using it. This usually goes away as your skin adjusts. A very small number of people might develop allergic contact dermatitis from it as patch test studies show positive reactions in about 1-5% of patients. Once BPO is absorbed into the skin, our bodies turn it into benzoic acid and quickly exits in urine. It's also worth noting that BPO will bleach fabrics and hair, so watch your towels and pillowcases! 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!