Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser Versus Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser Versus Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser Detailed comparison of Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser versus Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. This salicylic acid gel cleanser is formulated around Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and unclog pores. This salicylic acid cream cleanser is formulated around Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and unclog pores. Salicylic Acid Water Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer Glycerin PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate Sodium Laureth Sulfate Arginine Butylene Glycol PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate Panthenol Disodium EDTA Citric Acid PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Sodium Citrate Phenoxyethanol Caprylyl Glycol Chlorphenesin Salicylic Acid, Water, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Glycerin, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Arginine, Butylene Glycol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Panthenol, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Jojoba Esters Cocamidopropyl Betaine Acrylates Copolymer Glycol Stearate Propanediol Glycolic Acid Lactic Acid Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Sodium PCA Urea Yeast Amino Acids Trehalose Inositol Taurine Betaine Sodium Hydroxide Polyquaternium-4 Sodium Chloride Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate Tetrasodium EDTA Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate Tocopherol Ethylhexylglycerin Sodium Benzoate Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Jojoba Esters, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycol Stearate, Propanediol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium PCA, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyquaternium-4, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol. Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria. Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin. Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin. Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath. However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products. Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH. In skincare formulas, citric acid can: While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants. Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations. Rosacea skin has a lower threshold for acids generally, with 62.5% of rosacea subjects in one study reacting to lactic acid in a sting test. This is why we mark citric acid as a potential rosacea trigger. However, this ingredient shows up as a pH adjuster or chelator at roughly 0.1-1% in many products. These low levels are unlikely to be an issue for rosacea skin and becomes a potential trigger at exfoliating concentrations (20%). Because everybody's skin is unique, we recommend a patch test if you are unsure. 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