Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

Paula's Choice Clear Regular Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution With 2% Salicylic Acid Versus Stridex Max Strength Acne Pads

Paula's Choice Clear Regular Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution With 2% Salicylic Acid Versus Stridex Max Strength Acne Pads Detailed comparison of Paula's Choice Clear Regular Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution With 2% Salicylic Acid versus St

This source-based comparison does not add ratings or recommend a winner.

Paula's Choice Clear Regular Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution With 2% Salicylic Acid Versus Stridex Max Strength Acne Pads Detailed comparison of Paula's Choice Clear Regular Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution With 2% Salicylic Acid versus Stridex Max Strength Acne Pads. This acne exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate to clear breakouts and calm redness. This acne treatment pad uses a pre-saturated pad with Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and refine skin texture. Salicylic Acid 2% Water Dipropylene Glycol Pentylene Glycol Polysorbate 20 Butylene Glycol Glycerin Sodium Hyaluronate Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Allantoin Panthenol PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer Methyl Gluceth-20 Glycereth-26 Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane Sodium Hydroxide Tetrasodium EDTA Sodium Metabisulfite Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Panthenol, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Methyl Gluceth-20, Glycereth-26, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Metabisulfite Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate Ammonium Xylenesulfonate Citric Acid DMDM Hydantoin Parfum Menthol PPG-5-Ceteth-20 Simethicone Sodium Borate Salicylic Acid 2%, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Xylenesulfonate, Citric Acid, DMDM Hydantoin, Parfum, Menthol, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Water, Simethicone, Sodium Borate, 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. Tetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable. Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water. 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!