Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Minimalist Salicylic Acid 02%

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant Versus Minimalist Salicylic Acid 02% Detailed comparison of Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant versus Minimalist Salicylic Acid 02%. This pore-care exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Phytosphingosine to refine the look of pores and refine skin texture. This acne serum is formulated around Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and refine skin texture. Water Methylpropanediol Butylene Glycol Polysorbate 20 Salicylic Acid Phytosphingosine Hydroxyethylcellulose Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract Epilobium Angustifolium Extract Bisabolol Tetrasodium EDTA Sodium Hydroxide Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Salicylic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Extract, Bisabolol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide Propylene Glycol Dimethyl Isosorbide Glycolic Acid Ethoxydiglycol Glycerin Pentylene Glycol Marrubium Vulgare Extract Polylysine Sodium Hyaluronate Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside Xanthan Gum Lecithin Sclerotium Gum Pullulan Phenoxyethanol Lactic Acid Oligopeptide-10 Ethylhexylglycerin Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Water, Methylpropanediol, Propylene Glycol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Glycolic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Pentylene Glycol, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Polylysine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 20, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Pullulan, Phenoxyethanol, Lactic Acid, Oligopeptide-10, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure. This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product. This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients. Methylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster. Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid. Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable. It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better. The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane. Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins). True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics. Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. 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.