Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Versus Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash Detailed comparison of Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant US versus Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores. This salicylic acid foaming cleanser is formulated around Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and unclog pores. Water Methylpropanediol Butylene Glycol Salicylic Acid Polysorbate 20 Camellia Oleifera Leaf Sodium Hydroxide Tetrasodium EDTA Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Camellia Oleifera Leaf, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA Salicylic Acid 2% Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Cocamidopropyl Betaine Sodium Chloride PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate Propylene Glycol PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate Parfum Disodium EDTA Benzalkonium Chloride C12-15 Alkyl Lactate Polyquaternium-7 Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate Ascorbyl Palmitate Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract Citric Acid CI 16035 CI 60725 Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Polysorbate 20, Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Propylene Glycol, PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Benzalkonium Chloride, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, CI 16035, CI 60725 These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. 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. 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 t