St. Ives Unfragranced BHA Exfoliating Toner Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

St. Ives Unfragranced BHA Exfoliating Toner Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Detailed comparison of St. Ives Unfragranced BHA Exfoliating Toner versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant US. This smoothing toner is formulated around Salicylic Acid and Bromelain to refine skin texture and clear breakouts. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores. Water Propylene Glycol Glycerin Hexylene Glycol Salicylic Acid Polysorbate 20 Sodium Hydroxide PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides Phenoxyethanol Tetrasodium EDTA Cetrimonium Chloride Cetylpyridinium Chloride Citric Acid Phospholipids Bromelain Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetylpyridinium Chloride, Citric Acid, Phospholipids, Bromelain, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract Methylpropanediol Butylene Glycol Camellia Oleifera Leaf Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Camellia Oleifera Leaf, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA Be the first to review 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. 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 ingred