The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Versus The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Versus The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum Detailed comparison of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution versus The INKEY List Niacinamide Oil Control Serum. This acne serum is formulated around Squalane and Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and refine the look of pores. This oil-control serum is formulated around Niacinamide to balance excess oil and refine the look of pores. Squalane Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Pentylene Glycol Salicylic Acid Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone Phenoxyethanol Chlorphenesin Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin Water Niacinamide Glycerin Propanediol Butylene Glycol Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Hydroxyethylcellulose Phospholipids Xanthan Gum Glycine Soja Oil Allantoin Sodium Phytate Polysorbate 60 Panthenol Glycolipids Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate Sorbitan Isostearate Glycine Soja Sterols Citric Acid Hyaluronic Acid Disodium Phosphate Sodium Phosphate Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phospholipids, Squalane, Xanthan Gum, Glycine Soja Oil, Allantoin, Sodium Phytate, Polysorbate 60, Panthenol, Glycolipids, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glycine Soja Sterols, Citric Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Phenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!). It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome. On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive. Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10). You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhexylglycerin to Phenoxyethanol damages bacterial membranes as effectively as doubling the Phenoxyethanol concentration on its own. Typical use concentrations range from 0.3-1% depending on the formula, and this ingredient is capped at 1% int the EU. Safety-wise, the fear mongering does not hold up to the evidence. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and FDA consider it safe as a preservative at up to 1%, including for children of all ages. Adverse systemic effects only showed up in animal studies at exposures roughly 200x higher than what people get from cosmetics. And despite its very widespread use, this ingredient is a rare sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon. Squalane is the hydrogenated and shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid that naturally occurs in human sebum). It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that is able to integrate seamlessly into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores. This is due to how structurally similar it is to what your skin already produces. Though it is mostly an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin, it also has some humectant and occlusive action. Humectants help the skin retain moisture while occlusives seal it in, making squalane a triple-threat moisturizer. Research shows it has antioxidant capabilities that help protect against stressors like UV exposure, specifically UVA induced oxidative stress. This study also found that it supports collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts. No clinical study has reported significant adverse effects and irritation reactions are very rare from this ingredient (even at 100% concentration). Overall, it's a fantastic ingredient for hydration and is suitable for all skin types. This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants. Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane. Read more about squalene with an "e". Though squalane is often called an oil, it’s technically not one. It is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is only made of carbon and hydrogen.