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Baxter of California Skin Concentrate BHA Serum
Baxter of California

Baxter of California Skin Concentrate BHA Serum

Efficacy91/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-blemish
Salicylic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“Benefits Imperfection Reducing Skin Serum All Skin Types Features Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), reduces redness and unclogs pores Caffeine and Vitamin E help reduce fine lines and calm irritated skin Key Ingredients”
Source: Ulta

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

Salicylic acidHeroEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.3–0.75%
Exfoliation
Salicylic acid
Works well

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: salicylic acid.

Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.3–0.75%
Anti-aging
Tocopherol
May help
What the product description says
“Benefits Imperfection Reducing Skin Serum All Skin Types Features Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), reduces redness and unclogs pores Caffeine and Vitamin E help reduce fine lines and calm irritated skin Key Ingredients”
Source: Ulta

This product contains tocopherol. This ingredient help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they might be able to prevent early signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), at least to some extent. These ingredients will not be able to "reverse" signs of aging.

TocopherolEffect: LowPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~4.3–6.4%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Tocopherol, Caffeine + 2 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (tocopherol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

TocopherolKey activeEffect: HighPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~4.3–6.4%
CaffeineEffect: LowMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes~0.4–0.9%
Hydrolyzed soy proteinEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing~0.1–0.3%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.~0.05–0.15%
Moisturizing
Side benefit · Glycerin, Sodium hyaluronate + 4 more
Works

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.

When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.1–3.2%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.5%
Hydrolyzed soy proteinKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing~0.1–0.3%
TocopherolEffect: LowPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~4.3–6.4%
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowA type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~1.6–2.4%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.15–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Menthol
Medium risk
We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~1.25–2.5%est.
Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~2.5–3.8%est.
Menthol—High~0.15–0.55%est.
CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~4.9–7.3%est.
Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.2–1.8%est.
TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.9–1.35%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.8–1.2%est.
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateUsed to improve stability of the formulationMedium~0.2–0.7%est.
Sodium cocoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.65%est.
Peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.05–0.15%est.
BhtA preservativeMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Clear Regular Strength 2% BHA Exfoliant
Paula's choice Clear Regular Strength 2% BHA Exfoliant
CheaperHigher efficacy · 100/10093% match
$32.67
Liquid Clarity BHA and Bakuchiol Blemish Recovery Booster
PSA Skin Liquid Clarity BHA and Bakuchiol Blemish Recovery Booster
CheaperHigher efficacy · 100/10093% match
$31.00
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Salicylic acid~1.25–2.5%
Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishAnti-inflammatoryExfoliationAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid
Caffeine~4.9–7.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine
Tocopherol~4.3–6.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-aging

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Water~3.3–5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Alcohol denat.~2.5–3.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.
Glycerin~2.1–3.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane~1.6–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane
Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil
Triethanolamine~0.9–1.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.8–1.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
Caffeine~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine
Salicylic acid~0.3–0.75%
Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishExfoliationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid
Vigna aconitifolia seed extract~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Vigna aconitifolia seed extract
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.2–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to improve stability of the formulation

More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate
Menthol~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Menthol
Sodium cocoyl glutamate~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium cocoyl glutamate
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Sodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Pentylene glycol~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol
Hydrolyzed soy protein~0.1–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing

More about Hydrolyzed soy protein
Peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearate~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearate
Trideceth-6~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Trideceth-6
Tocopheryl acetate~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Bht~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Bht
Ingredient list view

Salicylic acid, Caffeine, Tocopherol, Water, Alcohol denat., Glycerin, Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, Triethanolamine, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Caffeine, Salicylic acid, Vigna aconitifolia seed extract, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Menthol, Sodium cocoyl glutamate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium hyaluronate, Pentylene glycol, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearate, Trideceth-6, Tocopheryl acetate, Bht

Compare prices

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/12 15:16 GMT
$37.00
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Baxter of CaliforniaSkin Concentrate BHA SerumYOUR PRODUCTPaula's choiceClear Regular Strength 2% BHA ExfoliantPSA SkinLiquid Clarity BHA and Bakuchiol Blemish Recovery BoosterpsaLIQUID CLARITY BHA & Bakuchiol Blemish Recovery Booster
Match—93%93%93%
Price$37.00$32.67−$4.33$31.00−$6.00$31.00−$6.00
Shared key ingredients—3 of 53 of 53 of 5
Key difference—PanthenolBakuchiolBakuchiol
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ———
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
  3. 3
    A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
  4. 4
    Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Studyonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
Baxter of California Skin Concentrate BHA Serum
Baxter of CaliforniaSkin Concentrate BHA Serum
Buy on Amazon$37.00 · as of 11/12 15:16 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy on Amazon$37.00 · as of 11/12 15:16 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.