PRODUCT REVIEW
First Aid Beauty Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel 2% Salicylic Acid
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What can the product work for?
Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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)
glycolic acid
1.8% -
2.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
camellia sinensis leaf extract
0.5% -
0.75%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
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Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
glycolic acid
1.8% -
2.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
glycyrrhiza glabra root extract
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
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)
Show more
Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
glycolic acid
1.8% -
2.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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)
urea
1.5% -
1.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
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Anti-aging
glycolic acid
1.8% -
2.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
camellia sinensis leaf extract
0.5% -
0.75%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
aloe barbadensis leaf juice
1.3% -
1.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
Moisturizing
glycerin
3.4% -
4.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
urea
1.5% -
1.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
colloidal oatmeal
1.1% -
1.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Helps to restore skin barrier function, soften the upper layer of the skin and calm down inflammation
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Anti-oxidation
camellia sinensis leaf extract
0.5% -
0.75%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
bisabolol
1.1% -
1.3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
glycyrrhiza glabra root extract
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
Show more
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
Promise | Can it deliver? |
---|---|
Exfoliation | |
Evens skin tone | |
Anti-blemish |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
100/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 0
Potential irritants
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Exfoliation,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial,
Evens 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)
glycolic acid
1.8% -
2.2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation,
Anti-blemish
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
No comodogenic ingredients detected
Similar products & dupes
First Aid Beauty - Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel 2% Salicylic Acid | The Ordinary - AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution Sponsored | CeraVe - Blemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin | GLAMGLOW - Superserum by Glamglow | Murad - Exclusive Vitamin C Triple Exfoliating Facial Peel | AcneFree Dermatology Inspired Care - Blackhead Removing Scrub With Charcoal | Dr Dennis Gross - Alpha Beta Glow Pad Self Tanner For Face | Dr. Dennis Gross | Sothys - Cosmeceutique RX Glysalac Dermobooster | Paula's choice - Resist Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA | Bliss - Clear Genius Clarifying Liquid Peel | REVOLUTION SKINCARE - AHA & BHA Moderate Multi Acid Peeling Solution | ARIUL - Daily Pick Peeling Pads | |
Price | ||||||||||||
WIMJ similarity score |
65%
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81%
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79%
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77%
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76%
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75%
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73%
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72%
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71%
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71%
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71%
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Key ingredients |
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Other:
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Irritancy | IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
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Potential Irritants |
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All ingredients |
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
camellia sinensis leaf extract
0.5% -
0.75%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Antibacterial,
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone,
Moisturizing,
Anti-blemish
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Exfoliation,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial,
Evens 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)
Show more
Potential irritants
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Exfoliation,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial,
Evens 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)
glycolic acid
1.8% -
2.2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation,
Anti-blemish
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
We couldn't find any comodogenic ingredients in this product
All ingredients
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Exfoliation,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial,
Evens 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)
butylene glycol
9.2% -
11.2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
Show more
Ingredient list view
Salicylic acid, Water, Butylene glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium hydroxide, Glycolic acid, Urea, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Bisabolol, Colloidal oatmeal, Maltodextrin, Carica papaya fruit extract, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Chrysanthemum parthenium extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Salix nigra bark extract, Disodium phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Sodium phosphate, Citric acid
Sources
- Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review
- Beta Hydroxy Acids
- A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations
- Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Study
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acid