Works for
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Maltobionic acidWorks well
“Our clarifying salicylic acid serum is formulated to treat acne and prevent new blemishes from forming for healthier-looking skin.”
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.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: maltobionic acid
Anti-agingSide benefit · Maltobionic acidWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains maltobionic acid.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
ExfoliationSide benefit the brand mentions · Maltobionic acid, Salicylic acidWorks well
“Our clarifying salicylic acid serum is formulated to help clear up and prevent new acne blemishes while maltobionic acid helps exfoliate for a healthier looking complexion.”
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: maltobionic acid, salicylic acid.
Evens skin toneSide benefit · Maltobionic acid, Salicylic acidWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: maltobionic acid, salicylic acid
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Salicylic acid2%
- Irritation risk
- 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)
More about Salicylic acidWater~40–60%
Propanediol~8.3–12.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolSodium polyacrylate~4.6–7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
More about Sodium polyacrylateMaltobionic acid~2.9–4.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is genter than AHAs. In addition, it helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
More about Maltobionic acidAmorphophallus konjac root extract~2.2–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caprylyl glycol~1.8–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPhenoxyethanol~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCarbomer~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerDipropylene glycol~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolSodium phytate~0.2–0.7%
Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.35%
Xanthan gum~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumIngredient list view
Salicylic acid, Water, Propanediol, Sodium polyacrylate, Maltobionic acid, Amorphophallus konjac root extract, Caprylyl glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Dipropylene glycol, Sodium phytate, Sodium hydroxide, Xanthan gum
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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.
| NaturiumSalicylic Acid Serum 2%YOUR PRODUCT | Honest BeautyIn The Clear Acne Serum | REVOLUTION SKINCARESalicylic Acid Ampoules | PSA SkinLiquid clarity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 78% | 78% | 77% |
| Price | — | — | $11.50 | $31.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 1 of 3 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 3 |
| Key difference | — | Azelaic Acid | Niacinamide | Bakuchiol |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Sephora Clear Skin Days Serumpsa LIQUID CLARITY BHA & Bakuchiol Blemish Recovery Booster
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 4 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 3A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
- 4
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