PanOxyl 2% Salicylic Acid Clarifying Exfoliant
Works for
ExfoliationSalicylic acidWorks well
“2% Salicylic Acid Clarifying Exfoliant”
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.
Anti-blemishSalicylic acidWorks well
“2% Salicylic Acid Clarifying Exfoliant”
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.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · Betaine, Glycerin + 3 moreWorks
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine, glycerin.
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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy7 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 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 acidBetaine~23–34%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineButylene glycol~6–9.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about Butylene glycolChamomilla recutita flower extract~4.7–7.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Chamomilla recutita flower extractGlycerin~3.1–4.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinHydroxyacetophenone~2.4–3.6%
Pentylene glycol~2.2–3.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolPhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPotassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%
Propanediol~0.85–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolWater~0.45–1.1%
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Sodium citrate~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateSorbic acid~0.1–0.35%
Spirulina platensis extract~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An algae extract. Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have an anti-oxidant effect
More about Spirulina platensis extractIngredient list view
Salicylic acid, Betaine, Butylene glycol, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Glycerin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pentylene glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium sorbate, Propanediol, Water, Sodium benzoate, Sodium citrate, Unknown, Sorbic acid, Spirulina platensis extract
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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.
| PanOxyl2% Salicylic Acid Clarifying ExfoliantYOUR PRODUCT | RevolutionBHA 2% | Skin ControlPeel Pads | VotarySensitive Resurfacing Peel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 84% | 84% | 82% |
| Price | $43.46 | $25.00−$18.46 | $7.68−$35.78 | $22,046.98+$22,003.52 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 |
| Key difference | — | — | Gluconolactone | Lactic Acid |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Deviant Skincare Gentle Resurfacing Liquidcolibri skincare 2% BHA Peeling
Product summary
"PanOxyl - 2% Salicylic Acid Clarifying Exfoliant" is effective for: Exfoliation and Anti-blemish
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Humectants (glycerin 3.10% - 4.70% and betaine 23.00% - 34.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 6 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
- 5
- 6
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