Works for
ExfoliationMandelic acid, Salicylic acidWorks well
“Mandelic Acid: an AHA that helps exfoliate the skin to reduce oil production and unclog pores”
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: mandelic acid, salicylic acid.
Evens skin toneMandelic acid, Salicylic acid + 2 moreWorks well
“Azelaic Acid and a blend of botanical extracts work to clear the complexion and improve the appearance of any post-acne pigmentation.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: mandelic acid, salicylic acid
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: ethyl linoleate, hexylresorcinol.
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.
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Mandelic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“Treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts with PCA Skin Acne Gel, now available at Face the Future Advanced Skin Clinic and Online Shop.”
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.
In addition, this product contains ethyl linoleate. It can help in reducing blemishes, even though it is less effective.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: mandelic acid
MoisturizingSide benefit · Ethyl linoleate, Pentylene glycol + 1 moreWorks
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: ethyl linoleate, pentylene glycol.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · HexylresorcinolMay help
This product contains antioxidants (hexylresorcinol) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: AlcoholMedium 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~45–55%
Alcohol~12–15%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholMandelic acid~6.1–7.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid
More about Mandelic acidIsopentyldiol~3.8–4.6%
Pentylene glycol~2.9–3.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolButylene glycol~1.9–2.3%
- 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 glycolPolyglyceryl-10 dioleate~1.3–1.6%
Ethoxydiglycol~0.9–1.1%
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Potassium hydroxide~0.5–0.75%
Ethyl linoleate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps reduce acne and blemishes. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce inflammation. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking
More about Ethyl linoleateHexylresorcinol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals in skin
More about HexylresorcinolHydroxyethylcellulose~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcelluloseIngredient list view
Salicylic acid, Water, Alcohol, Mandelic acid, Isopentyldiol, Pentylene glycol, Butylene glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 dioleate, Ethoxydiglycol, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Potassium hydroxide, Ethyl linoleate, Hexylresorcinol, Hydroxyethylcellulose
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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.
| PCA SKINAcne GelYOUR PRODUCT | DermalogicaPost breakout fix | Geek GorgeousCheer up | skincode-SwissBalancing Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 88% | 87% | 87% |
| Price | $74.00 | $25.00−$49.00 | $30.00−$44.00 | $83.70+$9.70 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 4 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 4 |
| Key difference | — | Linoleic Acid | Anhydroxylitol | — |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: ISDIN Acniben Teen On the SpotAcniben® On The Spot
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 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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