Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel
Works for
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Glycolic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel”
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: glycolic acid
Evens skin toneGlycolic acid, Salicylic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“Potent 10% Glycolic Acid Complex, Licorice and Arnica help reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and texture.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic 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: glycyrrhiza glabra root extract.
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-agingSide benefit the brand mentions · Glycolic acid, Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceWorks well
“A 10% Glycolic Acid Complex (AHA), Licorice and Arnica help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne marks and residual discolorations.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic 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 · Glycolic acid, Salicylic acidWorks well
“10% Glycolic Acid (AHA) exfoliates surface dead skin cells and stimulates cellular turnover.”
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: glycolic acid, salicylic acid.
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Glycerin, Arginine + 3 moreWorks
“Hydrates and helps calm the look of skin.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
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. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
arginine, glycerin.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, isododecane.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Arnica montana flower extractMedium 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 denat.~11–13%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Glycolic acid~5.9–7.3%
- Irritation risk
- 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
More about Glycolic acidSodium hydroxide~3.8–4.6%
Glycerin~2.7–3.3%
- 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 GlycerinArginine~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
More about ArginineHydroxyethylcellulose~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcelluloseButylene glycol~1.5–1.8%
- 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 glycolIsododecane~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture
More about IsododecaneHydroxyacetophenone~1.1–1.4%
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPotassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceDisodium phosphate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation
More about Disodium phosphatePolysorbate 60~0.25–0.45%
Arnica montana flower extract~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can be irritating. It can have some anti-bacterial properties, but there are no evidence of a beneficial effect for skin
More about Arnica montana flower extractGlycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractSodium phosphate~0.1–0.15%
Citric acid~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidIngredient list view
Salicylic acid, Water, Alcohol denat., Glycolic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Glycerin, Arginine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Butylene glycol, Isododecane, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Disodium phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Arnica montana flower extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Sodium phosphate, Citric acid
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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.
| Peter Thomas RothAHA/BHA Acne Clearing GelYOUR PRODUCT | CeraVeBlemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin | HonestAll The Feels 10% AHA + 2% BHA Resurfacing Peel | PixiClarity Acid Peel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 97% | 92% | 90% |
| Price | $20.00 | $11.89−$8.11 | — | $24.00+$4.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Lactobacillus Ferment | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Deviant Skincare Gentle Resurfacing LiquidJan Marini Marini Multi-Acid Exfoliating Pads
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 12 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
- 6Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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