Works for
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceWorks well
“Ulta's Complexion Rollerball with tea tree oil and salicylic acid, can be used as a spot treatment to eliminate blemishes and soothe irritated 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.
Evens skin toneSide benefit · Alpha-arbutin, Salicylic acidWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: alpha-arbutin, 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.
ExfoliationSide benefit · Salicylic acidWorks well
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Menthyl lactateMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Propanediol~4.1–6.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolPolysorbate 20~3.2–4.7%
Salicylic acid~0.95–1.4%
- 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 acidAloe barbadensis leaf juice~1.9–2.8%
- 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 juiceMelaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~1.1–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAlpha-arbutin~1–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin
More about Alpha-arbutinMenthyl lactate~0.55–1.25%
Tocopherol~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolPhenoxyethanol~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolEthylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.15%
Sodium hydroxide~0.01–0.05%
Ingredient list view
Water, Propanediol, Polysorbate 20, Salicylic acid, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Alpha-arbutin, Menthyl lactate, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium hydroxide
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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.
| ULTAComplexion RollerballYOUR PRODUCT | Urban Skin RxPHA + 10% Niacinamide Smaller Pores Serum | CodexialEnoliss Perfect Skin Spot Scrub Purifying Anti-Marks Correcting Care | Hey BudKojic Acid + Alpha Arbutin Pigmentation Treatment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 92% | 91% | 90% |
| Price | — | — | $16.96 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Niacinamide | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: HELP Anti Dark Spot SerumMEDI-PEEL AHA BHA Alpha Arbutin Ampoule
Product summary
"ULTA - Complexion Rollerball" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory, Evens skin tone, Exfoliation and Anti-blemish
Ingredient callouts
- Salicylic acid (0.95% - 1.40%). This is an oil-soluble exfoliating acid. Because of this property, it can work inside pores and help reduce the congestion. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat acne. Because it is a quite strong exfoliator, be careful with using this product too often: it could result in over-exfoliation.
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
- 5Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
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