Comparison between Stridex Daily Care Acne Pads With Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength vs. Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2 BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Find out which product is better for your skin.

12 Ingredients 8

1
Salicylic Acid ((W/​w))
1
Water
2
Aminomethyl Propanol
2
Methylpropanediol
3
Ammonium Xylene-Sulfonate
3
Butylene Glycol
4
Citric Acid
4
Salicylic Acid
5
Dmdm Hydantoin (Formaldehyde Releaser)
5
Polysorbate-20
6
Fragrance
6
Camellia Oleifera (Tea-Oil Camellia) Leaf Extract
7
Menthol
7
Sodium Hydroxide
8
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
8
Tetrasodium EDTA
-- Show others --
Uniqueness11 out of 12
91.7%
Uniqueness7 out of 8
87.5%

Positive Effects

Find out what good effects the product has

ECO Metrics

Find out how eco-friendly the components are
Vegan
No
No
Cruelty free
No
Yes
Reef friendly
Yes
Yes
Ozone layer safe
Yes
Yes
Organic score
natural
2 out of 12
17%
chemical
6 out of 12
50%
natural
2 out of 8
25%
chemical
5 out of 8
63%

Concerns

Pay attention to these components
-- Extra information --

Components by Skin Type

Find out what components are good or bad for your skin type
Dry skin
Positive: 0Negative: 0
Oily skin
Positive: 1Negative: 0
Menthol#7
Sensitive skin
Positive: 0Negative: 2
Citric Acid#4Menthol#7
Dry skin
Positive: 1Negative: 0
Butylene Glycol#3
Oily skin
Positive: 1Negative: 0
Salicylic Acid#4
Sensitive skin
Positive: 0Negative: 1
Salicylic Acid#4

Detailed view

Stridex Daily Care Acne Pads With Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength vs. Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2 BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Position 1

#1Salicylic Acid ((W/​w))

Origin: No information
Role: No information
-- versus --

#1Water

Origin: natural
Role: Solvent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]

Water is a great solvent. It’s neutral and doesn’t provide any strong positive or negative effects. It just helps components to mix better and to transport active components.

Position 2

#2Aminomethyl Propanol

Origin: chemical
Role: Buffering agent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]
-- versus --

#2Methylpropanediol

Origin: No information
Role: Solvent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
Position 3

#3Ammonium Xylene-Sulfonate

Origin: No information
Role: Surfactant, Viscosity controlling agent
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
-- versus --

#3Butylene Glycol

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Fragrance ingredient, Humectant, Masking, Solvent, Viscosity controlling agent
Moisturizing
Softening
Hair protection
Comedogenic rating [ 1 ]
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]
Good for dry skin
Good for dry skin

Butylene Glycol is a very popular synthetic alcohol. It helps the product to absorb deeper and faster. It is also a solvent for other ingredients. As for the skin benefits, it helps to attract water and helps to make the skin softer.

Unlike many other “Glycols”, it is not harmful and that's why it is used in many products. It was approved by US FDA and US EPA for usage.

Position 4

#4Citric Acid

Origin: natural
Role: Buffering agent, Chelating agent, Fragrance ingredient, Masking
Antioxidants
Cleansing
Exfoliating
Soothing
Lightening
Lifting
Hair growth stimulating
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]

Citric Acid is one of the AHAs and it is a super useful component! It’s a great antioxidant. It acts as a soft peeling that removes dead cells and kills bacteria. It becomes even more effective if used with other cosmetic acids. Combined formulations are more active, but can irritate sensitive skin if used too often. The component can also whiten the skin and remove dark areas.

It's an exfoliator, meaning it increases UV sensitivity of your skin. That's why it's very important to use sunscreen after it.
-- versus --

#4Salicylic Acid

Origin: chemical
Role: Skin conditioning agent, Antiacne agent, Antidandruff agent, Exfoliant, Fragrance ingredient, Hair conditioning, Keratolytic, Masking, Preservative
Cleansing
Acne fighting
Soothing
Antiseptic
EWG Rating [ 1 ]
CIR Rating [ B ]
Good for oily skin
Good for oily skin

Salicylic Acid is an amazing component for oily skin. It’s a famous BHA that chemically exfoliates dead cells, kills bacteria, and prevents acne. It works as a strong pores cleanser. AHAs are not effective for removing sebum from pores, while BHAs are leaders in this space. Salicylic Acid also helps to shrink pores, remove acne scars and make skin tone even. Pay attention: concentration matters! This ingredient is rather aggressive. It can lead to irritation in high concentrations. If your skin has never seen this component before test the product first.

Position 5

#5Dmdm Hydantoin (Formaldehyde Releaser)

Origin: chemical
Role: Preservative
EWG Rating [ 6 ]
CIR Rating [ A ]
-- versus --

#5Polysorbate-20

Origin: chemical
Role: Emulsifying agent, Fragrance ingredient, Surfactant
Nutrifying
Malassezia unsafe
EWG Rating [ 3 ]
CIR Rating [ B ]

Polysorbate 20 doesn’t have any notable skin benefits but is used in cosmetics quite often. Manufacturers use it for formulation purposes. It improves the scent, texture, and feel of the product.

Skin Signal
2023 - 2024

The most advanced ingredient checker and cosmetics analyzer. Take a look "inside" the skincare products you use every day.

Disclaimer: All the information on the website is not a medical advice. Visit a doctor if you have problems.

Privacy policy Terms of Service