EFFACLAR SALICYLIC ACID ACNE TREATMENT SERUM vs Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser
10%Match
Only 10% overlap — quite different formulas
Ingredient Breakdown
Only in EFFACLAR SALICYLIC (17)
Alcohol Denat.
C: 0/5I: 3/5other
biosaccharide-gum-1
capryloyl-salicylic-acid
dimethyl-isosorbide
Fragrance (Parfum)
C: 0/5I: 4/5fragrance
Glycolic Acid
C: 0/5I: 3/5aha
hydroxyethylpiperazine-ethane-sulfonic-acid
maltodextrin
peg-30-glyceryl-cocoate
peg-40-hydrogenated-castor-oil
peg-60-hydrogenated-castor-oil
Pentylene Glycol
C: 0/5I: 1/5humectant
phytic-acid
polyquaternium-10
ppg-26-buteth-26
Propanediol
C: 0/5I: 0/5humectant
Water (Aqua)
C: 0/5I: 0/5other
Shared (4)
Citric Acid
C: 0/5I: 2/5aha
Niacinamide
C: 0/5I: 1/5antioxidant
Salicylic Acid
C: 0/5I: 2/5bha
Sodium Hydroxide
C: 0/5I: 2/5other
Only in Cetaphil Gentle (18)
Aqua (Water)
C: 0/5I: 0/5other
Betaine
C: 0/5I: 0/5humectant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
C: 0/5I: 1/5surfactant
Coco-Glucoside
C: 0/5I: 0/5surfactant
Disodium EDTA
C: 0/5I: 0/5other
Ethylhexylglycerin
C: 0/5I: 1/5preservative
gluconolactone
glycereth-26
Glycerin
C: 0/5I: 0/5humectant
helianthusannuusseedoil
Mandelic Acid
C: 0/5I: 2/5aha
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
C: 0/5I: 0/5humectant
pantolactone
peg-120-methyl-glucose-dioleate
Phenoxyethanol
C: 0/5I: 2/5preservative
sodium-citrate
sodium-cocoamphoacetate
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
C: 2/5I: 1/5antioxidant
When Used Together
CautionGlycolic Acid + Salicylic Acid
Using AHA and BHA together at high concentrations risks over-exfoliation and barrier damage.
Alternate use — AHA one day, BHA the next.
CautionMandelic Acid + Salicylic Acid
[Class rule] Combining AHA and BHA increases exfoliation beyond what most skin can tolerate.
Use on alternate days or choose one.
SynergyNiacinamide + Salicylic Acid
Niacinamide reduces post-BHA redness while salicylic acid unclogs pores — excellent acne-fighting duo.