The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum vs Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser
13%Match
Only 13% overlap — quite different formulas
Ingredient Breakdown
Only in The Ordinary (8)
daucus-carota-sativa-juice
eau
ectoin
Malic Acid
C: 0/5I: 2/5aha
Potassium Sorbate
C: 0/5I: 1/5preservative
sodiumbenzoate
Tartaric Acid
C: 0/5I: 2/5aha
Xanthan Gum
C: 0/5I: 0/5other
Shared (4)
Citric Acid
C: 0/5I: 2/5aha
gluconolactone
Glycerin
C: 0/5I: 0/5humectant
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
glycereth-26
helianthusannuusseedoil
Mandelic Acid
C: 0/5I: 2/5aha
Niacinamide
C: 0/5I: 1/5antioxidant
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
C: 0/5I: 0/5humectant
pantolactone
peg-120-methyl-glucose-dioleate
Phenoxyethanol
C: 0/5I: 2/5preservative
Salicylic Acid
C: 0/5I: 2/5bha
sodium-citrate
sodium-cocoamphoacetate
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
C: 2/5I: 1/5antioxidant
When Used Together
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.