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Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum Exfoliating Treatment for Acne Blemishes
The Ordinary
$15.00
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Glycerin is a naturally derived humectant—a ingredient that draws moisture from the air into your skin. It's one of the most widely used and well-studied moisturizing agents in skincare, helping skin feel softer and more hydrated.
Benefits
- Attracts and retains moisture in the skin
- Improves skin hydration and softness
- Helps strengthen skin barrier function
- Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded glycerin is safe as used in cosmetics across all concentrations. Research shows glycerin effectively improves skin hydration and is well-tolerated with minimal irritation risk. It is also referenced in clinical guidelines for managing inflammatory skin conditions and maintaining skin integrity.
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Citric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid commonly used in skincare products as an exfoliant and pH balancer. It belongs to a group of ingredients called alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that help remove dead skin cells from the surface.
Benefits
- Gentle exfoliation to improve skin texture and appearance
- Helps reduce the appearance of keratosis and acne
- Balances product pH to maintain skin compatibility
Potential concerns
- Can cause irritation, redness, or sensitivity in some users, especially with prolonged or frequent use
- May increase sun sensitivity — sunscreen use is recommended when using AHA products
- Not suitable for very sensitive or compromised skin without caution
Science: Citric acid is an established AHA used in cosmetics for superficial peeling and skin appearance improvement, though research emphasizes that caution should be exercised due to potential adverse reactions. It is widely produced industrially and well-established in skincare formulations.
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Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that prevents bacteria, yeast, and mold from growing in skincare products, helping them stay fresh and safe to use. It has been used safely in cosmetics for decades and is effective at very low concentrations.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination and product spoilage
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeast
- Minimal impact on beneficial skin bacteria when used at approved levels
Potential concerns
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- May cause irritation if used in products at concentrations above 1%
Science: The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety considers phenoxyethanol safe for all consumers, including children, at concentrations up to 1%. Adverse effects observed in animal studies required exposure levels approximately 200 times higher than those in cosmetic products, and it is classified as one of the most well-tolerated preservatives in cosmetics.
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Propanediol is a lightweight humectant—a molecule that draws water into the skin to keep it hydrated. It's also used in cosmetic formulations as a solvent and preservative booster, helping products stay stable and feel smooth on the skin.
Benefits
- Hydrates and moisturizes the skin
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Helps preserve formulations naturally
Science: Propanediol can be produced through bio-based fermentation (from glycerol using microorganisms), making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical synthesis. It is widely recognized as safe in cosmetic and food applications, with established use as both a humectant and preservative enhancer.
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Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative used in skincare products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, extending shelf life. It's a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that helps keep products safe from contamination during storage and use.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination in skincare formulations
- Extends product shelf life
- Allows formulas to remain stable without refrigeration
Potential concerns
- May cause irritation to sensitive eyes and eye area when present in eye products
- Degrades under UV exposure, potentially creating more harmful breakdown products
- Limited long-term safety data in peer-reviewed literature
Science: Research shows chlorphenesin can be toxic to eye tissue cells at approved concentrations, particularly affecting meibomian glands. When exposed to sunlight, it breaks down into compounds like 4-chlorophenol that may be more ecotoxic than the original ingredient, though systemic absorption in skincare is typically minimal.
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Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that works by gently exfoliating the skin's surface and penetrating pores to remove dead skin cells and excess oil. It's commonly used in acne treatments and can help improve skin texture and clarity.
Benefits
- Helps reduce acne breakouts by unclogging pores
- Gently exfoliates to improve skin texture
- May help fade dark spots and improve uneven skin tone when used as part of combination treatments
Potential concerns
- Can cause dryness, irritation, or sensitivity, especially with frequent use or in higher concentrations
- May increase sun sensitivity, so daily sunscreen is recommended
- Not recommended during pregnancy without consulting a healthcare provider
Science: Salicylic acid is recognized as a first-line topical acne treatment and is considered safe for most users. Research also supports its use as an adjuvant therapy for melasma and hyperpigmentation when combined with other treatments. Start with lower concentrations and introduce gradually to minimize irritation.
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Water is the primary ingredient in most skincare products, serving as a base that dissolves and carries other active ingredients. It hydrates the skin surface and helps other beneficial compounds penetrate effectively.
Benefits
- Hydrates and plumps the skin
- Helps deliver other skincare ingredients
- Essential solvent for product formulation
Science: Water is a fundamental component of skin physiology and cosmetic formulations. No safety concerns exist for topical application; it is non-irritating and universally safe for all skin types.
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Cocamidopropyl dimethylamine is a foaming and conditioning agent derived from coconut oil, commonly used in cleansers and hair care products to create lather and improve texture. It helps products feel smooth and easier to rinse away.
Benefits
- Creates rich lather and foam in cleansers
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Conditioning properties for hair and skin
Potential concerns
- Can cause irritant reactions in sensitive individuals (39% irritant reactions observed in patch testing)
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis risk, particularly with repeated occupational exposure
- May trigger reactions more easily when present as an impurity in other ingredients like cocamidopropyl betaine
Science: Research shows this ingredient causes irritant rather than allergic reactions in most cases. Allergic contact dermatitis is relatively rare (1.3% in occupational exposure studies) and typically occurs in workers with repeated exposure through hair and personal care products, rather than in typical consumer use.
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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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