The risks and benefits will need to be discussed with your doctor before using any preparations containing salicylic acid. Read our, Which Is Best For Different Types of Breakouts, Side Effects and Risks of Benzoyl Peroxide. What are the symptoms of an allergy? Anyone with severe or intolerable side effects should stop using the products. A salicylate allergywhich is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a salicylate intoleranceis a reaction that occurs when a person comes into contact with salicylates. Benzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid: Whats the Difference? The Best Hydrating Serums for Sensitive Skin, According to Our Edit Our Favorite Calming Products to Help You De-Stress. Salicylic acid is an excellent comedolytic, which means it can prevent you from future breakouts and acne by keeping your pores clear and unclogged. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Now that you have some idea of how salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide work, lets take a closer look into how these ingredients benefit your skin separately. This means it can reduce the amount of sebum on the skin and break down the lipids that hold skin cells together, providing exfoliation. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Sodium salicylate is roughly 350 times more soluble in water than salicylic acid due to its ionic character (Figure 4.55), and it is rather insoluble in organic solvents such as diethyl ether. Figure 4.55: Aqueous solubility data for salicylic acid and sodium salicylate (Ref 4). Both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be used to treat acne on the face and body. WebBenzyl salicylate is an ester, a type of organic chemical compound that reacts with water to produce alcohols and organic or inorganic acids. One drawback of benzoyl peroxide is that while it does effectively kill P. acnes, it also kills the good bacteria that keep your skin healthy. Two of the most effective ingredients for acne are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Were all aware of their stellar zit-zapping reputation, but how exactly do the two ingredients differ? Benzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid: The Key Difference People using benzoyl peroxide products may notice an improvement by the third week of treatment, but they may only see a maximal effect after 2 to 3 months. Both ingredients are intended for mild breakouts, and they can t According to the AAD, studies have shown that products formulated with a higher percentage of benzoyl peroxideover 2.5%are not synonymous with increased effectiveness. It is a medium-risk ingredient for cosmetic and skincare use since it is linked to allergies and contact dermatitis. Salicylic acid, also known as beta hydroxy acid, is an incredibly popular acne-fighting ingredient which can be extracted from the bark of willow trees. Its diagnosis is often difficult to make. Another option is to only exfoliate with salicylic acid every other day. If you believe you have a salicylate allergy, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. benzoic acid and salicylic acid topical The biggest difference between benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid is that benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial properties, while salicylic acid primarily targets Then, as you slowly get used to these topical treatments for acne, you can opt for benzoyl peroxide. Other side effects of salicylic acid include: To prevent these common side effects, people can start by using it daily and gradually increasing to two or three applications per day as tolerated. Salicylic Acid vs Benzyl Salicylate in Skin Care - Is It Safe? | Skincare Lab Benzyl salicylate is also sometimes called Benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate or Benzoic acid, but its most commonly referred to as benzyl salicylate on skincare products. Benzoyl peroxide is likely more effective at treating pustules and deeper pimples, while salicylic acid is great for whiteheads, blackheads, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Benzyl salicylate is in personal care, hair care, and skincare products for its pleasant fragrance and as a skin protectant against UV light. But what is the best way to incorporate these ingredients into your skin care routine? In fact, salicylic acid is completely non-abrasive, and has soothing and calming properties. It will also discuss testing, treatment, and which foods to avoid. Mild stinging may occur especially on broken skin and when higher concentrations are used. In addition, salicylic acid can help address visible signs of aging, working to exfoliate dead skin cells on the skin's surface. Animal studies with benzoyl peroxide have not been reported. Salicylic acid is also an excellent peeling ingredient that helps remove dead skin build-up in the pores and enhances skin cell renewal. Its also described as having a musky smell. Learn More at AdChoice and our Privacy Policy, How to Address Dehydrated Skin, According to Dermatologists. Safety Assessment of Benzyl Salicylate As Salicylic Acid Benzyl Ester - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics Benzyl salicylate is a synthetic fragrance that can irritate the skin and should be avoided when possible. The widespread use of topical and oral antibiotics to treat acne has led to increasing resistance of the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria that is responsible for causing acne. Benzyl salicylate To learn more about whether or not salicylic acid is right for your skin and concerns, keep reading! It is a beta hydroxy acid that functions by going deep into your skin layers and dissolving the dirt, dead skin cells, and excess oil which clog your pores and eventually lead to acne. Animal studies with oral Salicylic acid was not included in the guidelines because studies have shown it has limited efficacy for improving acne. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Label: Epiduo adapelene and benzoyl peroxide gel [Fact sheet]. Is Benzyl salicylate the same as benzyl alcohol? Some studies have suggested that salicylic acid chemical peels may help improve mild acne. Dr. Schmids go-to product for acne-prone skin isSkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense. Carrot & Stick The Acne Spot Treatment Becoming well-versed in the glossary of acne-fighting ingredients, we admit, is no walk in the park (the acids alone can be dizzying). The concentration of benzoyl peroxide in these products ranges from 2.5% to 10%. As far as skin care ingredients go, benzoyl peroxide gently helps to perform the same job as salicylic acid. 118-58-1) is the ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid. This helps kill the acne-causing bacteria and effectively reduces inflammation. The salicylic acid vs. benzoyl peroxide debate really comes down to the type of acne you have: This article discusses salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide acne treatments. However, their way of working is completely different and thats what makes these ingredients distinct. Salicylates It clears excess oil and dead skin cells from your pores. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are both effective acne-targeting ingredients. See the nuance here? Lindsey Desoto is a registered dietitian with experience working with clients to improve their diet for health-related reasons. Salicylic acid can be applied on all types of acne, and can even be applied on the skin once the blemish clears. Since salicylic acid gently sloughs off the top layers of dead skin cells, it is known to brighten a dull complexion. It penetrates the pores or follicles of the skin and kills the bacteria that lives there and contributes to inflammation that results in acne. You can find the ingredient in many different types of skin care products, including face washes, creams, lotions, gels, or pre-moistened wipes. While a salicylate allergy is an immune system reaction that can be severe, a salicylate intolerance refers to how the product is broken down in your system and can cause gastrointestinal effects. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that works by dissolving lipids. It is a medium-risk ingredient. WebIn clinical tests, Salicylic Acid (2%) produced minimal cumulative irritation and slight or no irritation(1.5%); TEA-Salicylate (8%) produced no irritation; Methyl Salicylate (>12%) produced pain and erythema, a 1% aerosol produced erythema, but an 8% solution was not irritating; Ethylhexyl Salicylate (4%) and undiluted Tridecyl Salicylate Using them together can increase the chances of side effects, so scale back use if you're getting especially dry or irritated. Author: Vanessa Ngan, Staff Writer, 2005. Also, it can cause allergic reactions when applied to the skin, even in very small amounts. She currently lives in New York City. However, it can cause skin irritation or lead to an allergic skin reaction. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Last medically reviewed on August 9, 2019, Benzoyl peroxide is a treatment for acne. Nonetheless, to derive the best results, it would be better to seek suggestions from a dermatologist first and then, plan out on using these ingredients together. Warts: The typical dose is to apply salicylic acid gel or topical solution to the affected area 1 to 2 times a day as needed for up to 12 weeks until the wart is removed. Salicylic Acid WebThe main difference between these two ingredients is that benzoyl peroxide is known to work best on mild pustules, while salicylic acid is best for blackheads and whiteheads. Even though Benzyl salicylate is derived from Salicylic acid, it is not the same thing. Salicylic acid can also cause irritation and dry skin but it is a safe ingredient. Plus, How to Address Them. Formulated with 2% blemish-fighting Salicylic Acid along with soothing and redness-reducing Chamomile Flower and Green Tea Leaf Extract. Side effects of benzoyl peroxide are usually mild and side effects of salicylic acid can range from mild to severe. However, true allergic reactions happen when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances called allergens. Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide: Which Is Better for Strengths of salicylic acid preparations range from 0.5% up to 30%. So when it comes to deciding whether benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid is best for your acne, the answer might just be both of them! Be sure to use all products as directed and keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Benzoyl peroxide is well known for drying out the skin, leading to peeling, flaking, and excess dryness. Sodium Benzoate in Skincare Is It Safe? Receive your FREE Doctor-Approved Beauty Guide. Benzyl salicylate is an ester, a chemical compound derived from an acid. 2007 Feb;8(1):23-5. Salicylic acid vs. benzoyl peroxide: Benefits and side effects The smell of benzyl salicylate is quite mild, and some people have a hard time detecting it. Both ingredients help clear acne, but they do so in different ways.. Benzoyl peroxide: This ingredient is a potent antibacterial agent that prevents acne-causing bacteria from growing and spreading on your skin. If youre like most people, youve tried numerous skin care products that claim to clear your skin for good, but ultimately end up leaving you disappointed. Our Recommendations on How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated During a Long 8 Skincare Products That Will Give Your Spring Skincare Routine a B 20 Best Niacinamide Serums to Try Today, According to Our Editors. Always follow up with an adequate moisturizer after washing your face to prevent excessive dryness. People with chronic rhinosinusitis may also experience increased symptoms after consuming products potentially rich in salicylates. The key difference between benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid is that benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide works to keep your skin free from breakouts. Kinship Pimple Potion Retinal + Salicylic Acne Treatment, KLUR Stellar Restoration Corrective Complex, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment With Benzoyl Peroxide. Although salicylates are generally well-tolerated, they can cause significant reactions in those who are allergic. Though these two acne-fighting ingredients target the pesky breakouts and reduce the acne-causing grime and bacteria, these ingredients are not the same. The form and strength chosen depends on the condition that is being treated. Since a leave-on product stays on the skin all day, it has the ability to speed up the skins natural exfoliation process, leaving you with clear skin. When using salicylic acid preparations do not use any of the following preparations on the affected area, unless directed to do so by your doctor: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. WebAlthough the salicylic acid vs. benzoyl peroxide discussion revolves around what your specific skin care concerns are, as a whole, salicylic acid comes out as the winner. References: AAD.org Dermatologists advise patients that over-the-counter acne products can have benefits and a place on their medicine shelf Jan 2014, Refinery29.com Weve All Been Underestimating This Acne-Fighter July 2016.