Its an important question to ask, since the answer could help you determine which ingredient (if not both) could be better suited to help battle your breakouts. It conforms to the formula which is depicted below (Figure 1).1 As some of the data obtained from ECHA for Benzyl Salicylate (Figure 1), have been read-across from cyclohexyl salicylate,4 the source structure is also included below (Figure 2). Although each ingredient is usually well tolerated overall, allergic reactions are possible with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. If youve ever had to deal with acne, you understand that it can be a difficult battle. Salicylic acid can be absorbed through the mother's skin. If you have a salicylate allergy, it's a good idea to keep antihistamines and an EpiPen on hand. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Just remember, whether they contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, OTC treatments work best for those with mild acne. Since salicylic acid gently sloughs off the top layers of dead skin cells, it is known to brighten a dull complexion. This helps to loosen dry scaly skin making it easier to remove. The possible side effects of both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are similardryness, peeling, and irritation. Benzoyl peroxide is considered the quintessential topical acne treatment. Salicylates Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Were all aware of their stellar zit-zapping reputation, but how exactly do the two ingredients differ? This combination is effective since using benzoyl peroxide all over the face may cause side effects like dryness, peeling, and irritation. When doctors diagnose acne, they will classify the condition as mild, moderate, or severe. Studies show products with higher benzoyl peroxide concentrations above 2.5 percent do not necessarily increase the effectiveness of products and can irritate the skin. Even though benzyl salicylate is derived from salicylic acid (an approved acne treatment), it is not an acne treatment. WebA salicylate is a salt or ester of salicylic acid. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'skincarelab_org-banner-1','ezslot_5',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-skincarelab_org-banner-1-0'); Consider the tradeoffs before using products with this ingredient. A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5697687/. (2017). Effectiveness of personalized low salicylate diet in the management of salicylates hypersensitive patients: interventional study. If thats the case for you, we encourage you to take a look at the answers to some frequently asked questions about acne, here! Consult with your provider before using salicylic acid if you: Salicylic acid should also not be used on children and teenagers who have chicken poxor theflu. This Skincare Brand Is Meant to Help Your Skin Glow Like Youre in How to Apply Eye Cream Because Yes, You Could Be Doing It Wrong, Why Pimples Pop Up After Shaving and How to Prevent Them, Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Skin? It works to clear breakouts in two ways: Benzoyl peroxide is considered the most effective OTC acne treatment ingredient available. If youre not getting good results after using them for several weeks, its time to give your dermatologist a call for stronger prescription treatments. Anyone with an allergy to benzoyl peroxide should avoid any product that contains it. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. This helps kill the acne-causing bacteria and effectively reduces inflammation. (2018). Though it can add a pleasant fragrance to skincare products and cosmetics, it may not be worth the risk. Warnings L'Oral USA. Lastly, salicylic acid possess anti-inflammatory properties, which is ideal for treating acne since inflammation will worsen breakouts. Salicylic acid also helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. Many OTC washes and acne treatments may contain salicylic acid, so it is essential to check all the ingredients on the label. For severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing or hives that develop all over your body, you should use an epinephrine injection (EpiPen), which is the only effective treatment for anaphylaxis. Strengths of salicylic acid preparations range from 0.5% up to 30%. Hyaluronic Acid vs. Rosehip Oil Which is Better. All skin types can benefit from it! While some data suggest that foods high in salicylates can also cause a reaction, very little research supports this. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'skincarelab_org-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',183,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-skincarelab_org-medrectangle-4-0');Overall, the safety of benzyl salicylate is quite poor. Alternate benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid face washWhile there is no face wash with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide together, you can alternate using a salicylic acid face wash one night and a benzoyl peroxide face wash the next night. Many people may still use salicylic acid for treating acne because it is widely available without a prescription. However, instead of the more common blackheads and whiteheads, benzoyl peroxide is better for handling pustules (the red, pus-filled pimples common during adolescence). Salicylic acid has the ability to inhibit the production of various aspects necessary for binary fission (bacterial reproduction), such as fibrinogen, fibronectin, and alpha-hemolysis. Benzyl Salicylate in Skin Care - Is It Safe? | Skincare Lab Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide For Acne - Verywell Health If you are sensitive to chemicals or have had allergic reactions to fragrances in the past, you may wish to avoid the use of benzyl salicylate in favor of other natural fragrances. They come in a wide range of options, from body washes to spot https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8003110/#:~:text=Cutibacterium%20acnes%20is%20the%20most,role%20in%20local%20skin%20homeostasis. Then, as you slowly get used to these topical treatments for acne, you can opt for benzoyl peroxide. A potent, yet gentle treatment serum targets blemishes. I recommend it to nearly all of my patients concerned with acne, he says. Benzyl salicylate is in personal care, hair care, and skincare products for its pleasant fragrance and as a skin protectant against UV light. This can leave skin feeling dry and irritated, which for some people can make skin look worse. Foods high in salicylates include broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, blueberries, avocados, pine nuts, coffee, and nightshade vegetables, such as eggplant and peppers. THIS SITE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR ADVICE OR TREATMENT FROM A QUALIFIED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. Salicylate Allergy: Symptoms, Triggers, What to Avoid - Verywell Moderate or severe skin irritation (particularly if not present before use of this medicine). Salicylic acid is a keratolytic (peeling agent) that causes shedding of the outer layer of skin. Salicylate intolerance: pathophysiology, clinical spectrum, diagnosis and treatment. However, due to the safety issues related to the use of benzyl salicylate, it is best to avoid use when possible, even in vegan products.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'skincarelab_org-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',168,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-skincarelab_org-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Benzyl salicylate has been shown to contribute to the proliferation of cells that may cause breast cancer. Cal J Emerg Med. We avoid using tertiary references. Besides, this ingredient works best in treating inflammatory acne, the breakouts that are hot, red and too painful to touch. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Using them together can increase the chances of side effects, so scale back use if you're getting especially dry or irritated. Blemishes can be embarrassing and frequent breakouts can lower a persons self-esteem. But generally, here's how to decide when to use both: Both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be solutions for acne, but they use very different mechanisms. First, begin with understanding your skins needs and then, compare them with how these acne-fighting ingredients work. They can be used at the same time, however that'd likely be very irritating for most folks. 2015;8:455-461. doi:10.2147/CCID.S84765. Benzoyl peroxide is well known for drying out the skin, leading to peeling, flaking, and excess dryness. Salicylic acid topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Benzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid for Acne - GoodRx Glycolic Acid vs. Salicylic Acid: Which One Is Right for And it is mainly because of how salicylic acid targets the different causes responsible for developing acne in the first place. Women may be more likely to experience acne than men. Both of its components are plant-based benzyl alcohol is produced by a lot of different plants like jasmine, hyacinth, and ylang-ylang, and salicylic acid is harvested from the willow tree. Formulated with 2% blemish-fighting Salicylic Acid along with soothing and redness-reducing Chamomile Flower and Green Tea Leaf Extract. Over-the-counter acne treatments: A review. Benzoyl peroxide is typically used once or twice a day, and it may take four to six weeks to see the effects of this medication.. Its an important question to ask, since the answer could help you determine which ingredient (if not both) could be better suited to help. Side effects of benzoyl peroxide can include: The higher the concentration of benzoyl peroxide in the product, the more likely the person will experience these side effects. The risks and benefits will need to be discussed with your doctor before using any preparations containing salicylic acid. Available dosage forms include cream, gel, lotion, ointment, pads, plaster, shampoo, cleanser and topical solution. Below well explain the details on how each of these ingredients fights acne, as well as whether benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid is better.