Glow Recipe
Blemish Defeat BHA Spot Gel
BHA-powered spot gel with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to target blemishes, reduce redness, and fade post-acne marks.
Ingredient Snapshot
7 beneficial ingredients detected with no known safety concerns.
1 ingredient to watch — BHA / Salicylic Acid may cause sensitivity in some skin types.
Ingredients (8)
Salicylic Acid(BHA / Salicylic Acid)
Benefits
- ✓Oil-soluble acid that penetrates and unclogs pores
- ✓Effective treatment for acne, blackheads, and whiteheads
- ✓Anti-inflammatory — reduces redness around blemishes
- ✓Exfoliates inside the pore lining
Potential concerns
- !Can cause dryness, peeling, and irritation with overuse
- !Not recommended during pregnancy at high concentrations
- !May increase photosensitivity
Sources
FDA OTC Monograph — Salicylic Acid Acne Products: Salicylic acid is approved as an OTC active ingredient for acne treatment at 0.5-2% concentrations. It functions as a keratolytic agent, promoting shedding of the outer skin layer and unclogging pores.
Korean MFDS Salicylic Acid Use Standards in Cosmetics: Korean MFDS restricts salicylic acid to a maximum of 0.5% in rinse-off cosmetics and 2% in leave-on products for acne. Products must include a warning to avoid use during pregnancy and to use sun protection.
Niacinamide(Vitamin B3)
Benefits
- ✓Minimizes pores
- ✓Evens skin tone
- ✓Strengthens the skin barrier
- ✓Anti-inflammatory
Potential concerns
- !May cause flushing at high concentrations in sensitive individuals
Sources
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — FDA Cosmetic Ingredient Review: Niacinamide is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It is a well-established skin-conditioning agent with evidence supporting its role in improving skin texture, tone, and barrier function.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Niacinamide: CTPA lists niacinamide as a safe and effective skin-conditioning agent widely used across cosmetic formulations, with a strong safety profile across concentrations typically used in cosmetics (2–10%).
Glycerin(Glycerol)
Benefits
- ✓Humectant preventing cleansing-related dryness
- ✓Keeps skin hydrated post-wash
Sources
FDA GRAS Database — Glycerin: Glycerin (glycerol) is affirmed as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. As a cosmetic ingredient, it is one of the most widely used and well-tolerated humectants, drawing moisture from the environment to the outer layers of the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate(Hyaluronic Acid Salt)
Benefits
- ✓Powerful humectant holding up to 1000x its weight in water
- ✓Improves skin hydration and plumping
- ✓Biocompatible — naturally found in skin
Sources
FDA Briefing on Hyaluronic Acid in Topical Formulations: Sodium hyaluronate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a cosmetic ingredient. It functions as an effective humectant and skin-conditioning agent suitable for all skin types.
Allantoin
Benefits
- ✓Soothing agent that calms irritation and supports skin healing
- ✓Mild keratolytic that softens skin and improves texture
- ✓Well tolerated by sensitive skin
Sources
FDA OTC Skin Protectant Active Ingredient — Allantoin: The FDA recognises allantoin as a safe and effective OTC skin protectant active ingredient at concentrations of 0.5–2.0%. It soothes and protects irritated skin and helps relieve minor skin irritation from chapping, chafing, and wind.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Allantoin: CTPA lists allantoin as a safe, soothing skin-conditioning agent with a long history of safe use as a skin protectant. It is well tolerated by sensitive and reactive skin types.
Panthenol(Vitamin B5)
Benefits
- ✓Deeply moisturizes and soothes
- ✓Promotes skin healing
- ✓Gentle for baby skin
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Panthenol as Used in Cosmetics: The CIR Expert Panel found panthenol (provitamin B5) safe as used in cosmetic formulations. It functions as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, improving skin hydration and supporting barrier function, with no significant irritation or sensitisation concerns.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Panthenol: CTPA lists panthenol as a safe humectant and skin-conditioning agent. As provitamin B5, it supports healthy skin cell metabolism. It is well tolerated and considered safe for sensitive skin.
Phenoxyethanol
Benefits
- ✓Broad-spectrum preservative preventing microbial contamination
Potential concerns
- !Potential skin sensitizer in some individuals
Sources
FDA — Phenoxyethanol in Cosmetics: FDA has reviewed phenoxyethanol as a cosmetic preservative and considers it safe at concentrations up to 1.0% in cosmetic products. FDA advises caution in products used around the mouth of infants.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Phenoxyethanol: CTPA confirms phenoxyethanol is a permitted cosmetic preservative under EU Cosmetics Regulation at a maximum concentration of 1.0%, and is considered safe for use in both rinse-off and leave-on products.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Benefits
- ✓Conditions and softens skin
- ✓Boosts preservative efficacy
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Ethylhexylglycerin as Used in Cosmetics: The CIR Expert Panel found ethylhexylglycerin safe as used in cosmetics. It functions as a skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster enhancing the efficacy of other preservatives. No significant irritation or sensitisation was identified at cosmetic concentrations.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Ethylhexylglycerin: CTPA lists ethylhexylglycerin as a safe skin-conditioning agent and preservative enhancer. It is used in cosmetics to improve formula feel and boost preservation systems, and is considered non-irritating for most skin types.
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