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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.

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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

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.

MFDS

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

FDA

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

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

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

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

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

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

FDA

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

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

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

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

FDA

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

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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