THE FORMAT FINDER

Same ingredient.
Different formats.

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4 products shown. Individual source dates are recorded in each review. Supply periods differ.

LEAVE-ON

Paula’s Choice

Skin Perfecting 2% BHA

ON THE LABEL2% salicylic acid

Leave-on liquid. Full-size, one-time price; other sizes and replenishment terms differ.

THE PURCHASE$37 / 118 mLRead review ↗
LEAVE-ON

The Ordinary

Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

ON THE LABEL2% salicylic acid

Reference price $6.70; confirm selected size. Water-based Solution, not the anhydrous product or peel.

THE PURCHASE$6.03 promotional listingRead review ↗
LEAVE-ON

Stridex

Maximum pads

ON THE LABEL2% salicylic acid

Medicated pad. Alcohol-free; fragrance and menthol appear in the published ingredients.

THE PURCHASECheck pad count + retailer priceRead review ↗
LEAVE-ON

Clean & Clear

Advantage Acne Spot Treatment

ON THE LABEL2% salicylic acid

Newer NDC 69968-1016-1: fragrance-free 21 g gel. Older 22 mL lotion differs; check carton/version.

THE PURCHASERetailer price unverifiedRead review ↗
A percentage is one piece of information.

It cannot establish that a rinse-off wash and a leave-on treatment are equivalent. Understand the format differences →