Turn the label around
A clearer word
for what you are reading.
Search a term or browse the two groups. Each definition links to its source and keeps the product-specific limits visible.
12 terms · Open a word for its meaning and source.
On the labelActive ingredient
The substance identified as providing the medicine’s intended therapeutic effect. On the reviewed retail acne labels, salicylic acid appears here with its concentration.
Source: FDA — The over-the-counter Drug Facts label ↗In the formulaAHA
Alpha-hydroxy acid. CeraVe Acne Control Gel includes glycolic and lactic acids and carries an AHA-related sunburn alert. Read the complete formula’s instructions.
Source: CeraVe — Acne Control Gel ↗In the formulaBHA
Beta-hydroxy acid. Salicylic acid is the BHA in these acne products. Sharing that ingredient does not make different creams, cleansers or body treatments interchangeable.
Source: CeraVe — Acne Control Gel ↗On the labelCompounded
Prepared to meet a patient’s medical need under the relevant prescribing and pharmacy arrangements. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved; ask about the actual prescription and dispensing pharmacy.
Source: FDA — Understanding the risks of compounded drugs ↗On the labelDrug Facts
The standardized information panel on an over-the-counter medicine. Read its uses, warnings and directions alongside the active ingredient rather than relying only on front-label claims.
Source: FDA — The over-the-counter Drug Facts label ↗On the labelInactive ingredients
Ingredients outside the designated therapeutic active category. They remain part of the finished formula and can affect its texture or other characteristics; inactive does not mean irrelevant to a known sensitivity.
Source: FDA — The over-the-counter Drug Facts label ↗On the labelLeave-on
A product used according to directions that do not include rinsing it off after application. Do not transfer those instructions to a cleanser or increase contact time on your own.
Source: MedlinePlus — Salicylic Acid Topical ↗In the formulaNiacinamide
A form of vitamin B3 included in several reviewed formulas. Its presence on an ingredient list does not establish the amount used or prove the finished product’s results.
Source: CeraVe — Acne Control Gel ↗On the labelNon-comedogenic
A description the AAD suggests looking for when choosing a moisturizer for acne-prone skin. It indicates a product is unlikely to cause acne, not that it cannot irritate or will suit everyone.
Source: AAD — Moisturizer: why you may need it if you have acne ↗On the labelStrength
The disclosed amount or concentration of an active ingredient. A higher number is not a multiplier for clinical benefit, and an undisclosed number should not be guessed from prescription wording.
Source: FDA — The over-the-counter Drug Facts label ↗On the labelSunburn alert
A warning about increased sun sensitivity associated with a particular formula. CeraVe’s gel includes an AHA alert; keep the package’s protection advice with its use instructions.
Source: CeraVe — Acne Control Gel ↗In the formulaUrea
An ingredient CoreAge lists in Pore Favor for texture and moisture support. The public offer does not establish its individual strength, so ask about the actual prescribed preparation.
Source: CoreAge Rx — Pore Favor ↗This dictionary explains public label language. It does not assess your skin, approve a combination or select a treatment. Searches stay in this page and are not submitted.