Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum with 9.8% Glycolic Acid vs Plum 2% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid Face Serum For Acne-Prone Skin

Kiehl's

Plum

A serum built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for hydration and barrier repair.

A serum built around BHA and Salicylic acid, for hydration and barrier repair.

Serum

7 ingredients

20 ingredients

Brand price

INR 3200.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

INR 225.00 · checked 28 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

At a Glance

They come out differently on Alcohol-free and Cruelty-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

AHA1
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic Acid
Hyaluronic acid1
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate

BHA1
Beta hydroxy acid — oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid1
The BHA used in acne treatment.
Salicylic Acid
Niacinamide1
Vitamin B3 — supports the barrier and evens tone.
Niacinamide

Hydrating2
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate
Barrier Repair1
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin
Anti-Aging1
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Glycolic Acid
Smoothing1
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Glycolic Acid

Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Polydextrose, Propanediol
Barrier Repair3
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Glycerin, Niacinamide, Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Niacinamide
Smoothing2
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid

May Worsen Irritation1
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Eczema1
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Rosacea1
Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Alcohol Denat.
May Worsen Dryness1
Can strip moisture and worsen dryness.
Alcohol Denat.

No concerns found

Show highlights for:

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
0-1 / —
- AHA
- Glycolic acid
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Exfoliating
- Smoothing
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Alcohol Denat.
Fragrance
0 / —
- Denatured alcohol
- May Worsen Dryness
- May Worsen Eczema
- May Worsen Irritation
- May Worsen Rosacea
Sodium Hydroxide (in both products)
Buffering
0 / —
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
0 / 0
- Hyaluronic acid
- Hydrating
Hydroxyethylcellulose (in both products)
Light Stabilizer
0-1 / —

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Salicylic Acid
Preservative
- BHA
- Salicylic acid
- Acne Fighting
- Exfoliating
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
Dextrin
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
Polydextrose
Humectant
0-1 / —
Amylopectin
Viscosity Controlling
Niacinamide
Smoothing
0 / —
- Niacinamide
- Acne Fighting
- Barrier Repair
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Redness Reducing
Propanediol
Viscosity Controlling
0-1 / —
- Hydrating
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
0-1 / —
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Aqua
Solvent
Water
Learn more about Aqua →
Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering, Denaturant
Sodium hydroxide
Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming, Light Stabilizer, Viscosity Controlling
Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether
Learn more about Hydroxyethylcellulose →