La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum vs Pilgrim 10% Niacinamide Face Serum With 1% Zinc PCA

La Roche-Posay

Pilgrim

A serum built around AHA and Glycolic acid, for smoothing and brightening.

A serum built around Niacinamide and PHA, for hydration and barrier repair.

Serum

20 ingredients

Brand price

USD 44.99 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

INR 499.00 · checked 28 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand from France

Brand from India

At a Glance

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

AHA2
Alpha hydroxy acids — water-soluble chemical exfoliants.
Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid1
The smallest AHA, and so the most penetrating.
Glycolic Acid
Niacinamide1
Vitamin B3 — supports the barrier and evens tone.
Niacinamide

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopheryl Acetate
PHA1
Polyhydroxy acids — larger and milder than AHAs.
Gluconolactone
Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Zinc salt (sebum/soothing)1
Zinc salts, used for sebum control and soothing.
Zinc PCA

Hydrating1
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Propanediol
Barrier Repair1
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Niacinamide
Redness Reducing1
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Niacinamide
Anti-Aging1
Softens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Glycolic Acid

Hydrating7
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Panthenol, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zinc PCA
Barrier Repair4
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Betaine, Niacinamide, Panthenol
Reduces Irritation3
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin, Panthenol, Zinc PCA
Redness Reducing2
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Allantoin, Niacinamide

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis3
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
PEG-30 Glyceryl Cocoate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
May Worsen Irritation2
May cause stinging, redness or sensitivity.
Alcohol Denat., Fragrance
May Worsen Eczema2
May worsen itching or irritation for eczema-prone skin.
Alcohol Denat., Fragrance
May Worsen Rosacea2
Can trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Alcohol Denat., Fragrance

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Polysorbate 20

Show highlights for:

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propanediol is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Propanediol →
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Niacinamide is niacinamide.
Learn more about Niacinamide →