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3C Pharma Sebactase Cream
3C Pharma

3C Pharma Sebactase Cream

Efficacy50/100IrritancyHigh
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Works for

0 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Anti-blemish
5 ingredients credited for this claim
Limited support
What the product description says
“3C Pharma Sebactase Cream 50ml has been specially created to act against cutaneous imperfections spots, blackheads, redness, dilated pores, of combination, oily and acne prone skins.”
Source: Cocoon Center

This product contains ingredients (zinc pca) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Zinc pcaKey activeEffect: MediumA compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing~0.25–0.4%
Salix alba bark extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect~0.35–0.65%
Potassium azeloyl diglycinateUnder-dosedEffect: HighA derivative of azelaic acid. It is obtained by reacting the chloride of azelaic acid with two molecules of glycine (an amino acid) and potassium hydroxide. It is less studied than azelaic acid, but the available research suggests that it also can be effective in reducing skin redness, hyperpigmentation and blemishes. There are claims that it is more bio-available and more effective than azelaic acid, but no comparison study is available. Potassium azeloyl diglycinate is better soluble in water compared with azelaic acid. Because of this property, products with potassium azeloyl digclycinate can have a nicer texture~0.4–0.65%
AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.25–0.45%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.3–0.6%
Moisturizing
Not advertised by the brand · 17 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, saccharomyces/iron ferment.

When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

Zinc pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing~0.25–0.4%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~1–1.3%
Saccharomyces/iron fermentKey active· HumectantEffect: HighYeast extract that contains iron. Can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Evidence of effectiveness for other benefits is missing~0.25–0.45%
Saccharomyces/magnesium fermentKey active· HumectantEffect: HighYeast extract that contains magnesium. Can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Evidence of effectiveness for other benefits is missing~0.25–0.45%
Saccharomyces/silicon fermentKey active· HumectantEffect: HighYeast extract that contains silicon. Can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Evidence of effectiveness for other benefits is missing~0.25–0.45%
Saccharomyces/zinc fermentKey active· HumectantEffect: HighYeast extract that contains zinc. Can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Evidence of effectiveness for other benefits is missing~0.25–0.45%
C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth~5.9–7.2%
Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.5–0.75%
CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~4.5–5.5%
Glyceryl stearate seKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient~0.5–0.75%
Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.7–1%
Glyceryl stearate citrate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.85%
Isohexadecane· EmollientEffect: LowImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~2.5–3.1%
Hydrolyzed caesalpinia spinosa gum· EmollientEffect: LowHelps softent the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency~0.3–0.6%
AllantoinUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.25–0.45%
Potassium azeloyl diglycinateUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA derivative of azelaic acid. It is obtained by reacting the chloride of azelaic acid with two molecules of glycine (an amino acid) and potassium hydroxide. It is less studied than azelaic acid, but the available research suggests that it also can be effective in reducing skin redness, hyperpigmentation and blemishes. There are claims that it is more bio-available and more effective than azelaic acid, but no comparison study is available. Potassium azeloyl diglycinate is better soluble in water compared with azelaic acid. Because of this property, products with potassium azeloyl digclycinate can have a nicer texture~0.4–0.65%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.3–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Hamamelis virginiana water, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritatingHigh~2.1–2.6%est.
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.7–1%est.
Salix alba bark extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effectHigh~0.35–0.65%est.
Hamamelis virginiana waterA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateUsed to thicken the product's consistencyMedium~1.2–1.5%est.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.Medium~0.6–0.9%est.
OctocryleneA weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreenMedium~0.55–0.85%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Hydrolyzed caesalpinia spinosa gumHelps softent the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.25–0.5%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
BhaHelps preserve the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Glyceryl stearate seUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient2/5~0.5–0.75%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.5–0.75%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~5.9–7.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth

More about C12-15 alkyl benzoate
Cyclopentasiloxane~4.5–5.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MattifyingMoisturizing

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane
Cyclohexane~3.2–3.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Cyclohexane
Isohexadecane~2.5–3.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Isohexadecane
Propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate~2–2.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~2.1–2.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Sun protection

Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating

More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
Polypropylene~1.5–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Polypropylene
Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate~1.2–1.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to thicken the product's consistency

More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate
Glycerin~1–1.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Propylene glycol~0.7–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Salix alba bark extract~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationAnti-blemishExfoliation

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect

More about Salix alba bark extract
Glyceryl stearate citrate~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Glyceryl stearate citrate
Glyceryl stearate se~0.5–0.75%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient

More about Glyceryl stearate se
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.

More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane
Cetearyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol
Potassium azeloyl diglycinate~0.4–0.65%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMoisturizing

A derivative of azelaic acid. It is obtained by reacting the chloride of azelaic acid with two molecules of glycine (an amino acid) and potassium hydroxide. It is less studied than azelaic acid, but the available research suggests that it also can be effective in reducing skin redness, hyperpigmentation and blemishes. There are claims that it is more bio-available and more effective than azelaic acid, but no comparison study is available. Potassium azeloyl diglycinate is better soluble in water compared with azelaic acid. Because of this property, products with potassium azeloyl digclycinate can have a nicer texture

More about Potassium azeloyl diglycinate
Octocrylene~0.55–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Octocrylene
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Hydrolyzed caesalpinia spinosa gum~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps softent the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency

More about Hydrolyzed caesalpinia spinosa gum
Hamamelis virginiana water~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana water
Allantoin~0.25–0.45%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAnti-blemishReduces irritationExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Tocopheryl acetate~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Saccharomyces/silicon ferment~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Yeast extract that contains silicon. Can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Evidence of effectiveness for other benefits is missing

More about Saccharomyces/silicon ferment
Saccharomyces/magnesium ferment~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Yeast extract that contains magnesium. Can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Evidence of effectiveness for other benefits is missing

More about Saccharomyces/magnesium ferment
Saccharomyces/iron ferment~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Yeast extract that contains iron. Can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Evidence of effectiveness for other benefits is missing

More about Saccharomyces/iron ferment
Saccharomyces/zinc ferment~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Yeast extract that contains zinc. Can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Evidence of effectiveness for other benefits is missing

More about Saccharomyces/zinc ferment
Zinc pca~0.25–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing

More about Zinc pca
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Disodium edta~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol~0.05–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
Bha~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps preserve the product formulation

More about Bha
Limonene~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Ingredient list view

Water, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexane, Isohexadecane, Propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Polypropylene, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Glycerin, Propylene glycol, Salix alba bark extract, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Glyceryl stearate se, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Cetearyl alcohol, Potassium azeloyl diglycinate, Octocrylene, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Hydrolyzed caesalpinia spinosa gum, Hamamelis virginiana water, Allantoin, Tocopheryl acetate, Saccharomyces/silicon ferment, Saccharomyces/magnesium ferment, Saccharomyces/iron ferment, Saccharomyces/zinc ferment, Zinc pca, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Xanthan gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium edta, Sodium hydroxide, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, Bha, Limonene

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
3C PharmaSebactase CreamYOUR PRODUCTMedik8Calmwise Colour Correct CreamSkinTraLet Your Skin Drink Up - hydrating face creamSkincare by Dr VTrio Blemish AM Gel Moisturiser
Match—84%80%77%
Price$9.12$62.00+$52.88—$50.17+$41.05
Shared key ingredients—2 of 121 of 123 of 12
Key difference—NiacinamideNiacinamideNiacinamide
Irritancy High Medium Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    Efficacy and Safety of White Willow Bark (Salix alba) Extractonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  6. 6
    An evaluation of the effect of a topical product containing salicin on the visible signs of human skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3C Pharma Sebactase Cream
3C PharmaSebactase Cream
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