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ADVANCED CLINICALS Glycolic Acid + Lactic Acid Cleanser
ADVANCED CLINICALS

ADVANCED CLINICALS Glycolic Acid + Lactic Acid Cleanser

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation
Lactic acid, Glycolic acid + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Cleanses, exfoliates and purifies skin.”
Source: Advanced Clinicals

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid, lactic acid.

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~1.9–2.3%
Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~1.6–2%
Salicylic acidUnder-dosedUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.15–0.25%
Cleansing
Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, Sodium cocoyl glutamate + 5 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Glycolic Acid + Lactic Acid Cleanser”
Source: Advanced Clinicals

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (acrylates crosspolymer-4, cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, decyl glucoside, hexylene glycol, sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, sodium cocoyl glutamate) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, decyl glucoside, sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate

Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and used as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating and is better avoided for sensitive skin~11–13%
Sodium cocoyl glutamateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~3.2–3.9%
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaineEffect: HighUsed as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together~2.9–3.5%
Decyl glucosideEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating~1.2–1.5%
Acrylates crosspolymer-4Effect: High~1–1.2%
Hexylene glycolEffect: HighHelps create a more spreadable product texture~0.15–0.25%
Cocamidopropyl dimethylamineEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Can work as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating~0.15–0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
5 strong irritants: Mentha piperita oil, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil + 3 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
Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonateHelps oil and water mix together and used as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating and is better avoided for sensitive skinHigh~11–13%est.
Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~1.6–2%est.
Decyl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~1.2–1.5%est.
Mentha piperita oilUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~0.5–0.75%est.
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilAn essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~0.15–0.25%est.
Cocamidopropyl dimethylamineHelps oil and water mix together. Can work as a cleansing agent. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.15%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Sodium cocoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~3.2–3.9%est.
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaineUsed as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~2.9–3.5%est.
Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~1.9–2.3%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.4–0.6%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Deep Clean Purifying Cooling Gel Scrub
Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Cooling Gel Scrub
Cheaper84% match
$8.49
Salicylic Foaming Face Cleanser - single
MCoBeauty Salicylic Foaming Face Cleanser - single
Cheaper81% match
$14.04
View all alternatives

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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
Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate~11–13%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together and used as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating and is better avoided for sensitive skin

More about Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate
Glycerin~3.9–4.8%
Formula
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
Sodium cocoyl glutamate~3.2–3.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium cocoyl glutamate
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine~2.9–3.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine
Lactic acid~1.9–2.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid
Glycolic acid~1.6–2%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-blemish

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid

More about Glycolic acid
Propanediol~1.4–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Decyl glucoside~1.2–1.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Decyl glucoside
Acrylates crosspolymer-4~1–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Acrylates crosspolymer-4
Sodium chloride~0.75–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride
Phenoxyethanol~0.6–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Mentha piperita oil~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha piperita oil
Sodium hydroxide~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Polyquaternium-10~0.5–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish

More about Polyquaternium-10
Caprylyl glycol~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

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

More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil
Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Salicylic acid~0.15–0.25%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliationAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid
Hexylene glycol~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol
Cocamidopropyl dimethylamine~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can work as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating

More about Cocamidopropyl dimethylamine
Limonene~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Limonene
Linalool~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Citral~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral
Ingredient list view

Water, Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, Glycerin, Sodium cocoyl glutamate, Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, Lactic acid, Glycolic acid, Propanediol, Decyl glucoside, Acrylates crosspolymer-4, Sodium chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Mentha piperita oil, Sodium hydroxide, Polyquaternium-10, Caprylyl glycol, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salicylic acid, Hexylene glycol, Cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, Limonene, Linalool, Citral

Compare prices

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Advanced Clinicals
$19.99
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Amazon USPrice as of 11/11 18:33 GMT
$19.99
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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
ADVANCED CLINICALSGlycolic Acid + Lactic Acid CleanserYOUR PRODUCTMedix 5.5Glycolic + Lactic AcidCeraVeGel Moussant Anti-ImperfectionsNeutrogenaDeep Clean Purifying Cooling Gel Scrub
Match—93%86%84%
Price$19.99$19.99—$8.49−$11.50
Shared key ingredients—10 of 114 of 115 of 11
Key difference——NiacinamideSodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate
Irritancy High High 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 16 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Final Report On the Safety Assessment of Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonatesjournals.sagepub.com
  2. 2
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Safety Assessment of Amino Acid Alkyl Amides as Used in Cosmeticsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Irritant and sensitizing potential of eight surfactants commonly used in skin cleansers: an evaluation of 105 patientsjournals.lww.com
  5. 5
    Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
ADVANCED CLINICALS Glycolic Acid + Lactic Acid Cleanser
ADVANCED CLINICALSGlycolic Acid + Lactic Acid Cleanser
Buy at Advanced Clinicals$19.99$19.99as of 11/11 18:33 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Advanced Clinicals$19.99$19.99as of 11/11 18:33 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.