Alpha-H Clear Skin Blemish Control Gel

Alpha-H Clear Skin Blemish Control Gel

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Moisturizing
Niacinamide, Glycerin + 4 more
Works well
What the product description says
“A blend of 2% salicylic acid, 4% niacinamide and eucalyptus supercharge the formula, supporting the skin’s natural protective barrier, while helping to minimise the spread of spot-inducing bacteria.”
Source: Lookfantastic

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, butylene glycol.

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).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~3.9–5.9%
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~2.2–3.3%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.45–1%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.2–0.75%
Aloe barbadensis leaf extractEffect: 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~0.1–0.35%
Zinc gluconateUnder-dosedTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.1–0.35%
Anti-blemish
Niacinamide, Salicylic acid + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“The Clear Skin Blemish Control Gel with Wild Oregano helps to minimise the severity of individual blemishes.”
Source: Cultbeauty

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide, salicylic acid. These ingredients is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~3.9–5.9%
Salicylic acidHeroEffect: HighUsed 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)~0.95–1.45%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.1–0.35%
Exfoliation
Side benefit · Salicylic acid, Zinc gluconate
Works well

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: salicylic acid.

Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: HighUsed 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)~0.95–1.45%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.1–0.35%
Evens skin tone
Side benefit the brand mentions · Niacinamide, Salicylic acid + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“What it does Formulated to reduce swelling starting at the root, Clear Skin Blemish Control Gel targets specific spots and rapidly reduces inflammation.”
Source: Sephora Hong Kong

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide, salicylic acid

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~3.9–5.9%
Salicylic acidEffect: LowUsed 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)~0.95–1.45%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.1–0.35%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates, Zinc gluconate
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphatesKey activeEffect: HighA form of Vitamin E. In concentrations 1-3%, it can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support photodamage repair~0.4–1%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.1–0.35%
Anti-aging
Side benefit the brand mentions · Niacinamide, Zinc gluconate
Works well
What the product description says
“Vitamin C Brighten your complexion while protecting your skin against sun damage and environmental pollutants with vitamin C. Shop Now”
Source: Lookfantastic Australia

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~3.9–5.9%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.1–0.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~7.5–11.3%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~0.95–1.45%est.
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
Origanum vulgare extract—High~0.1–0.5%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~2.5–3.7%est.
TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~1.7–2.5%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.2–1.8%est.
Potassium hydroxideUsed to adjust the pH level of productsMedium~0.85–1.25%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Zinc gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skinMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf extractTraditionally 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~0.1–0.35%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Alcohol denat.~7.5–11.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.
Niacinamide~3.9–5.9%
Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces redness

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~2.5–3.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil
Glycerin~2.2–3.3%
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
Triethanolamine~1.7–2.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine
Salicylic acid~0.95–1.45%
Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · 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
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~1.2–1.8%
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
Eucalyptus globulus oil~1–1.45%
Formula
Potassium hydroxide~0.85–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to adjust the pH level of products

More about Potassium hydroxide
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Butylene glycol~0.45–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.35–0.8%
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
Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates~0.4–1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingAnti-oxidation

A form of Vitamin E. In concentrations 1-3%, it can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support photodamage repair

More about Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates
Acacia senegal gum extract~0.2–0.7%
Formula
Caprylyl glycol~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Origanum vulgare extract~0.1–0.5%
Irritant · high
Disodium edta~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Zinc gluconate~0.1–0.35%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationExfoliationEvens skin tone

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Zinc gluconate
Ammonium glycyrrhizate~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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 extract
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, Alcohol denat., Niacinamide, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Salicylic acid, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Eucalyptus globulus oil, Potassium hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene glycol, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates, Acacia senegal gum extract, Caprylyl glycol, Origanum vulgare extract, Disodium edta, Zinc gluconate, Ammonium glycyrrhizate, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Limonene

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

🇬🇧 Lookfantastic (UK)20 ml
≈ $22.27
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🇬🇧 Cultbeauty (UK)20 ml
≈ $27.84
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🇬🇧 Amazon UK (UK)
Price unavailable Out of stock
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🇬🇧 Cultbeauty (UK)20 ml
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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
Alpha-HClear Skin Blemish Control GelYOUR PRODUCTskincode-SwissClarifying Spot TreatmentPacifica BeautyDry It Out Acne Gel Spot TreatmentAcniben®On The Spot
Match—94%90%90%
Price—$59.44$10.00$22.42
Shared key ingredients—3 of 43 of 42 of 4
Key difference—AllantoinCamellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Irritancy High Low High Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol — Contains drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: Dr Dennis Gross DRx Blemish Solutions Salicylic Acid Acne Gel | Dr. Dennis GrossTransparent Lab PIE Acne Red Spot Fading Treatment

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Product summary

"Alpha-H - Clear Skin Blemish Control Gel" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory, Evens skin tone, Anti-aging, Moisturizing, Anti-blemish and Exfoliation

Ingredient callouts

  • We particularly like that there is a good concentration of Niacinamide (3.90% - 5.90%) in this moisturizer. Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is a great ingredient to have in a moisturizer. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and help improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
  • Salicylic acid (1.10% - 1.60%) in this product will have an exfoliating effect and help smooth the skin. We, however, do not recommend using a moisturizer with Salicylic Acid daily to avoid over-exfoliating.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Alpha-H" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Price

The product retails from 16.80£ up to 21.00£ in the United Kingdom, from 13.97A$ up to 35.00A$ in Australia, for 210.00HK$ in Hong Kong and for 38.00NZ$ in New Zealand.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

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

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Alpha-H Clear Skin Blemish Control Gel
Alpha-HClear Skin Blemish Control Gel

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.