Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Exfoliation
- Cleansing
Doesn't work for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-blemish
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: high
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 3
Key actives
Cleansing
What does the product description say?
Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads
Source: Sephora
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cetearyl alcohol, coconut acid, hexylene glycol, lauric acid, linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, sodium cocoyl apple amino acids, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, stearic acid) 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: sodium methyl cocoyl taurate
Helps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agent
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes
An excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
- Papaya and Pomegranate Enzymes: Gently exfoliate and decongest pores.
Source: Sephora
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.
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
An enzyme-based exfoliant
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)
Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads
Source: Sephora
This product contains ingredients (glycolic acid, linoleic acid) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
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
An excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores
Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Cleansing | |
| Exfoliation | |
| Anti-blemish |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 83/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Alpyn Beauty Clarifying Cleanser with Glycolic Acid for Pores & Blackheads | Current | $36.00 | |
CeraVe Gel Moussant Anti-Imperfections | 53% | - | |
Beekman 1802 Milk Wash Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser | 52% | $10.00 | |
 Wish Formula C200 Bubble Peeling Pad 1pc | 48% | $8.20 | |
 ADVANCED CLINICALS Glycolic Acid + Lactic Acid Cleanser | 48% | $19.99 | |
 Tiege Hanley GLYCOLIC PADS Pore Cleansing & Oil Removing | 47% | $18.00 |
Key Actives
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)
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
An excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores
Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Helps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agent
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
Potential irritants
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agent
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
An enzyme-based exfoliant
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
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
An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties
Plant extract that can be irritating and is a known allergen
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
Helps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.
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)
Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes
A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
Comedogenic ingredients
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes
All ingredients
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Helps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agent
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
An enzyme-based exfoliant
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
An excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores
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)
Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes
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
A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine
An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties
Plant extract that can be irritating and is a known allergen
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, Hamamelis virginiana water, Myristic acid, Cetearyl alcohol, Palmitic acid, Coconut acid, Stearic acid, Polyacrylate-33, Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract, Tromethamine, Benzyl alcohol, Alcohol, Sodium isethionate, Sodium cocoyl apple amino acids, Potassium sorbate, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Prunus virginiana bark extract, Dehydroacetic acid, Hexylene glycol, Sodium hyaluronate, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Linalyl acetate, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Carica papaya fruit extract, Ascorbic acid, Linoleic acid, Lactic acid, Lauric acid, Glycolic acid, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Lavandula hybrida oil, Linalool, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Camphor, Sodium benzoate, Ceramide ng, Alkanna tinctoria root extract, Limonene
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
- Safety Assessment of Alkyl Taurate Amides and Taurate Salts as Used in Cosmetics
- The fatty acid profile of the skin surface lipid layer in papulopustular rosacea
- Safety Assessment of Tromethamine as Used in Cosmetics
- 4 Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Dehydroacetate and Dehydroacetic Acid
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Care
- Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egypt
- Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skin
- Impact of topical oils on the skin barrier: possible implications for neonatal health in developing countries
- The Permeability Barrier in Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency: Evidence for a Direct Role for Linoleic Acid in Barrier Function
- Digital image analysis of the effect of topically applied linoleic acid on acne microcomedones.
- Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acid
- Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Topical emulsions containing ceramides: Effects on the skin barrier function and anti‐inflammatory properties
- Topically Applied Ceramides Interact with the Stratum Corneum Lipid Matrix in Compromised Ex Vivo Skin