Works for
CleansingCocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, Sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate + 2 moreCleanses gently
“Facial Cleanser with 3% AHA Complex”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, disodium 2-sulfolaurate, sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate, sucrose cocoate) 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.
ExfoliationSide benefit the brand mentions · Glycolic acid, Lactic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“BWC (Beauty Without Cruelty) Aromatherapy Facial Cleanser with 3% Alpha Hydroxy Complex is a lightly foaming, soap-free cleanser that effectively removed dead surface skin cells, daily impurities, and excess oil without over-cleaning your skin.”
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy7 strong irritants: Calendula officinalis flower extract, Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract + 5 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine~6.3–9.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaineSodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate~4.7–7.1%
Disodium 2-sulfolaurate~3.2–4.7%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~2–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 juiceGlycolic acid~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidLactic acid~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acidGlycerin~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinCitric acid~0.95–1.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidCalendula officinalis flower extract~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating
More about Calendula officinalis flower extractCucumis sativus extract~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract~0.35–0.8%
Chamomilla recutita extract~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Chamomilla recutita extractCamellia sinensis extract~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tea extract. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin
More about Camellia sinensis extractArnica montana flower extract~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can be irritating. It can have some anti-bacterial properties, but there are no evidence of a beneficial effect for skin
More about Arnica montana flower extractLavandula hybrida oil~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can be irritating and is a known allergen
More about Lavandula hybrida oilPelargonium graveolens oil~0.1–0.45%
Citrus aurantium dulcis oil~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivity
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis oilCananga odorata flower oil~0.1–0.4%
Sucrose cocoate~0.1–0.5%
Allantoin~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinSodium benzoate~0.05–0.25%
Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.3%
Potassium sorbate~0.05–0.25%
Malic acid~0.05–0.2%
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high
More about Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateIngredient list view
Water, Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, Sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate, Disodium 2-sulfolaurate, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Glycerin, Citric acid, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Cucumis sativus extract, Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract, Chamomilla recutita extract, Camellia sinensis extract, Arnica montana flower extract, Lavandula hybrida oil, Pelargonium graveolens oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil, Cananga odorata flower oil, Sucrose cocoate, Allantoin, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Potassium sorbate, Malic acid, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
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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.
| BwcFacial Cleanser with 3% AHA ComplexYOUR PRODUCT | CliniqueClarifying Do-Over Peel | Wish FormulaC200 Bubble Peeling Pad 1pc | Beekman 1802Milk Wash Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 50% | 50% | 50% |
| Price | — | $21.75 | $8.20 | $10.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 8 | 3 of 8 | 3 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Salicylic Acid | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | Salicylic Acid |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Colleen Rothschild Beauty Glycolic Acid Peel Pads with Blue AgaveDope Skin Co AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 20 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 6
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