Clean & Clear

Clean & Clear Advantage Gel

Name: Clean & Clear - Advantage Gel
Brand: Clean & Clear

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-blemish

Salicylic acid

Works well

What the product description says

“Clean & Clear The unique formula quickly rebalances the level of oil, helps fight problems causing bacteria and effectively purifies the skin all without irritating or over drying.”

Source: Boots

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

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)~1.9–2.4%

Exfoliation

Side benefit · Salicylic acid, Lactic acid

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)~1.9–2.4%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn 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)~0.3–0.6%

Moisturizing

Side benefit · Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane + 5 more

Works

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

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).

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~4.1–5%

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~1.9–2.3%

SarcosineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to enhance the penetration of other ingredients and attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.6–0.9%

Capryloyl glycineKey activeEffect: MediumHelps oil and water mix together, preserve cosmetic products, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~1.1–1.3%

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~0.35–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

4 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Hamamelis virginiana extract + 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~8.1–9.9%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~1.9–2.4%est.

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~1.1–1.3%est.

Hamamelis virginiana extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~0.5–0.75%est.

AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.35–0.65%est.

Isopropyl alcoholA drying alcohol. Can increase skin's sensitivity and cause dryness and irritationHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

Benzalkonium chlorideHelps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent (detergent). Also used as a preservative. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05%est.

Ppg-2 isoceteth-20 acetateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.7%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~0.3–0.6%est.

Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~0.3–0.5%est.

Isoceteth-20Helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.5%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 Trial Size (2 Pads)

Cheaper82% match

$0.64

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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

Alcohol denat.~8.1–9.9%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about Alcohol denat.

Glycerin~4.1–5%

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

Polyacrylate-13~3.1–3.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the product formulation

More about Polyacrylate-13

Salicylic acid~1.9–2.4%

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

Cyclopentasiloxane~1.9–2.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

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

Polyisobutene~1.6–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to improve the product consistency

More about Polyisobutene

C12-15 alkyl lactate~1.4–1.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about C12-15 alkyl lactate

Propylene glycol~1.1–1.3%

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

Cedrus atlantica, portu

Not recognized

Lac~0.75–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps form a film on the surface of the skin and disperse other ingredients (like colorants) in cosmetics. Lac is a resinous substance secreted by parasite insects living on trees

More about Lac

A oleracea, cinnamomum zeylanicum

Not recognized

Sarcosine~0.6–0.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to enhance the penetration of other ingredients and attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Sarcosine

Hamamelis virginiana extract~0.5–0.75%

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 extract

Ppg-2 isoceteth-20 acetate~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Ppg-2 isoceteth-20 acetate

Dipropylene glycol~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Alcohol~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

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

More about Alcohol

Butylene glycol~0.35–0.6%

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

Lactic acid~0.3–0.6%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-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

Hexylene glycol~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol

Isoceteth-20~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Isoceteth-20

Cetyl lactate~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cetyl lactate

Capryloyl glycine~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together, preserve cosmetic products, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Capryloyl glycine

Polysorbate 20~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20

Isopropyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A drying alcohol. Can increase skin's sensitivity and cause dryness and irritation

More about Isopropyl alcohol

Sodium chloride~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Sodium chloride

Cocamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cocamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate

Dehydroxanthan gum~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps create thicker product formulations and stabilize emulsions

More about Dehydroxanthan gum

Disodium edta~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Acetic acid~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Acetic acid

Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Benzalkonium chloride~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent (detergent). Also used as a preservative. Can be irritating

More about Benzalkonium chloride

Parfum~0.05%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Ingredient list view

Water, Alcohol denat., Glycerin, Polyacrylate-13, Salicylic acid, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyisobutene, C12-15 alkyl lactate, Propylene glycol, Unknown, Lac, Unknown, Sarcosine, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Ppg-2 isoceteth-20 acetate, Dipropylene glycol, Alcohol, Butylene glycol, Lactic acid, Hexylene glycol, Isoceteth-20, Cetyl lactate, Capryloyl glycine, Polysorbate 20, Isopropyl alcohol, Sodium chloride, Cocamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate, Dehydroxanthan gum, Disodium edta, Acetic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Benzalkonium chloride, Parfum

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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
	Clean & ClearAdvantage GelYOUR PRODUCT	bioClarityTreat Acne Clearing Gel	PRIORI SkincareGel Perfector LCA fx120	CeraVeBlemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin
Match	—	95%	95%	94%
Price	—	$14.00	—	$11.89
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 6	3 of 6	3 of 6
Key difference	—	Oatmeal Extract	Retinyl Palmitate	Niacinamide
Irritancy	High	Low	Medium	Low
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Clean & Clear - Advantage Gel" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory, Exfoliation and Anti-blemish

This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

Salicylic acid (1.90% - 2.40%). This is an oil-soluble exfoliating acid. Because of this property, it can work inside pores and help reduce the congestion. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat acne. Because it is a quite strong exfoliator, be careful with using this product too often: it could result in over-exfoliation.
Humectants (sarcosine 0.60% - 0.90% and glycerin 4.10% - 5.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.