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Clinique Clarifying Do-Over Peel
Clinique

Clinique Clarifying Do-Over Peel

Efficacy87/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation
Glycolic acid, Lactic acid + 4 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Potent formula works from multiple angles to help support skin's turnover process through exfoliation, supporting skin's natural renewal.”
Source: Clinique

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, lactobionic acid, salicylic acid.

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~3.9–5.8%
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)~2.7–4.1%
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%
Lactobionic acidKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smoother, more even skin. PHAs tend to be gentler on the skin compared to AHAs (for example, glycolic acid). It also has hydrating properties and helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help calm down inflammation in skin and support restoration of the barrier function. It has an anti-oxidant effect as well. It can help reduce fine line, wrinkles and improve skin elasticity~0.8–1.25%
Acetyl glucosamineKey activeEffect: MediumAn effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin~0.4–0.95%
Tartaric acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels~0.35–0.8%
Cleansing
Benzalkonium chloride
Can be harsh
What the product description says
“In addition to removing dead skin cells, it also removes dirt and oil — all of which can clog pores and lead to breakouts.”
Source: Clinique

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin.

It contains the following cleansing agents that tend to be harsh on the skin: benzalkonium chloride.

Keep in mind that cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Benzalkonium chlorideEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent (detergent). Also used as a preservative. Can be irritating~0.05–0.1%
Anti-blemish
Side benefit the brand mentions · Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“help target future imperfections early”
Source: Sephora

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.

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycolic acid, lactobionic acid

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%
Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn 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~3.9–5.8%
Lactobionic acidKey activeEffect: MediumA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smoother, more even skin. PHAs tend to be gentler on the skin compared to AHAs (for example, glycolic acid). It also has hydrating properties and helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help calm down inflammation in skin and support restoration of the barrier function. It has an anti-oxidant effect as well. It can help reduce fine line, wrinkles and improve skin elasticity~0.8–1.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Hamamelis virginiana extract
Medium risk
We flagged 11 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~7.8–11.7%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~3.9–5.8%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.
Hamamelis virginiana extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~1.1–1.7%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.
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~2.7–4.1%est.
Lactobionic acidA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smoother, more even skin. PHAs tend to be gentler on the skin compared to AHAs (for example, glycolic acid). It also has hydrating properties and helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help calm down inflammation in skin and support restoration of the barrier function. It has an anti-oxidant effect as well. It can help reduce fine line, wrinkles and improve skin elasticityMedium~0.8–1.25%est.
Tartaric acidAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levelsMedium~0.35–0.8%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Padina pavonica thallus extractMight help to soften the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to have anti-oxidant properties, but evidence in missing3/5~0.95–1.45%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Gel Moussant Anti-Imperfections
CeraVe Gel Moussant Anti-Imperfections
Higher efficacy · 100/10081% match
Neuropeptide Pore-Refining & Resurfacing Cream Cleanser
Perricone MD Neuropeptide Pore-Refining & Resurfacing Cream Cleanser
Higher efficacy · 100/10075% match
$47.10
View all alternatives

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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.~7.8–11.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Alcohol denat.
Glycolic acid~3.9–5.8%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneExfoliationAnti-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
Lactic acid~2.7–4.1%
Key activeIrritant · 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
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
Sodium hydroxide~1.6–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Butylene glycol~1.4–2%
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
Hamamelis virginiana extract~1.1–1.7%
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
Padina pavonica thallus extract~0.95–1.45%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help to soften the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to have anti-oxidant properties, but evidence in missing

More about Padina pavonica thallus extract
Lactobionic acid~0.8–1.25%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatory

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smoother, more even skin. PHAs tend to be gentler on the skin compared to AHAs (for example, glycolic acid). It also has hydrating properties and helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help calm down inflammation in skin and support restoration of the barrier function. It has an anti-oxidant effect as well. It can help reduce fine line, wrinkles and improve skin elasticity

More about Lactobionic acid
Yeast extract~0.5–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties. It can help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Yeast extract
Acetyl glucosamine~0.4–0.95%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-agingExfoliation

An effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin

More about Acetyl glucosamine
Tartaric acid~0.35–0.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationAnti-oxidationMoisturizing

An AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels

More about Tartaric acid
Pyruvic acid~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Pyruvic acid
Glycerin~0.15–0.7%
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
Citric acid~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Disodium edta~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
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
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ingredient list view

Water, Alcohol denat., Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Salicylic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Butylene glycol, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Padina pavonica thallus extract, Lactobionic acid, Yeast extract, Acetyl glucosamine, Tartaric acid, Pyruvic acid, Glycerin, Citric acid, Caprylyl glycol, Disodium edta, Benzalkonium chloride, Phenoxyethanol

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/10 21:39 GMT
$42.00
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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
CliniqueClarifying Do-Over PeelYOUR PRODUCTCeraVeGel Moussant Anti-ImperfectionsPerricone MDNeuropeptide Pore-Refining & Resurfacing Cream CleanserCOSRXThe AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel
Match—81%75%74%
Price$42.00—$47.10+$5.10$10.46−$31.54
Shared key ingredients—4 of 104 of 103 of 10
Key difference—NiacinamideNicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Oligopeptide-1Gluconolactone
Irritancy Medium Low Medium Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ———
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 28 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinmdpi.com
  4. 4
    Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
  6. 6
    Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Clinique Clarifying Do-Over Peel
CliniqueClarifying Do-Over Peel
Buy on Amazon$42.00 · as of 11/10 21:39 GMT

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

Buy on Amazon$42.00 · as of 11/10 21:39 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.