Works for
ExfoliationSalicylic acid, Acetyl glucosamineWorks well
“Each step of Clinique’s Clear Skin System has a purpose: cleanse, exfoliate, treat.”
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.
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Phytosphingosine + 1 moreWorks well
“Goes to work immediately to help clear and prevent acne.”
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.
CleansingSodium methyl cocoyl taurate, Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone + 9 moreCan be harsh
“Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam 125ml - Goes to work immediately to help clear and prevent acne.”
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.
The following cleansing agents are typically mild, but still can cause an irritation or allergy for some people sodium methyl cocoyl taurate.
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Hamamelis virginiana extract + 2 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic5 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale5 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.2–5.2%
- 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 GlycerinButylene glycol~3.9–4.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolSodium methyl cocoyl taurate~3.8–4.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agent
More about Sodium methyl cocoyl taurateSalicylic acid~2.1–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidSucrose~1.7–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion
More about SucroseDisodium phosphate~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation
More about Disodium phosphateArginine cocoate~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Laminaria saccharina extract~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations
More about Laminaria saccharina extractCaffeine~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes
More about CaffeineAlgae extract~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
More about Algae extractCola acuminata seed extract~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but research is missing
More about Cola acuminata seed extractSea whip extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help neutrlize free radicals, calm down inflammation, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Sea whip extractPeg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that mixes with water creating nice light-weight product texture
More about Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethiconeSodium hyaluronate~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronatePpg-6-decyltetradeceth-30~0.4–0.65%
Lactobacillus ferment~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative
More about Lactobacillus fermentStearamidopropyl dimethylamine~0.3–0.55%
Acetyl glucosamine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glucosamineCapryloyl glycine~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together, preserve cosmetic products, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Capryloyl glycine10-hydroxydecanoic acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and slow down the water loss from its surface
More about 10-hydroxydecanoic acidPolyquaternium-7~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish
More about Polyquaternium-7Phospholipids~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
More about PhospholipidsStearic acid~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidSodium hydroxide~0.2–0.4%
Disodium edta~0.2–0.4%
Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolChloroxylenol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Water~0.2–0.4%
Alcohol denat.~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Nylon-12~0.25–0.5%
Salicylic acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidButylene glycol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolHamamelis virginiana extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
More about Hamamelis virginiana extractLaminaria saccharina extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations
More about Laminaria saccharina extractCaffeine~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes
More about CaffeineSucrose~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion
More about SucroseGlycerin~0.25–0.45%
- 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 GlycerinAcetyl glucosamine~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glucosamineSorbitol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about SorbitolSea whip extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help neutrlize free radicals, calm down inflammation, and attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Sea whip extractBarium sulfate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
10-hydroxydecanoic acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and slow down the water loss from its surface
More about 10-hydroxydecanoic acidSilica~0.35–0.6%
Disodium edta~0.2–0.4%
Benzalkonium chloride~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent (detergent). Also used as a preservative. Can be irritating
More about Benzalkonium chlorideWater~0.2–0.4%
Cyclopentasiloxane~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxanePpg-14 butyl ether~0.2–0.4%
Hamamelis virginiana water~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
More about Hamamelis virginiana waterSucrose~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion
More about SucroseSteareth-21~0.3–0.55%
Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps water and oil mix together and create gel-like textures
More about Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymerAcetyl glucosamine~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glucosamineCamellia sinensis leaf extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
More about Camellia sinensis leaf extractAlgae extract~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
More about Algae extractLaminaria saccharina extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations
More about Laminaria saccharina extractAvena sativa kernel extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties
More about Avena sativa kernel extractGlycine~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function
More about GlycineMenthol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Salicylic acid~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidIsohexadecane~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent
More about IsohexadecaneCaffeine~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes
More about CaffeineSteareth-2~0.2–0.4%
Glycerin~0.2–0.4%
- 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 GlycerinQuaternium-22~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Butylene glycol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolPolysorbate 80~0.15–0.3%
Phytosphingosine~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect
More about PhytosphingosinePentylene glycol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolDisodium edta~0.1–0.15%
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolBenzalkonium chloride~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent (detergent). Also used as a preservative. Can be irritating
More about Benzalkonium chlorideIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, Salicylic acid, Sucrose, Disodium phosphate, Arginine cocoate, Laminaria saccharina extract, Caffeine, Algae extract, Cola acuminata seed extract, Sea whip extract, Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone, Sodium hyaluronate, Ppg-6-decyltetradeceth-30, Lactobacillus ferment, Stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, Acetyl glucosamine, Capryloyl glycine, 10-hydroxydecanoic acid, Polyquaternium-7, Phospholipids, Stearic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Disodium edta, Phenoxyethanol, Chloroxylenol, Water, Alcohol denat., Nylon-12, Salicylic acid, Butylene glycol, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Laminaria saccharina extract, Caffeine, Sucrose, Glycerin, Acetyl glucosamine, Sorbitol, Sea whip extract, Barium sulfate, 10-hydroxydecanoic acid, Silica, Disodium edta, Benzalkonium chloride, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ppg-14 butyl ether, Hamamelis virginiana water, Sucrose, Steareth-21, Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, Acetyl glucosamine, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Algae extract, Laminaria saccharina extract, Avena sativa kernel extract, Glycine, Menthol, Salicylic acid, Isohexadecane, Caffeine, Steareth-2, Glycerin, Quaternium-22, Butylene glycol, Polysorbate 80, Phytosphingosine, Pentylene glycol, Disodium edta, Phenoxyethanol, Benzalkonium chloride
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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.
| CliniqueClear Skin RegimeYOUR PRODUCT | DarphinIntral Air Mousse Cleanser | ReplenixAcne Solutions Gly/Sal 2-2 Foaming Cleanser | Biodroga MDCleansing Fluid - NEW CLEAR + | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 88% | 84% | 83% |
| Price | — | $30.07 | — | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 9 of 27 | 3 of 27 | 2 of 27 |
| Key difference | — | Lauramidopropyl Betaine | Glycolic Acid | Arginine |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: CeraVe Acne Control CleanserNaturium THE PERFECTOR SALICYLIC ACID BODY WASH
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 28 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 5A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
- 6
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