Works for
CleansingSodium laureth sulfate, Lauramidopropyl betaine + 11 moreCan be harsh
“Cleanse.”
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: sodium laureth sulfate.
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.
ExfoliationSalicylic acidNot delivered
“Exfoliate.”
This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 strong irritants: Menthol, Alcohol denat. + 2 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale4 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Sodium laureth sulfate~9.7–11.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Works as a foaming cleansing agent
More about Sodium laureth sulfateLauramidopropyl betaine~5.5–6.7%
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine~4.2–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaineSodium chloride~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideSodium cocoyl sarcosinate~1.9–2.3%
Tea-cocoyl glutamate~1.6–2%
Butylene glycol~1.3–1.6%
- 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 glycolAloe barbadensis leaf juice~1.1–1.3%
- 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 juicePeg-120 methyl glucose dioleate~0.8–1.15%
Sucrose~0.6–0.85%
- 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 SucroseMenthol~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Hexylene glycol~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolPolyquaternium-7~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish
More about Polyquaternium-7Laureth-2~0.5–0.75%
Caprylyl glycol~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolSodium sulfate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve the product consistency and stabilize formulations
More about Sodium sulfateEdta~0.3–0.55%
Disodium edta~0.3–0.55%
Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolWater~0.25–0.45%
Alcohol denat.~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Salicylic acid~0.25–0.45%
- 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 acidHamamelis virginiana extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
More about Hamamelis virginiana extractButylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
- 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 glycolGlycerin~0.3–0.55%
- 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 GlycerinTrehalose~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseSodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateCitric acid~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium hydroxide~0.25–0.45%
Disodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Bht~0.25–0.45%
Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolBenzophenone-4~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Sulisobenzone. A UV filter. Is typically used to improve the product stability under exposure to UV light. It is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It can be used is larger concentrations as a sun protection ingredient for the skin, but can be irritating
More about Benzophenone-4Ci 60730~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ci 15850~0.25–0.45%
Ci 15510~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Water~0.25–0.45%
Dimethicone~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeIsododecane~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture
More about IsododecaneButylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
- 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 glycolBis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silaneGlycerin~0.3–0.55%
- 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 GlycerinLaminaria saccharina extract~0.25–0.45%
- 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 extractPolygonum cuspidatum root extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. The effectiveness depends on the extract quality and concentration in the product
More about Polygonum cuspidatum root extractSaccharomyces lysate extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can have some anti-inflammatory effect
More about Saccharomyces lysate extractCucumis sativus fruit extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect
More about Cucumis sativus fruit extractHordeum vulgare extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. Avoid if you are sensitive to gluten
More about Hordeum vulgare extractHelianthus annuus seedcake~0.4–0.6%
Caffeine~0.25–0.45%
- 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 CaffeineTrehalose~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseSodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateTocopheryl acetate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetatePolysilicone-11~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel
More about Polysilicone-11Silica~0.35–0.65%
Propylene glycol dicaprate~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Propylene glycol dicaprateOleth-10~0.3–0.55%
Lactobacillus ferment~0.3–0.5%
- 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 fermentLaureth-23~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Laureth-23Laureth-4~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Laureth-4Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerCarbomer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerCaprylyl glycol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolHexylene glycol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolTromethamine~0.2–0.35%
Disodium edta~0.15–0.3%
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCi 19140~0.15–0.25%
Ci 14700~0.15–0.25%
Ci 15985~0.1–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Sodium laureth sulfate, Lauramidopropyl betaine, Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, Sodium chloride, Sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, Tea-cocoyl glutamate, Butylene glycol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, Sucrose, Menthol, Hexylene glycol, Polyquaternium-7, Laureth-2, Caprylyl glycol, Sodium sulfate, Edta, Disodium edta, Phenoxyethanol, Water, Alcohol denat., Salicylic acid, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Trehalose, Sodium hyaluronate, Citric acid, Sodium hydroxide, Disodium edta, Bht, Phenoxyethanol, Benzophenone-4, Ci 60730, Ci 15850, Ci 15510, Water, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Butylene glycol, Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Glycerin, Laminaria saccharina extract, Polygonum cuspidatum root extract, Saccharomyces lysate extract, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Hordeum vulgare extract, Helianthus annuus seedcake, Caffeine, Trehalose, Sodium hyaluronate, Tocopheryl acetate, Polysilicone-11, Silica, Propylene glycol dicaprate, Oleth-10, Lactobacillus ferment, Laureth-23, Laureth-4, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Carbomer, Caprylyl glycol, Hexylene glycol, Tromethamine, Disodium edta, Phenoxyethanol, Ci 19140, Ci 14700, Ci 15985
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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.
| CliniqueCombination Oily Skin RegimeYOUR PRODUCT | MixaAnti-Imperfection Comfort Cleanser | La Roche-PosayEffaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash | GarnierPure Active Intensive Anti-Blackhead Charcoal Gel Wash | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 85% | 85% | 85% |
| Price | — | $7.25 | $14.99 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 26 | 4 of 26 | 4 of 26 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Capryloyl Salicylic Acid | Capryloyl Salicylic Acid |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: OleHenriksen Daily D-Clog Pore-Clearing Salicylic Acid CleanserNeutrogena Acne Proofing Gel Cleanser
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 29 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 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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