What's In My Jar
Clinique For Men Dark Spot Corrector
Clinique

Clinique For Men Dark Spot Corrector

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging
Ascorbyl glucoside, Acetyl glucosamine + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Improves and unifies skin tone for a younger look. Restores clarity and brightness. Reduces ingrown hairs. Oil-free. (1.0 fl. oz.)”
Source: Ulta

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains acetyl glucosamine.

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, ascorbyl glucoside.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

Ascorbyl glucosideKey activeEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~1.5–1.8%
Acetyl glucosamineKey activeEffect: HighAn 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~0.25–0.4%
Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl esterKey activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.25–0.45%
Evens skin tone
Ascorbyl glucoside, Acetyl glucosamine + 6 more
Works well
What the product description says
“For Men Dark Spot Corrector”
From product name

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: acetyl glucosamine

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: ascorbyl glucoside, dimethoxytolyl propylresorcinol, glycyrrhetinic acid, morus nigra root extract.

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Ascorbyl glucosideKey activeEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~1.5–1.8%
Acetyl glucosamineKey activeEffect: HighAn 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~0.25–0.4%
Dimethoxytolyl propylresorcinolKey activeEffect: MediumCan help reduce hyperpigmentation and lighten skin, but additional research is needed to test its effectiveness on human skin~0.25–0.4%
Glycyrrhetinic acidKey activeEffect: MediumActive compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation~0.25–0.4%
Morus nigra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin and have some skin-lightening effect, but good evidence is missing~0.45–0.65%
Hydrolyzed rice bran extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might contain an active compound orthosilicic acid that could be helpful to regulate the level of pigment in skin, but solid research is lacking~0.25–0.45%
Yeast extractEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps 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~0.55–0.85%
Salicylic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed 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)~0.25–0.4%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Ascorbyl glucoside, Glycyrrhetinic acid + 9 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (glycyrrhetinic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - ascorbyl glucoside also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Ascorbyl glucosideKey activeEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~1.5–1.8%
Glycyrrhetinic acidKey activeEffect: HighActive compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation~0.25–0.4%
Morus nigra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin and have some skin-lightening effect, but good evidence is missing~0.45–0.65%
Scutellaria baicalensis root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties~0.35–0.65%
CaffeineEffect: LowMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes~0.25–0.45%
Vitis vinifera fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds~0.25–0.5%
Hordeum vulgare extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. Avoid if you are sensitive to gluten~0.3–0.6%
Cucumis sativus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect~0.25–0.45%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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.~0.25–0.45%
Triticum vulgare germ extractEffect: Low, below effective dosePlant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance~0.25–0.5%
Yeast extractUnder-dosedHelps 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~0.55–0.85%
Moisturizing
Side benefit · Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, Acetyl glucosamine + 18 more
Works well

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. 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. The following ingredients in this product do the job: faex, sodium hyaluronate.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, peg-10 dimethicone.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, acetyl glucosamine

Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl esterHeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.25–0.45%
Acetyl glucosamineHero· HumectantEffect: HighAn 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~0.25–0.4%
IsododecaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture~5.9–7.2%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~4.2–5.1%
Peg-10 dimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss~1.2–1.5%
FaexKey active· HumectantEffect: HighYeast extract. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.65–1%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~0.3–0.55%
CholesterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.3–0.55%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.4%
Vitis vinifera fruit extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds~0.25–0.5%
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~3–3.7%
Polysilicone-11Effect: LowA silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel~1.7–2.1%
Peg-6· HumectantEffect: LowHelps to dissolve other ingredients and attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.75%
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract· HumectantEffect: LowA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties~0.35–0.65%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.25–0.5%
Propylene glycol dicaprate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%
Gentiana lutea root extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that can help strengthen the skin barrier function and improve skin moisture levels~0.25–0.45%
Cucumis sativus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect~0.25–0.45%
Yeast extractUnder-dosedHelps 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~0.55–0.85%
Triticum vulgare germ extractUnder-dosedPlant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance~0.25–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Citrus grandis peel extract
Medium risk
We flagged 22 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~1.9–2.3%est.
Scutellaria baicalensis root extractA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant propertiesHigh~0.35–0.65%est.
Curcuma longa root extractA plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritantHigh~0.35–0.65%est.
Citrus grandis peel extractAn aromatic irritating plant extract that can cause photosensitivity in skinHigh~0.2–0.4%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~0.25–0.4%est.
Dimethoxytolyl propylresorcinolCan help reduce hyperpigmentation and lighten skin, but additional research is needed to test its effectiveness on human skinHigh~0.25–0.4%est.
Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
Ci 15985A colorantHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
Ascorbyl glucosideA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in productsMedium~1.5–1.8%est.
Morus nigra root extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin and have some skin-lightening effect, but good evidence is missingMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Hordeum vulgare extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. Avoid if you are sensitive to glutenMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Vitis vinifera fruit extractA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seedsMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Cucumis sativus fruit extractMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effectMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Triticum vulgare germ extractPlant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intoleranceMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Gentiana lutea root extractA plant extract that can help strengthen the skin barrier function and improve skin moisture levelsMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Di-c12-18 alkyl dimonium chlorideCreates a nice, smooth skin finishMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Glycyrrhetinic acidActive compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentationMedium~0.25–0.4%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA 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.Medium~0.25–0.45%est.
Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.3%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
Triticum vulgare germ extractPlant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance3/5~0.25–0.5%est.
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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
Isododecane~5.9–7.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture

More about Isododecane
Dimethicone~4.2–5.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone
Butylene glycol~3–3.7%
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
Silica~2.4–3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Alcohol denat.~1.9–2.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Alcohol denat.
Polysilicone-11~1.7–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MattifyingMoisturizing

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-11
Ascorbyl glucoside~1.5–1.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products

More about Ascorbyl glucoside
Peg-10 dimethicone~1.2–1.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that works to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce its water loss

More about Peg-10 dimethicone
Yeast extract~0.95–1.15%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationEvens 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
Faex~0.65–1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Yeast extract. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Faex
Yeast extract~0.55–0.85%
Under-dosed
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
Peg-6~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Peg-6
Morus nigra root extract~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin and have some skin-lightening effect, but good evidence is missing

More about Morus nigra root extract
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationMoisturizing

A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties

More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extract
Curcuma longa root extract~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant

More about Curcuma longa root extract
Magnolia officinalis bark extract~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Magnolia officinalis bark extract
Oryza sativa bran extract~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken the product consistency

More about Oryza sativa bran extract
Hordeum vulgare extract~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. Avoid if you are sensitive to gluten

More about Hordeum vulgare extract
Vitis vinifera fruit extract~0.25–0.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds

More about Vitis vinifera fruit extract
Citrus grandis peel extract~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic irritating plant extract that can cause photosensitivity in skin

More about Citrus grandis peel extract
Cucumis sativus fruit extract~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

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 extract
Triticum vulgare germ extract~0.25–0.5%
Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Plant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance

More about Triticum vulgare germ extract
Hydrolyzed rice bran extract~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin tone

A plant extract that might contain an active compound orthosilicic acid that could be helpful to regulate the level of pigment in skin, but solid research is lacking

More about Hydrolyzed rice bran extract
Gentiana lutea root extract~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A plant extract that can help strengthen the skin barrier function and improve skin moisture levels

More about Gentiana lutea root extract
Caffeine~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine
Cholesterol~0.3–0.55%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol
Squalane~0.3–0.55%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester~0.25–0.45%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester
Di-c12-18 alkyl dimonium chloride~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Creates a nice, smooth skin finish

More about Di-c12-18 alkyl dimonium chloride
Propylene glycol dicaprate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Propylene glycol dicaprate
Polysorbate 20~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Helianthus annuus seedcake~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken the product consistency

More about Helianthus annuus seedcake
Salicylic acid~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishExfoliationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialEvens 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
Dimethoxytolyl propylresorcinol~0.25–0.4%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin tone

Can help reduce hyperpigmentation and lighten skin, but additional research is needed to test its effectiveness on human skin

More about Dimethoxytolyl propylresorcinol
Acetyl glucosamine~0.25–0.4%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliation

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
Caprylyl glycol~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Polysorbate 80~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80
Glycyrrhetinic acid~0.25–0.4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

Active compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation

More about Glycyrrhetinic acid
Sodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Laureth-3~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Laureth-3
Tocopheryl acetate~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

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 acetate
Tromethamine~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine
Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer
Hexylene glycol~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol
Disodium edta~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ci 19140~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140
Ci 15985~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A colorant

More about Ci 15985
Datem~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Datem
Ingredient list view

Water, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Butylene glycol, Silica, Alcohol denat., Polysilicone-11, Ascorbyl glucoside, Peg-10 dimethicone, Yeast extract, Faex, Yeast extract, Peg-6, Morus nigra root extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Curcuma longa root extract, Magnolia officinalis bark extract, Oryza sativa bran extract, Hordeum vulgare extract, Vitis vinifera fruit extract, Citrus grandis peel extract, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Triticum vulgare germ extract, Hydrolyzed rice bran extract, Gentiana lutea root extract, Caffeine, Cholesterol, Squalane, Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, Di-c12-18 alkyl dimonium chloride, Propylene glycol dicaprate, Polysorbate 20, Helianthus annuus seedcake, Salicylic acid, Dimethoxytolyl propylresorcinol, Acetyl glucosamine, Caprylyl glycol, Polysorbate 80, Glycyrrhetinic acid, Sodium hyaluronate, Laureth-3, Tocopheryl acetate, Tromethamine, Sodium hydroxide, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Hexylene glycol, Disodium edta, Phenoxyethanol, Ci 19140, Ci 15985, Datem

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/8 06:04 GMT
$32.00
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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
CliniqueFor Men Dark Spot CorrectorYOUR PRODUCTEstée LauderEnlighten - Dark Spot Correcting Night SerumLab Series Skincare for MenMax LS Power V Lifting Serume.l.f. CosmeticsBlemish Breakthrough Blemish Calming Water Cream
Match—74%74%71%
Price$32.00—$78.97+$46.97$14.00−$18.00
Shared key ingredients—12 of 157 of 152 of 15
Key difference—Sodium PcaNiacinamideNiacinamide
Irritancy Medium High Medium Low
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ———
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Product summary

"Clinique - For Men Dark Spot Corrector" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-aging, Evens skin tone and Moisturizing

Ingredient callouts

  • Peptides (acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester 0.25% - 0.45%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. They might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
  • Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.25% - 0.40%, faex 0.65% - 1.00% and acetyl glucosamine 0.25% - 0.40%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 41 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
  2. 2
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
  3. 3
    The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Healthncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivativesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    The natural yeast extract isolated by ethanol precipitation inhibits melanin synthesis by modulating tyrosinase activity and downregulating melanosome transferncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Evaluation of dermatological effects of cosmetic formulations containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract and vitaminsresearchgate.net
Clinique For Men Dark Spot Corrector
CliniqueFor Men Dark Spot Corrector
Buy on Amazon$32.00 · as of 11/8 06:04 GMT

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

Buy on Amazon$32.00 · as of 11/8 06:04 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.