DCL Skincare Active Mattifying Cleanser

DCL Skincare Active Mattifying Cleanser

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Cleansing
Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl betaine + 3 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Skincare Active Mattifying Cleanser”
Source: Lookfantastic

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropylamine oxide, glycol distearate, sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate

Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and used as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating and is better avoided for sensitive skin~6.2–7.5%
Cocamidopropyl betaineEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen~4.7–5.7%
Sodium lauroyl sarcosinateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent~3.2–4%
Glycol distearateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together~1.8–2.2%
Cocamidopropylamine oxideEffect: High~1.6–2%
Exfoliation
Salicylic acid, Papain + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“It not only washes away daily dirt and build-ups, but buffs away at dead skin to reveal a refreshed finish.”
Source: Lookfantastic

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)2%
PapainEffect: LowAn enzyme extracted from papaya fruit. Can have an exfoliating effect on the skin. Can be irritating~0.5–0.75%
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)~0.55–0.85%
Anti-blemish
Side benefit the brand mentions · Salicylic acid, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Blended with 2% Salicylic Acid, the cleanser tackles bacteria that can be responsible for causing acne while freeing your pores from excess oils.”
Source: Lookfantastic

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)2%
Ginkgo biloba leaf extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating~0.2–0.35%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan 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~0.2–0.35%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
16 flagged ingredients
Medium risk
We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
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)High2%
Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonateHelps oil and water mix together and used as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating and is better avoided for sensitive skinHigh~6.2–7.5%est.
Cocamidopropyl betaineHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergenHigh~4.7–5.7%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.
PapainAn enzyme extracted from papaya fruit. Can have an exfoliating effect on the skin. Can be irritatingHigh~0.5–0.75%est.
Panax ginseng root extractA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.6%est.
Ginkgo biloba leaf extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
Sodium lauroyl sarcosinateHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agentMedium~3.2–4%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~2–2.4%est.
Glycol distearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~1.8–2.2%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.6–0.9%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~0.55–0.85%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~0.5–0.75%est.
Pyrus malus fruit extractCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar contentMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Sodium sulfateUsed to improve the product consistency and stabilize formulationsMedium~0.1–0.15%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
Algae extractPlant 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 yet3/5~0.5–0.75%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Salicylic acid2%
Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishAnti-inflammatoryExfoliationAntibacterialEvens 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
Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Acrylates/aminoacrylates/c10-30 alkyl peg-20 itaconate copolymer~10–12%
Formula
Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate~6.2–7.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together and used as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating and is better avoided for sensitive skin

More about Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate
Cocamidopropyl betaine~4.7–5.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen

More about Cocamidopropyl betaine
Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate~3.2–4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent

More about Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate
Sodium citrate~2–2.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate
Glycol distearate~1.8–2.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glycol distearate
Cocamidopropylamine oxide~1.6–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Cocamidopropylamine oxide
Linoleamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate~1.3–1.6%
Formula
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
Glycerin~0.95–1.15%
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
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Potassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Disodium edta~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Lactic acid~0.55–0.85%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-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
Ormenis multicaulis oil~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Tocopheryl acetate~0.5–0.75%
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
Papain~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Exfoliation

An enzyme extracted from papaya fruit. Can have an exfoliating effect on the skin. Can be irritating

More about Papain
Panthenol~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Algae extract~0.5–0.75%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

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 extract
Panax ginseng root extract~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating

More about Panax ginseng root extract
Pyrus malus fruit extract~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Can have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content

More about Pyrus malus fruit extract
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-blemishAntibacterialAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating

More about Ginkgo biloba leaf extract
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

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 extract
Cola acuminata seed extract~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but research is missing

More about Cola acuminata seed extract
Sodium chloride~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Sodium chloride
Sodium sulfate~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to improve the product consistency and stabilize formulations

More about Sodium sulfate
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ingredient list view

Salicylic acid, Water, Acrylates/aminoacrylates/c10-30 alkyl peg-20 itaconate copolymer, Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, Sodium citrate, Glycol distearate, Cocamidopropylamine oxide, Linoleamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate, Propylene glycol, Glycerin, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Disodium edta, Lactic acid, Ormenis multicaulis oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Papain, Panthenol, Algae extract, Panax ginseng root extract, Pyrus malus fruit extract, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Cola acuminata seed extract, Sodium chloride, Sodium sulfate, Phenoxyethanol

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/11 18:36 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
DCLSkincare Active Mattifying CleanserYOUR PRODUCTCeraVeGel Moussant Anti-ImperfectionsMuradMini AHA/BHA Exfoliating CleanserFace factsCeramide Blemish Foaming Cleanser
Match—77%74%73%
Price$32.00—$19.00−$13.00$7.82−$24.18
Shared key ingredients—3 of 124 of 124 of 12
Key difference—NiacinamideGlycolic AcidNiacinamide
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.

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DCL Skincare Active Mattifying Cleanser
DCLSkincare Active Mattifying Cleanser

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

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.