Dermadoctor Kakadu C Cleanser

Dermadoctor Kakadu C Cleanser

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Cleansing
Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Lauryl glucoside + 1 more
Can be harsh
What the product description says
“Gentle and hydrating, Kakadu C Cleanser dissolves makeup and removes dirt and impurities to leave the skin feeling fresh, healthy and radiant.”
Source: Beauty Bay

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

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.

Caprylyl/capryl glucosideEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent~5.8–8.7%
Lauryl glucosideEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~4–6%
Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~1.2–1.8%
Exfoliation
Side benefit · Lactic acid, Retinyl palmitate
Works well

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: lactic acid.

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)~1.9–2.8%
Retinyl palmitateEffect: LowThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect~0.4–1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
9 strong irritants: Hamamelis virginiana extract, Alcohol + 7 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 25 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Hamamelis virginiana extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~1.4–2.1%est.
AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.8–1.25%est.
Retinyl palmitateThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effectHigh~0.4–1%est.
Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~0.45–1%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.7%est.
Citrus aurantifolia peel extract—High~0.3–0.75%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extractA plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
Citrus grandis extract—High~0.15–0.65%est.
Lavandula angustifolia extractUsed for fragrance and contains volatile compounds that can irritate the skinHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
Vanilla planifolia fruit extractA plant extract used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf extractTraditionally 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 skinMedium~23–35%est.
Caprylyl/capryl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~5.8–8.7%est.
Lauryl glucosideHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~4–6%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~1.9–2.8%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.55–1.25%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~0.5–1.1%est.
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lackingMedium~0.4–1%est.
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very highMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
Propyl gallateHelps preserve product formulations and can mask the smell of other ingredients in a productMedium~0.3–0.7%est.
Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.35–0.8%est.
Mangifera indica fruit extractA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skinMedium~0.1–0.5%est.
Prunus armeniaca fruit extractA fruit extract that might have some antioxidant properties and might help attract water to the skin, but evidence of effectiveness is lackingMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Pyrus malus fruit extractCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar contentMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Rubus idaeus leaf extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lackingMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~23–35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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 extract
Water~12–18%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Caprylyl/capryl glucoside~5.8–8.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Caprylyl/capryl glucoside
Lauryl glucoside~4–6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Lauryl glucoside
Glycerin~2.7–4.1%
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
Lactic acid~1.9–2.8%
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
Hamamelis virginiana extract~1.4–2.1%
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
Xanthan gum~1.2–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Sorbitol~0.95–1.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Sorbitol
Alcohol~0.8–1.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.55–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Malic acid~0.5–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH

More about Malic acid
Tocopheryl acetate~0.5–1.1%
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
Retinyl palmitate~0.4–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-agingExfoliation

Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect

More about Retinyl palmitate
Sodium phytate~0.45–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate
Alcohol denat.~0.45–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Alcohol denat.
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract~0.4–1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking

More about Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high

More about Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
Sodium hyaluronate~0.35–0.8%
Formula
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
Tocopherol~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Benzyl alcohol~0.3–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

A synthetic version of green tea polyphenol that helps neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside
Propyl gallate~0.3–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps preserve product formulations and can mask the smell of other ingredients in a product

More about Propyl gallate
Gallyl glucoside~0.3–0.7%
Formula
Dehydroacetic acid~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Citrus aurantifolia peel extract~0.3–0.75%
Irritant · high
Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract
Citrus grandis extract~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Lavandula angustifolia extract~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used for fragrance and contains volatile compounds that can irritate the skin

More about Lavandula angustifolia extract
Mangifera indica fruit extract~0.1–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skin

More about Mangifera indica fruit extract
Prunus armeniaca fruit extract~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

A fruit extract that might have some antioxidant properties and might help attract water to the skin, but evidence of effectiveness is lacking

More about Prunus armeniaca fruit extract
Pyrus malus fruit extract~0.1–0.4%
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
Rubus idaeus leaf extract~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Rubus idaeus leaf extract
Vanilla planifolia fruit extract~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Vanilla planifolia fruit extract
Ingredient list view

Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Water, Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Lauryl glucoside, Glycerin, Lactic acid, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Xanthan gum, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitol, Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Malic acid, Tocopheryl acetate, Retinyl palmitate, Sodium phytate, Alcohol denat., Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Sodium hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Benzyl alcohol, Epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside, Propyl gallate, Gallyl glucoside, Dehydroacetic acid, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Citrus aurantifolia peel extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Citrus grandis extract, Lavandula angustifolia extract, Mangifera indica fruit extract, Prunus armeniaca fruit extract, Pyrus malus fruit extract, Rubus idaeus leaf extract, Vanilla planifolia fruit extract

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/10 00:18 GMT
$28.00
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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
DermadoctorKakadu C CleanserYOUR PRODUCTVictoria Beckham BeautyDaily Lactic Acid Gel Cleanser NettoyantCeraVeGel Moussant Anti-ImperfectionsOlivalAmino Gel
Match—55%54%53%
Price$28.00$76.00+$48.00——
Shared key ingredients—4 of 114 of 113 of 11
Key difference—Saccharide IsomerateSalicylic AcidAllantoin
Irritancy High Medium Low Low
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 16 studies and safety reviews.

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