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Dermalogica Active Clearing Overnight Clearing Gel
Dermalogica

Dermalogica Active Clearing Overnight Clearing Gel

Efficacy91/100IrritancyHigh
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Works for

3 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing
Panthenol, 10-hydroxydecanoic acid + 14 more
Strong evidence
What the product description says
“Salicylic Acid reduces breakouts and congestion, Hyaluronic Acid aids hydration and Tea Tree aids in healing and soothing.”
Source: Allbeauty

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.5–0.75%
10-hydroxydecanoic acidKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and slow down the water loss from its surface~0.35–0.65%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2–2.5%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.8%
Crithmum maritimum extractKey activeEffect: MediumAn algae extract that might have anti-oxidant properties~0.6–0.9%
Hydrogenated vegetable oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.6–0.9%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.45–0.65%
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~5.4–6.6%
BiotinEffect: LowMight have some moisturising properties. Is not effective when applied topically beyond some moisturizing effect~0.5–0.8%
Peg-32· HumectantEffect: LowHelps dissolve other ingredients and attract water to the upper layer of the skin~8–9.7%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.45–0.7%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.45–0.7%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedEffect: HighA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.4–0.6%
Zinc gluconateUnder-dosedEffect: HighTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.35–0.65%
Yeast extractUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps 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%
Oleanolic acidUnder-dosedEffect: MediumMight be helpful against blemishes, work as an anti-oxidant, reduce inflammation and improve skin's ability to hold on to moisture, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness when applied topically to human skin~0.35–0.65%
Anti-blemish
Salicylic acid, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract + 3 more
Strong evidence
What the product description says
“Active Clearing Overnight Clearing Gel”
From product name

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.

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract

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%
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~1.2–1.4%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.45–0.7%
Oleanolic acidUnder-dosedEffect: MediumMight be helpful against blemishes, work as an anti-oxidant, reduce inflammation and improve skin's ability to hold on to moisture, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness when applied topically to human skin~0.35–0.65%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.35–0.65%
Anti-aging
Zinc gluconate, Niacinamide + 1 more
Moderate evidence
What the product description says
“Nighttime gel helps clear breakouts and reduce visible skin aging.”
Source: Skinstore

This product contains camellia oleifera leaf extract. This ingredient help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they might be able to prevent early signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), at least to some extent. These ingredients will not be able to "reverse" signs of aging.

NiacinamideUnder-dosedEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.45–0.7%
Oleanolic acidUnder-dosedEffect: MediumMight be helpful against blemishes, work as an anti-oxidant, reduce inflammation and improve skin's ability to hold on to moisture, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness when applied topically to human skin~0.35–0.65%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.35–0.65%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Camellia oleifera leaf extract, Aesculus hippocastanum seed extract + 8 more
Strong evidence

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

Camellia oleifera leaf extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, even though it is not usually used in sufficient concentration in cosmetics~1.1–1.3%
Aesculus hippocastanum seed extractEffect: LowPlant extract. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating~0.65–1%
CaffeineEffect: LowMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes~0.45–0.7%
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractEffect: LowCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~1.2–1.4%
Pelargonium graveolens flower oilEffect: LowAn essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidation~0.3–0.55%
Crithmum maritimum extractEffect: LowAn algae extract that might have anti-oxidant properties~0.6–0.9%
Yeast extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumHelps 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%
Oleanolic acidUnder-dosedEffect: MediumMight be helpful against blemishes, work as an anti-oxidant, reduce inflammation and improve skin's ability to hold on to moisture, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness when applied topically to human skin~0.35–0.65%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.35–0.65%
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin~0.35–0.65%
Exfoliation
Not advertised by the brand · Salicylic acid, Zinc gluconate
Strong evidence

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%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.35–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
21 strong irritants: Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Camphor + 19 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 30 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%
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~1.2–1.4%est.
Aesculus hippocastanum seed extractPlant extract. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.65–1%est.
Camphor—High~0.4–0.65%est.
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.35–0.6%est.
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skinHigh~0.35–0.65%est.
Cymbopogon martini oilAromatic plant oil used in cosmetics as a fragrance. A likely irritantHigh~0.35–0.6%est.
Mentha piperita oilUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.
Citrus grandis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.3–0.5%est.
Citrus limon peel oilA highly irritating fragranceHigh~0.3–0.5%est.
Foeniculum vulgare oil—High~0.3–0.6%est.
Mentha viridis leaf oilUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.5%est.
Pelargonium graveolens flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidationHigh~0.3–0.55%est.
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilAn essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Zingiber officinale root oilAn essential oil that is likely to be irritating and can cause photosensitivityHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Litsea cubeba fruit oilAn essential oil with a lemon-like smell that is extracted from a fruit grown in Asia. Used as a fragranceHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Myristica fragrans kernel oilUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Ocimum basilicum oilUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
Cymbopogon nardus oil—High~0.15–0.25%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
Salvia officinalis oil—High~0.05–0.1%est.
Thymus vulgaris oil—High~0.05%est.
CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
Nordihydroguaiaretic acidUsed to stabilize the formula of product formulation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skinMedium~0.4–0.6%est.
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Zinc gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skinMedium~0.35–0.65%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~0.45–0.7%est.
ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.16–0.32%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 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
Crithmum maritimum extractAn algae extract that might have anti-oxidant properties3/5~0.6–0.9%est.
Hydrogenated vegetable oilAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin2/5~0.6–0.9%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
ExfoliationAnti-blemishAnti-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
Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Peg-32~8–9.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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

More about Peg-32
Butylene glycol~5.4–6.6%
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
Pvm/ma decadiene crosspolymer~3.8–4.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Pvm/ma decadiene crosspolymer
Polysorbate 20~2.4–2.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Glycerin~2–2.5%
Key active
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
Peg-60 almond glycerides~1.6–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Peg-60 almond glycerides
Mahonia aquifolium root extract~1.4–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Mahonia aquifolium root extract
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~1.2–1.4%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAntibacterial

Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract
Camellia oleifera leaf extract~1.1–1.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, even though it is not usually used in sufficient concentration in cosmetics

More about Camellia oleifera leaf extract
Spiraea ulmaria extract~0.75–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Spiraea ulmaria extract
Aesculus hippocastanum seed extract~0.65–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Plant extract. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating

More about Aesculus hippocastanum seed extract
Crithmum maritimum extract~0.6–0.9%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An algae extract that might have anti-oxidant properties

More about Crithmum maritimum extract
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
Hydrogenated vegetable oil~0.6–0.9%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrogenated vegetable oil
Sodium hyaluronate~0.55–0.8%
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
Biotin~0.5–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Might have some moisturising properties. Is not effective when applied topically beyond some moisturizing effect

More about Biotin
Panthenol~0.5–0.75%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

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

More about Panthenol
Caffeine~0.45–0.7%
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
Niacinamide~0.45–0.7%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.4–0.6%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate
Camphor~0.4–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Camphor
10-hydroxydecanoic acid~0.35–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and slow down the water loss from its surface

More about 10-hydroxydecanoic acid
Sebacic acid~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Sebacic acid
1,10-decanediol~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about 1,10-decanediol
Nordihydroguaiaretic acid~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to stabilize the formula of product formulation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin

More about Nordihydroguaiaretic acid
Oleanolic acid~0.35–0.65%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful against blemishes, work as an anti-oxidant, reduce inflammation and improve skin's ability to hold on to moisture, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness when applied topically to human skin

More about Oleanolic acid
Xanthan gum~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Carbomer~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil
Ammonium glycyrrhizate~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ammonium glycyrrhizate
Zinc gluconate~0.35–0.65%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationExfoliationAnti-blemish

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Zinc gluconate
Zinc acetate~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Zinc acetate
Sodium hydroxide~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.45–0.7%
Under-dosedIrritant · 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
Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin
Caprylyl glycol~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Phenoxyethanol~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-oxidation

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil
Cymbopogon martini oil~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Aromatic plant oil used in cosmetics as a fragrance. A likely irritant

More about Cymbopogon martini oil
Mentha piperita oil~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha piperita oil
Citrus grandis peel oil~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus grandis peel oil
Citrus limon peel oil~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A highly irritating fragrance

More about Citrus limon peel oil
Foeniculum vulgare oil~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Foeniculum vulgare oil
Mentha viridis leaf oil~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha viridis leaf oil
Pelargonium graveolens flower oil~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

An essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidation

More about Pelargonium graveolens flower oil
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil
Zingiber officinale root oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil that is likely to be irritating and can cause photosensitivity

More about Zingiber officinale root oil
Artemisia vulgaris oil~0.25–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Artemisia vulgaris oil
Litsea cubeba fruit oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil with a lemon-like smell that is extracted from a fruit grown in Asia. Used as a fragrance

More about Litsea cubeba fruit oil
Piper nigrum seed oil~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Piper nigrum seed oil
Myristica fragrans kernel oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Myristica fragrans kernel oil
Ocimum basilicum oil~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Ocimum basilicum oil
Cymbopogon nardus oil~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Cymbopogon nardus oil
Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark oil~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark oil
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Lavandula angustifolia oil
Salvia officinalis oil~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Salvia officinalis oil
Thymus vulgaris oil~0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Thymus vulgaris oil
Ingredient list view

Salicylic acid, Water, Peg-32, Butylene glycol, Pvm/ma decadiene crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Peg-60 almond glycerides, Mahonia aquifolium root extract, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Camellia oleifera leaf extract, Spiraea ulmaria extract, Aesculus hippocastanum seed extract, Crithmum maritimum extract, Yeast extract, Hydrogenated vegetable oil, Sodium hyaluronate, Biotin, Panthenol, Caffeine, Niacinamide, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Camphor, 10-hydroxydecanoic acid, Sebacic acid, 1,10-decanediol, Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, Oleanolic acid, Xanthan gum, Carbomer, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Ammonium glycyrrhizate, Zinc gluconate, Zinc acetate, Sodium hydroxide, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, Cymbopogon martini oil, Mentha piperita oil, Citrus grandis peel oil, Citrus limon peel oil, Foeniculum vulgare oil, Mentha viridis leaf oil, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Zingiber officinale root oil, Artemisia vulgaris oil, Litsea cubeba fruit oil, Piper nigrum seed oil, Myristica fragrans kernel oil, Ocimum basilicum oil, Cymbopogon nardus oil, Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Salvia officinalis oil, Thymus vulgaris oil

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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
DermalogicaActive Clearing Overnight Clearing GelYOUR PRODUCTAtwaterOil Regulator Facial MoisturizerKYLIE SKINClarifying Gel CreamSCINICHyaluronic Acid Soothing Stick
Match—85%84%81%
Price—$35.00—$14.72
Shared key ingredients—6 of 145 of 145 of 14
Key difference—UreaHydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateMadecassoside
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

Based on the ingredient list, "Dermalogica - Active Clearing Overnight Clearing Gel" can work well for skin moisturization. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Panthenol, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, butylene glycol and caprylyl glycol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Emollients in this formulation (hydrogenated vegetable oil and caprylyl glycol) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

Irritation risk

This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Dermalogica" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.

Price

The product retails for 52.00$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 43 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
  3. 3
    A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
  4. 4
    Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Studyonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Usencbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Dermalogica Active Clearing Overnight Clearing Gel
DermalogicaActive Clearing Overnight Clearing Gel
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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.