Works for
ExfoliationSalicylic acidWorks well
“Salicylic Acid, a Beta Hydroxy Acid, stimulates natural exfoliation to help clear clogged follicles and smooth away dullness that contributes to visible skin aging.”
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.
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Zinc pca + 3 moreWorks well
“Fight blemishes and breakouts with the Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash.”
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: zinc pca
CleansingSodium methyl cocoyl taurate, Sodium laurylglucosides hydroxypropylsulfonate + 6 moreCan be harsh
“Clearing Skin Wash”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin.
The following cleansing agents are typically mild, but still can cause an irritation or allergy for some people cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate.
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy10 strong irritants: Salvia officinalis leaf extract, Camphor + 8 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale4 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Salicylic acid0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
More about Salicylic acidWater~45–55%
Glycerin~7.2–8.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinSodium laurylglucosides hydroxypropylsulfonate~3.9–4.7%
Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate~4.1–5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agent
More about Sodium methyl cocoyl taurateCocamidopropyl betaine~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen
More about Cocamidopropyl betaineHydroxypropyl bis-hydroxyethyldimonium chloride~1.8–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate~1.7–2%
Butylene glycol~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolSodium pca~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaPhytic acid~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmetics
More about Phytic acidButyrospermum parkii butter~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
More about Butyrospermum parkii butterFucus vesiculosus extract~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Curcuma longa root extract~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 extractAloe barbadensis flower extract~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Aloe barbadensis flower extractAllium sativum bulb extract~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Laminaria ochroleuca extract~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Laminaria ochroleuca extractPassiflora incarnata extract~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Passiflora incarnata extractSalvia officinalis leaf extract~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- High
Sage leaf extract. It can be irritating
More about Salvia officinalis leaf extractCamphor~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
Menthol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf extractHamamelis virginiana leaf extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
More about Hamamelis virginiana leaf extractSolanum melongena fruit extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Eggplant fruit extract. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Solanum melongena fruit extractCocamidopropyl dimethylamine~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can work as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating
More about Cocamidopropyl dimethylamineSodium methyl oleoyl taurate~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium methyl oleoyl taurateDipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycyrrhizateTetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps stabilize the product formulation
More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetatePolysorbate 80~0.45–0.7%
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilMelia azadirachta leaf extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating
More about Melia azadirachta leaf extractMelia azadirachta flower extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Melia azadirachta flower extractCorallina officinalis extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants
More about Corallina officinalis extractMelissa officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Coccinia indica fruit extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect helping neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Coccinia indica fruit extractAngelica archangelica extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Chamomilla recutita flower extractCitrus limon fruit extract~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivity
More about Citrus limon fruit extractEchinacea angustifolia leaf extract~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.35–0.65%
Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. Canbe irritating
More about Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extractOcimum sanctum leaf extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicals
More about Ocimum sanctum leaf extractAnthemis nobilis flower extract~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that one one hand, can contain compounds that can help calm down skin irritation, but, on the other hand, its other compounds (especially fragrant ones) can themselves be irritating
More about Anthemis nobilis flower extractAscorbic acid~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidCamellia sinensis leaf extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 extractMaltodextrin~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil
More about MaltodextrinSilica~0.5–0.7%
Palmitic acid~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidZinc pca~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing
More about Zinc pcaKaolin~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color
More about KaolinPalmitoyl tripeptide-5~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-5Aminomethyl propanol~0.15–0.25%
Sodium chloride~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideSodium hydroxide~0.1–0.25%
Benzyl pca~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Salicylic acid, Water, Glycerin, Sodium laurylglucosides hydroxypropylsulfonate, Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Hydroxypropyl bis-hydroxyethyldimonium chloride, Peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, Butylene glycol, Sodium pca, Phytic acid, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Fucus vesiculosus extract, Curcuma longa root extract, Aloe barbadensis flower extract, Allium sativum bulb extract, Laminaria ochroleuca extract, Passiflora incarnata extract, Salvia officinalis leaf extract, Camphor, Menthol, Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract, Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract, Solanum melongena fruit extract, Cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, Sodium methyl oleoyl taurate, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Polysorbate 80, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Melia azadirachta flower extract, Corallina officinalis extract, Melissa officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract, Coccinia indica fruit extract, Angelica archangelica extract, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Citrus limon fruit extract, Echinacea angustifolia leaf extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extract, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract, Anthemis nobilis flower extract, Ascorbic acid, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Maltodextrin, Silica, Palmitic acid, Zinc pca, Kaolin, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, Aminomethyl propanol, Sodium chloride, Sodium hydroxide, Benzyl pca, Phenoxyethanol
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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.
| DermalogicaClearing Skin WashYOUR PRODUCT | ReplenixAcne Solutions Gly/Sal 2-2 Foaming Cleanser | The INKEY List CASalicylic Acid Cleanser | NaturiumTHE PERFECTOR SALICYLIC ACID BODY WASH | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 85% | 84% | 84% |
| Price | $39.50 | — | $12.07−$27.43 | $6.00−$33.50 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 20 | 6 of 20 | 4 of 20 |
| Key difference | — | Glycolic Acid | Betaine | Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: innisfree Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing FoamDarphin Intral Air Mousse Cleanser
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 20 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 3A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
- 4
- 5
- 6
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