Dope Skin Co

Dope Skin Co AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Name: Dope Skin Co - AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Brand: Dope Skin Co

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Cleansing

Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Cocamidopropyl betaine

Cleanses gently

What the product description says

“AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser”

Source: Dopeskin

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (caprylyl/capryl glucoside, cocamidopropyl betaine) 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

Caprylyl/capryl glucosideEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent~7.4–11.1%

Cocamidopropyl betaineEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen~5.2–7.8%

Exfoliation

Lactic acid, Glycolic acid + 4 more

Works well

What the product description says

“AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser”

Source: Dopeskin

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: gluconolactone, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic 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)~3.5–5.2%

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~2.7–4%

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)~1.1–1.7%

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~1–1.45%

Tartaric acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels~0.55–1.25%

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.1–0.45%

Anti-blemish

Salicylic acid, Niacinamide + 4 more

Works well

What the product description says

“A gentle salicylic acid cleanser that removes buildup, smooths texture, and helps prevent breakouts - all in one step.”

Source: Dopeskin

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide, salicylic acid. These ingredients 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: gluconolactone, glycolic acid

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)~1.1–1.7%

NiacinamideHeroEffect: 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~0.5–1.15%

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~2.7–4%

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: MediumA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~1–1.45%

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: LowTraditionally 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~23–35%

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.1–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Tanacetum annuum flower oil, Hamamelis virginiana extract

Medium risk

We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Cocamidopropyl betaineHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergenHigh~5.2–7.8%est.

Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~2.7–4%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~1.1–1.7%est.

Tanacetum annuum flower oilAn essential oil that has anti-inflammatory properties but also contains irritating compoundsHigh~0.35–0.8%est.

Hamamelis virginiana extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.6%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally 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~7.4–11.1%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~3.5–5.2%est.

Cannabis sativa seed extract—Medium~1.5–2.3%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~1.1–1.7%est.

GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~1–1.45%est.

Tartaric acidAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levelsMedium~0.55–1.25%est.

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~0.45–1.1%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Community Sixty-Six Detoxifying AHA/BHA Gel Cleanser

Cheaper76% match

$15.82

Face facts Ceramide Blemish Foaming Cleanser

Cheaper74% match

$7.82

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~23–35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishAnti-aging

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 juice

Caprylyl/capryl glucoside~7.4–11.1%

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

Cocamidopropyl betaine~5.2–7.8%

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

Lactic acid~3.5–5.2%

Key activeIrritant · 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

Glycolic acid~2.7–4%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin toneExfoliationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid

More about Glycolic acid

Salicylic acid~1.1–1.7%

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

Cannabis sativa seed extract~1.5–2.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Cannabis sativa seed extract

Citric acid~1.1–1.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Gluconolactone~1–1.45%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationMoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone

Malic acid~0.85–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust the product pH

More about Malic acid

Tartaric acid~0.55–1.25%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationExfoliationMoisturizing

An AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels

More about Tartaric acid

Niacinamide~0.5–1.15%

Hero · Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

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

Panthenol~0.4–0.95%

Formula

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

Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.45–1.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil

Tanacetum annuum flower oil~0.35–0.8%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

An essential oil that has anti-inflammatory properties but also contains irritating compounds

More about Tanacetum annuum flower oil

Glycerin~0.3–0.75%

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

Cyamopsis tetragonoloba gum~0.2–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cyamopsis tetragonoloba gum

Hamamelis virginiana extract~0.15–0.6%

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

Allantoin~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Tocopherol~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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

Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Calcium gluconate~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product

More about Calcium gluconate

Ingredient list view

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Lactic acid, Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, Cannabis sativa seed extract, Citric acid, Gluconolactone, Malic acid, Tartaric acid, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Tanacetum annuum flower oil, Glycerin, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba gum, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Allantoin, Tocopherol, Sodium benzoate, Calcium gluconate

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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
	Dope Skin CoAHA/BHA Exfoliating CleanserYOUR PRODUCT	CeraVeGel Moussant Anti-Imperfections	Community Sixty-SixDetoxifying AHA/BHA Gel Cleanser	Face factsCeramide Blemish Foaming Cleanser
Match	—	83%	76%	74%
Price	$33.00	—	$15.82−$17.18	$7.82−$25.18
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 13	5 of 13	4 of 13
Key difference	—	Phytosphingosine	Mandelic Acid	Ceramide As
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 34 studies and safety reviews.

1
Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
3
Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5
Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinmdpi.com
6
Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
8
A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
9
Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Studyonlinelibrary.wiley.com
10
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acnencbi.nlm.nih.gov
11
The Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone Protects Against Ultraviolet Radiation in an In Vitro Model of Cutaneous Photoagingonlinelibrary.wiley.com
12
Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivityncbi.nlm.nih.gov
13
The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative studydovepress.com
14
A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimenncbi.nlm.nih.gov
15
The use of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in photoaged skin
16
Blackwell Publishing, Ltd. Alpha-hydroxyacids and carboxylic acidsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
17
An evaluation of a polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen in combination with azelaic acid 15% gel in rosacea patientsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
18
Aging Skin: Causes, Treatments, and Preventionsciencedirect.com
19
Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacidssciencedirect.com
20
Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) Provide Conditioning Effects to Skin Without Increasing Sensitivity to UV Lightneostrata.neogen.gr
21
Control of keratinization with á-hydroxy acids and related compounds: I. Topical treatment of ichthyotic disordersjamanetwork.com
22
Method of treating wrinkles using tartaric acidpatents.google.com
23
Impact of the condition of storage of tartaric acid solutions on the production and stability of glyoxylic acidsciencedirect.com
24
Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
25
Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
26
Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
27
Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
28
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
29
Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy of Topical Preparations with 10% Hamamelis Distillate in a UV Erythema Testkarger.com
30
Anti-inflammatory activity of hamamelis distillate applied topically to the skin link.springer.com
31
ASSESSMENT REPORT ON HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA L., CORTEX HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA L., FOLIUM HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA L., FOLIUM ET CORTEX AUT RAMUNCULUS DESTILLATUM ema.europa.eu
32
Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoinscielo.br
33
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
34
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu

Dope Skin CoAHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

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Buy at Dopeskin$33.00 Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.