e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel
Works for
ExfoliationSalicylic acidWorks 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: salicylic acid.
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Camellia sinensis leaf extractWorks well
“Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel”
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.
CleansingNo ingredient credited for this claimNot delivered
This product does not seem to contain cleansing agents and might not be able to remove dirt and oil efficiently.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Camphor + 2 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Salicylic acid1%
- 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%
Alcohol denat.~11–14%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Butylene glycol~5.9–7.2%
- 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 glycolPolyacrylate crosspolymer-6~3.8–4.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Camphor~2.6–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Sodium hydroxide~1.9–2.4%
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilHamamelis virginiana extract~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
More about Hamamelis virginiana extractAloe barbadensis leaf extract~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 extractCamellia sinensis leaf extract~0.6–0.85%
- 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 extractT-butyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritating
More about T-butyl alcoholSodium benzoate~0.15–0.3%
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolDenatonium benzoate~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ingredient list view
Salicylic acid, Water, Alcohol denat., Butylene glycol, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Camphor, Sodium hydroxide, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, T-butyl alcohol, Sodium benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Denatonium benzoate
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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.
| e.l.f. CosmeticsBlemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot GelYOUR PRODUCT | TulaKeep It Clear | VichyNormaderm Corrector Anti-Blemish Care 24H Hydration + Free Cleansing Gel | Dr. LorettaBotanical Exfoliating Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 99% | 98% | 97% |
| Price | — | $36.00 | — | $40.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 1 of 3 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 3 |
| Key difference | — | Azelaic Acid | Capryloyl Salicylic Acid | Sodium Hyaluronate |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Eucerin DermoPure Triple Effect Cleansing GelClinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Gel
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 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
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