e.l.f. Cosmetics elf Acne Fighting Gel Clear
Works for
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Camellia sinensis leaf extractWorks well
“This clear roll-on formula helps to fight and prevent acne, reduce redness and swelling, minimize pore size and clear skin.”
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.
MoisturizingButylene glycol, C13-14 isoparaffin + 2 moreNot delivered
“Introducing our new and improved Zit Zapper! Banish blemishes and help nourish your skin with the unique blend of Aloe, Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel and Camphor.”
Does not contain good ingredients to help with moisturization.
ExfoliationSide benefit · Salicylic 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 strong irritants: Alcohol, Hamamelis virginiana extract + 2 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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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~12–15%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 AlcoholButylene 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 glycolHamamelis virginiana extract~3.9–4.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
More about Hamamelis virginiana extractPolyacrylamide~2.8–3.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamideC13-14 isoparaffin~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinLaureth-7~1.2–1.4%
Camphor~0.9–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.55–0.8%
- 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~0.2–0.4%
- 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 extractSodium benzoate~0.1–0.2%
Ingredient list view
Salicylic acid, Water, Alcohol, Butylene glycol, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Camphor, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Sodium 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. Cosmeticself Acne Fighting Gel ClearYOUR PRODUCT | VMV HypoallergenicsRed Better Spot Corrector | AESTURATheracne 365 Spot Treatment | Dr Dennis GrossDRx Blemish Solutions Salicylic Acid Acne Gel | Dr. Dennis Gross | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 93% | 93% | 92% |
| Price | — | — | $14.08 | $20.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 |
| Key difference | — | Cyclopentasiloxane | Niacinamide | Retinol |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | High |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA Spot TreatmentBoots Skin Clear 2 Hour Spot Gel with Salicylic Acid
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
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