Etude House AC Clean Up Facial Fluid

Etude House AC Clean Up Facial Fluid

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Cleansing
Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Glyceryl stearate + 5 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“AC Clean Up Facial Fluid”
From product name

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, carbomer, cetearyl alcohol, diphenyl dimethicone, glyceryl stearate, polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, sorbitan oleate) 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.

Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together~2–3%
Glyceryl stearateEffect: HighAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~1.1–1.6%
Cetearyl alcoholEffect: HighA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.95–1.4%
CarbomerEffect: HighHelps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations~0.45–1.05%
Diphenyl dimethiconeEffect: High~0.4–0.9%
Caprylyl/capryl glucosideEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent~0.2–0.75%
Sorbitan oleateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~0.15–0.5%
Anti-blemish
Niacinamide, Salix alba bark extract
Works well
What the product description says
“This non-sticky gel-type lotion is powered by Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Leaf Water, and Tea Tree Oil to heal acne-prone skin by providing anti-bacterial properties to the skin to prevent skin irritations and blemishes.”
Source: Althea

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

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~1.7–2.5%
Salix alba bark extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect~0.05–0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Melaleuca alternifolia leaf water, Hamamelis virginiana extract + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 15 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf water—High~4.5–6.7%est.
Hamamelis virginiana extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.3%est.
Salix alba bark extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effectHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Gaultheria procumbens leaf extract—High~0.05–0.15%est.
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~2–3%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.55–1.25%est.
TriethylhexanoinHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.35–0.85%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.35–0.85%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.65%est.
Caprylyl/capryl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.5%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.55%est.
MadecassosideAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulationsMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Portulaca oleracea extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.05–0.15%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
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.95–1.4%est.
Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix together2/5~0.15–0.5%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf water~4.5–6.7%
Irritant · high
Propanediol~3.5–5.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Dicaprylyl carbonate~2.8–4.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin

More about Dicaprylyl carbonate
Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~2–3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate
Niacinamide~1.7–2.5%
Hero · Anti-blemish
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-agingMoisturizingReduces irritationReduces rednessAntibacterialAnti-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
1,2-hexanediol~0.55–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Cyclomethicone~1.3–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of silicone that leaves a nice silky finish on the skin and can help soften its upper layer

More about Cyclomethicone
Glyceryl stearate~1.1–1.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Cetearyl alcohol~0.95–1.4%
Comedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol
Squalane~0.6–1.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Carbomer~0.45–1.05%
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
Glycerin~0.45–1.05%
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
Triethylhexanoin~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Triethylhexanoin
Diphenyl dimethicone~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Diphenyl dimethicone
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Tromethamine~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine
Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer
Polyisobutene~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to improve the product consistency

More about Polyisobutene
Polyglyceryl-10 myristate~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Disodium edta~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Butylene glycol~0.15–0.6%
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
Houttuynia cordata extract~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Caprylyl/capryl glucoside~0.2–0.75%
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
Sorbitan oleate~0.15–0.5%
Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan oleate
Pentylene glycol~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol
Tocopherol~0.1–0.4%
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
Madecassoside~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin tone

An antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations

More about Madecassoside
Hamamelis virginiana extract~0.05–0.3%
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
Salix alba bark extract~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationExfoliationAnti-blemish

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect

More about Salix alba bark extract
Gaultheria procumbens leaf extract~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.05–0.15%
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
Portulaca oleracea extract~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Portulaca oleracea extract
Ingredient list view

Water, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf water, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Niacinamide, 1,2-hexanediol, Cyclomethicone, Glyceryl stearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Squalane, Carbomer, Glycerin, Triethylhexanoin, Diphenyl dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Polyisobutene, Polyglyceryl-10 myristate, Disodium edta, Butylene glycol, Houttuynia cordata extract, Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Sorbitan oleate, Pentylene glycol, Tocopherol, Madecassoside, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Salix alba bark extract, Gaultheria procumbens leaf extract, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Portulaca oleracea extract

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Althea180 ml
$12.90
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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
Etude HouseAC Clean Up Facial FluidYOUR PRODUCTCOSRXLow pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing WaterHamelVegan Relief Water Essence Sun CreamCeraVeMakeup Removing Cleanser Cloths
Match—76%71%69%
Price$12.90$9.99−$2.91$26.45+$13.55—
Shared key ingredients—2 of 144 of 144 of 14
Key difference—PanthenolAdenosineMineral Oil
Irritancy High Low Medium Low
SPF——SPF 50—
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.

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Etude House AC Clean Up Facial Fluid
Etude HouseAC Clean Up Facial Fluid

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.