Works for
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Glycolic acidWorks well
“Our bestselling clarifying cream cleanser contains a powerful trifecta of acids at a low pH to benefit oily, congested, and blemish-prone 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.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycolic acid
CleansingCetyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate + 2 moreCleanses gently
“Clarifying Cleanser C2”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cetyl alcohol, cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, glyceryl stearate, xanthan gum) 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 dimethylamine
ExfoliationGlycolic acid, Salicylic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“Our Clarifying Cleanser C2 is specially formulated for oily and congested skin, and doubles as a glycolic face peel.”
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: glycolic acid, salicylic acid.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Citrus nobilis peel oil, Limonene + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Cetyl alcohol~4.8–7.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholCocos nucifera oil~3.9–5.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic
More about Cocos nucifera oilGlyceryl stearate~2.5–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateCocamidopropyl dimethylamine~2.1–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can work as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating
More about Cocamidopropyl dimethylaminePrunus armeniaca kernel oil~1.8–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Prunus armeniaca kernel oilSalicylic acid2%
- 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 acidBha~1.5–2.2%
Polyglyceryl-6 stearate~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Polyglyceryl-6 stearateSodium glycolate~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glycolic acid4%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidPrunus amygdalus dulcis seed~0.85–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Prunus amygdalus dulcis seedPersea gratissima oil~0.55–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function
More about Persea gratissima oilSodium lactate~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
More about Sodium lactateLactic acid1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acidSodium salicylate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
The salt of salicylic acid. Helps exfoliate the upper layer of the skin. Can also work to preserve cosmetic products
More about Sodium salicylateCetyl hydroxyethylcellulose~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize formulations
More about Cetyl hydroxyethylcellulosePolyglyceryl-6 behenate~0.2–0.75%
Xanthan gum~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCitrus nobilis peel oil~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin
More about Citrus nobilis peel oilLimonene0.97%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneLinalool0.01%
Ingredient list view
Water, Cetyl alcohol, Cocos nucifera oil, Unknown, Glyceryl stearate, Cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, Prunus armeniaca kernel oil, Salicylic acid, Bha, Polyglyceryl-6 stearate, Sodium glycolate, Unknown, Glycolic acid, Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed, Persea gratissima oil, Sodium lactate, Unknown, Lactic acid, Sodium salicylate, Cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyglyceryl-6 behenate, Xanthan gum, Citrus nobilis peel oil, Limonene, Linalool
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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.
| FacetheoryClarifying Cleanser C2YOUR PRODUCT | CeraVeGel Moussant Anti-Imperfections | COSRXThe AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel | PurifideBlackhead Control 2% SA Deep Exfoliating Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 79% | 77% | 74% |
| Price | $16.00 | — | $10.46−$5.54 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 12 | 3 of 12 | 5 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Gluconolactone | Linoleic Acid |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Cream WashRodial Vitamin C Brightening Cleansing Pads
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 4A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
- 5
- 6
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