Hero Cosmetics

Hero Cosmetics Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser

Name: Hero Cosmetics - Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser
Brand: Hero Cosmetics

Efficacy87/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation

Glycolic acid, Mandelic acid + 3 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser”

Source: Hero Cosmetics

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, mandelic acid.

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~1.9–2.3%

Mandelic acidKey activeEffect: HighHelps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid~1.4–1.7%

Salix alba bark extractEffect: LowA 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~0.25–0.5%

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~0.15–0.25%

GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA 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~0.3–0.6%

Cleansing

Decyl glucoside, Cocamidopropyl betaine + 1 more

Can be harsh

What the product description says

“Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser”

Source: Hero Cosmetics

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin.

The following cleansing agents are typically mild, but still can cause an irritation or allergy for some people cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside.

Keep in mind that cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Decyl glucosideEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating~8.3–10.1%

Cocamidopropyl betaineEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen~5.4–6.6%

Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~0.15–0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Citrus junos fruit extract, Hamamelis virginiana extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Decyl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~8.3–10.1%est.

Cocamidopropyl betaineHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergenHigh~5.4–6.6%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~1.9–2.3%est.

Mandelic acidHelps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acidHigh~1.4–1.7%est.

Citrus junos fruit extractContains essential oil. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.3–0.55%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~0.25–0.5%est.

Hamamelis virginiana extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Salvia officinalis leaf extractSage leaf extract. It can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

Hydroxypropyl starch phosphateHelps oil and water mix together and used to stabilize product formulationsMedium~2.9–3.5%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.7–1.05%est.

Amorphophallus konjac root powder—Medium~0.6–0.85%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~0.3–0.6%est.

Ananas sativus fruit extractA fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skinMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerAttracts water into the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.1%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Filorga Age-Purify Clean

Higher efficacy · 100/10057% match

$29.48

Acnecide Purifide Ph Control Face Wash

Higher efficacy · 100/10056% match

$13.40

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Decyl glucoside~8.3–10.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Decyl glucoside

Cocamidopropyl betaine~5.4–6.6%

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

Hydroxypropyl starch phosphate~2.9–3.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps oil and water mix together and used to stabilize product formulations

More about Hydroxypropyl starch phosphate

Butylene glycol~2.3–2.8%

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

Glycolic acid~1.9–2.3%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-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

Glycerin~1.7–2.1%

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

Mandelic acid~1.4–1.7%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-blemishAntibacterial

Helps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid

More about Mandelic acid

1,2-hexanediol~0.7–1.05%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Sodium hydroxide~0.8–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Sodium chloride~0.7–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride

Tromethamine~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Amorphophallus konjac root powder~0.6–0.85%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

More about Amorphophallus konjac root powder

Gluconolactone~0.3–0.6%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

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

Citrus junos fruit extract~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Contains essential oil. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus junos fruit extract

Ananas sativus fruit extract~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin

More about Ananas sativus fruit extract

Salix alba bark extract~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationAnti-blemishExfoliation

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

Hamamelis virginiana extract~0.25–0.45%

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

Lactobacillus/rice ferment~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Lactobacillus/rice ferment

Bifida ferment lysate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

Consists of remains of dead yeast bacteria cells. Helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Might has some anti-oxidant effect

More about Bifida ferment lysate

Salvia officinalis leaf extract~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Sage leaf extract. It can be irritating

More about Salvia officinalis leaf extract

Sodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Hyaluronic acid~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin

More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid

Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate

Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate

Potassium hyaluronate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Potassium hyaluronate

Sodium acetylated hyaluronate~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid

More about Sodium acetylated hyaluronate

Zinc pca~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

A compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing

More about Zinc pca

Maltitol~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Maltitol

Allantoin~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces 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

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer

Xanthan gum~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Arginine~0.1–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine

Pentylene glycol~0.15–0.25%

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

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Ingredient list view

Water, Decyl glucoside, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, Butylene glycol, Glycolic acid, Glycerin, Mandelic acid, 1,2-hexanediol, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium chloride, Tromethamine, Amorphophallus konjac root powder, Gluconolactone, Citrus junos fruit extract, Ananas sativus fruit extract, Salix alba bark extract, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Lactobacillus/rice ferment, Bifida ferment lysate, Salvia officinalis leaf extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Hyaluronic acid, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, Potassium hyaluronate, Sodium acetylated hyaluronate, Zinc pca, Maltitol, Allantoin, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Xanthan gum, Arginine, Pentylene glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin

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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
	Hero CosmeticsExfoliating Jelly CleanserYOUR PRODUCT	FilorgaAge-Purify Clean	AcnecidePurifide Ph Control Face Wash	COSRXThe AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel
Match	—	57%	56%	53%
Price	—	$29.48	$13.40	$10.46
Shared key ingredients	—	7 of 17	6 of 17	4 of 17
Key difference	—	Azelaic Acid	Niacinamide	Salicylic Acid
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: Exuviance Professional Purifying Cleansing Gel Homecare Dope Skin Co AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 37 studies and safety reviews.

1
Ecofriendly surfactant is allergen of the yearmdedge.com
2
Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinmdpi.com
5
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Summary of mandelic acid for the improvement of skin conditionsnucelle.com
7
Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Mandelic Acid, and Phytic Acid Combination Peels in Melasmajournals.lww.com
8
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
9
Safety Assessment of Tromethamine as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
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
Safety Assessment of Citrus Fruit-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
22
Efficacy and Safety of White Willow Bark (Salix alba) Extractonlinelibrary.wiley.com
23
An evaluation of the effect of a topical product containing salicin on the visible signs of human skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
24
Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy of Topical Preparations with 10% Hamamelis Distillate in a UV Erythema Testkarger.com
25
Anti-inflammatory activity of hamamelis distillate applied topically to the skin link.springer.com
26
ASSESSMENT REPORT ON HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA L., CORTEX HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA L., FOLIUM HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA L., FOLIUM ET CORTEX AUT RAMUNCULUS DESTILLATUM ema.europa.eu
27
Bifidobacterium longumlysate, a new ingredient forreactive skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
28
Use of Probiotics for Dermal Applicationsresearchgate.net
29
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by Salvia officinalis extractpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
30
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
31
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
32
Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
33
Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
34
Acetylated Hyaluronic Acid: Enhanced Bioavailability and Biological Studieshindawi.com
35
Zinc L-pyrrolidone carboxylate inhibits the UVA-induced production of matrix metalloproteinase-1 by in vitro cultured skin fibroblasts, whereas it enhances their collagen synthesisonlinelibrary.wiley.com
36
Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review hindawi.com
37
Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoinscielo.br

Hero CosmeticsExfoliating Jelly Cleanser

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