Lab Series Skincare for Men

Lab Series Skincare for Men Oil Control Clearing Solution

Name: Lab Series Skincare for Men - Oil Control Clearing Solution
Brand: Lab Series Skincare for Men

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation

Salicylic acid, Salix alba bark extract + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Synergising Witch Hazel and Amazonian White Clay, the dual-phase formula effectively sweeps over skin to eliminate excess oil and dead skin, without stripping moisture or uncomfortable tightness.”

Source: Mankind

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.

Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: HighUsed 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)~0.55–1.3%

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~1.5–2.2%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn 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)~0.4–0.95%

Anti-blemish

Salicylic acid, Zinc pca + 2 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Lightweight and non-greasy, the toner removes pore-clogging debris and minimises blackheads and breakouts, whilst ensuring a smooth, shine-free finish. Developed for oily skin.”

Source: Mankind

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: zinc pca

Salicylic acidHeroEffect: HighUsed 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)~0.55–1.3%

Zinc pcaKey activeEffect: MediumA 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~0.5–1.2%

KaolinEffect: LowA type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color~1.2–1.8%

Moisturizing

Side benefit · Algae extract, Zinc pca + 3 more

Works

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: algae extract, zinc pca.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: algae extract.

Algae extractKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet~0.95–1.4%

Zinc pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA 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~0.5–1.2%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~0.2–0.8%

Laminaria saccharina extractUnder-dosedA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations~1.3–2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

4 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Hamamelis virginiana extract + 2 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~7.7–11.6%est.

Hamamelis virginiana extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~2–3.1%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~1.5–2.2%est.

Salicylic acidUsed 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)High~0.55–1.3%est.

Myrtus communis leaf extractA plant extract that contains an essential oil and often used for its fragrance. Can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.15–0.6%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

Lactic acidAn 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)Medium~0.4–0.95%est.

Ppg-5-ceteth-20A solvent with some emollient propertiesMedium~0.4–0.9%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.25%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

Laminaria saccharina extractA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations3/5~1.3–2%est.

Algae extractPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet3/5~0.95–1.4%est.

Alternatives

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Clinique Clarifying Do-Over Peel

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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

Alcohol denat.~7.7–11.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.

Propanediol~3.7–5.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Nylon-12~2.8–4.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Nylon-12

Hamamelis virginiana extract~2–3.1%

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~1.5–2.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-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

Laminaria saccharina extract~1.3–2%

Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations

More about Laminaria saccharina extract

Salicylic acid~0.55–1.3%

Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryExfoliationAnti-blemishAntibacterialEvens skin tone

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 acid

Kaolin~1.2–1.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MattifyingAnti-blemish

A type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color

More about Kaolin

Algae extract~0.95–1.4%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet

More about Algae extract

Zinc pca~0.5–1.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-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

Lactic acid~0.4–0.95%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationMoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-aging

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 acid

Ppg-5-ceteth-20~0.4–0.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

A solvent with some emollient properties

More about Ppg-5-ceteth-20

Butylene glycol~0.2–0.8%

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

Myrtus communis leaf extract~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that contains an essential oil and often used for its fragrance. Can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties

More about Myrtus communis leaf extract

Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Citric acid~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Disodium edta~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Parfum~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Ingredient list view

Water, Alcohol denat., Propanediol, Nylon-12, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Salix alba bark extract, Laminaria saccharina extract, Salicylic acid, Kaolin, Algae extract, Zinc pca, Lactic acid, Ppg-5-ceteth-20, Butylene glycol, Myrtus communis leaf extract, Sodium hydroxide, Citric acid, Disodium edta, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol

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🇬🇧 Lookfantastic (UK)100 ml

≈ $26.16

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🇬🇧 Mankind (UK)100 ml

≈ $26.16

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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
	Lab Series Skincare for MenOil Control Clearing SolutionYOUR PRODUCT	BeautificAcne Killa Anti-Blemish Peeling Solution Пилинг для лечения акне 18% с салициловой кислотой и цинком	CliniqueClarifying Do-Over Peel	B. KaminsLactic-10
Match	—	85%	85%	84%
Price	—	—	$21.64	—
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 7	3 of 7	3 of 7
Key difference	—	Glycolic Acid	Lactobionic Acid	Panthenol
Irritancy	High	Low	Medium	Low
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	Contains drying alcohol	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Lab Series Skincare for Men - Oil Control Clearing Solution" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory, Exfoliation and Anti-blemish

This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

Salicylic acid (0.55% - 1.30%). This is an oil-soluble exfoliating acid. Because of this property, it can work inside pores and help reduce the congestion. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat acne. Because it is a quite strong exfoliator, be careful with using this product too often: it could result in over-exfoliation.
Humectants (zinc pca 0.50% - 1.20% and algae extract 0.95% - 1.40%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.