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L'Oréal Paris Exfoliate & Refine
L'Oréal Paris

L'Oréal Paris Exfoliate & Refine

Efficacy91/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-blemish
Salicylic acid, Kaolin + 2 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Pure Clay Cleanser Exfoliate-Refine goes beyond daily cleansing to exfoliate and unclog pores for skin that feels smoother.”
Source: Walgreens

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.

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)~0.3–0.55%
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~6.6–8.1%
Moroccan lava clayEffect: LowHelps absorb oil (for the time of application) and creates a thicker product consistency~0.2–0.4%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.2–0.35%
Exfoliation
Salicylic acid, Zinc gluconate
Works well
What the product description says
“Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells”
Source: Walgreens

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)~0.3–0.55%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.2–0.35%
Cleansing
Decyl glucoside, Sodium laureth sulfate + 2 more
Can be harsh
What the product description says
“3 Pure Clays and Red Algae Clay-to mousse Cleanser”
Source: Walgreens

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

It contains the following cleansing agents that tend to be harsh on the skin: sodium laureth sulfate.

The following cleansing agents are typically mild, but still can cause an irritation or allergy for some people 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~2.1–2.6%
Sodium laureth sulfateEffect: HighWorks as a foaming cleansing agent~1.8–2.2%
Peg-7 glyceryl cocoateEffect: HighHelps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent~1.4–1.7%
Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~0.3–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 10 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~2.1–2.6%est.
Sodium laureth sulfateWorks as a foaming cleansing agentHigh~1.8–2.2%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~0.3–0.55%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
Zea mays starchUsed to thicken the product's consistencyMedium~2.6–3.1%est.
Peg-7 glyceryl cocoateHelps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agentMedium~1.4–1.7%est.
CarrageenanHelps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulationMedium~1.3–1.5%est.
Tetrasodium edtaHelps to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Zinc gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skinMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
4 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
Zea mays starchUsed to thicken the product's consistency3/5~2.6–3.1%est.
CarrageenanHelps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation3/5~1.3–1.5%est.
Palmaria palmata extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.1–0.2%est.
Sodium laureth sulfateWorks as a foaming cleansing agent2/5~1.8–2.2%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Balancing Air Foam Facial Cleanser
CeraVe Balancing Air Foam Facial Cleanser
CheaperHigher efficacy · 100/10085% match
$12.39
Sonic Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam
Clinique Sonic Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam
CheaperHigher efficacy · 100/10085% match
$26.11
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
Kaolin~6.6–8.1%
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
Glycerin~4.3–5.3%
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
Butylene glycol~3.1–3.8%
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
Zea mays starch~2.6–3.1%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Mattifying

Used to thicken the product's consistency

More about Zea mays starch
Decyl glucoside~2.1–2.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Decyl glucoside
Perlite~1.9–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A type of volcanic glass. Absorbs moisture and can temporarily mattify the skin

More about Perlite
Sodium laureth sulfate~1.8–2.2%
Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Cleansing

Works as a foaming cleansing agent

More about Sodium laureth sulfate
Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate~1.4–1.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent

More about Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate
Carrageenan~1.3–1.5%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5

Helps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation

More about Carrageenan
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ci 77491~0.7–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating

More about Ci 77491
Ci 77492~0.55–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A colorant. Usually well-tolerated

More about Ci 77492
Ci 77499~0.5–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

An iron oxide. Used as a colorant. Is usually well tolerated

More about Ci 77499
Salicylic acid~0.3–0.55%
Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-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
Tetrasodium edta~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium edta
Xanthan gum~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Parfum~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Zinc gluconate~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Zinc gluconate
Citric acid~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Moroccan lava clay~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-blemish

Helps absorb oil (for the time of application) and creates a thicker product consistency

More about Moroccan lava clay
Montmorillonite~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A clay mineral. Can absorb oil from the surface of the skin

More about Montmorillonite
Palmaria palmata extract~0.1–0.2%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Palmaria palmata extract
Ingredient list view

Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Zea mays starch, Decyl glucoside, Perlite, Sodium laureth sulfate, Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate, Carrageenan, Phenoxyethanol, Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499, Salicylic acid, Tetrasodium edta, Xanthan gum, Parfum, Zinc gluconate, Citric acid, Moroccan lava clay, Montmorillonite, Palmaria palmata extract

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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
L'Oréal ParisExfoliate & RefineYOUR PRODUCTCeraVeBalancing Air Foam Facial CleanserCliniqueSonic Extra Gentle Cleansing FoamGarnierPure Active Intensive Anti-Blackhead Charcoal Gel Wash
Match—85%85%84%
Price—$12.39$26.11—
Shared key ingredients—3 of 92 of 94 of 9
Key difference—NiacinamideCaffeineCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
Irritancy Medium Low Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Ecofriendly surfactant is allergen of the yearmdedge.com
  3. 3
    Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
  6. 6
    A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
L'Oréal Paris Exfoliate & Refine
L'Oréal ParisExfoliate & Refine
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