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M-61 Brilliant Cleanse
M-61

M-61 Brilliant Cleanse

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation
Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“This smoothing, cream cleanser washes away dirt, makeup, and other impurities, while removing dead surface cells for an improved complexion.”
Source: Bluemercury

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.

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~1.2–1.8%
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)~0.85–1.25%
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)~0.55–1.3%
Cleansing
Stearyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol + 4 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Brilliant Cleanse”
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 (cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, sodium lauroamphoacetate, stearyl alcohol, 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.

Stearyl alcoholEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin~6.3–9.5%
Cetyl alcoholEffect: HighA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~3.6–5.4%
Cetearyl alcoholEffect: HighA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~2.3–3.5%
Sodium lauroamphoacetateEffect: High~0.3–0.75%
Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~0.15–0.6%
Glyceryl stearateEffect: HighAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.15–0.6%
Anti-blemish
Side benefit · Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid
Works well

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

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)~0.85–1.25%
Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn 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~1.2–1.8%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Citrus grandis peel oil, Citrus nobilis peel oil + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 9 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
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~1.2–1.8%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~0.85–1.25%est.
Citrus grandis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.45–1.05%est.
Citrus nobilis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.4–0.9%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis oilUsed as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.35–0.75%est.
Diazolidinyl ureaA preservative. Works by releasing formaldehyde. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~2.2–3.3%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~0.55–1.3%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 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 texture2/5~2.3–3.5%est.
Alternatives
The closest match we found
Gel Moussant Anti-Imperfections
CeraVe Gel Moussant Anti-Imperfections
Closest match83% match
View all alternatives

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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
Stearyl alcohol~6.3–9.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol
Cetyl alcohol~3.6–5.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Cetearyl alcohol~2.3–3.5%
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
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~2.2–3.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Glycerin~1.8–2.7%
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
Magnesium aluminum silicate~1.4–2.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-aging

Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Magnesium aluminum silicate
Glycolic acid~1.2–1.8%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-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
Salicylic acid~0.85–1.25%
Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialEvens 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
Malic acid~0.9–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH

More about Malic acid
Lactic acid~0.55–1.3%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingExfoliationEvens 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
Citrus grandis peel oil~0.45–1.05%
Irritant · high
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 grandis peel oil
Citrus nobilis peel oil~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · high
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 oil
Citrus aurantium dulcis oil~0.35–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis oil
Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Xanthan gum~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Glyceryl stearate~0.15–0.6%
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
Sodium lauroamphoacetate~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Sodium lauroamphoacetate
Disodium edta~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Diazolidinyl urea~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Works by releasing formaldehyde. Can be irritating

More about Diazolidinyl urea
Ingredient list view

Water, Stearyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Cetearyl alcohol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glycerin, Magnesium aluminum silicate, Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, Malic acid, Lactic acid, Citrus grandis peel oil, Citrus nobilis peel oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil, Sodium hydroxide, Xanthan gum, Glyceryl stearate, Sodium lauroamphoacetate, Disodium edta, Diazolidinyl urea

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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
M-61Brilliant CleanseYOUR PRODUCTCeraVeGel Moussant Anti-ImperfectionsPurifideBlackhead Control 2% SA Deep Exfoliating CleanserCOSRXThe AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel
Match—83%81%78%
Price———$10.46
Shared key ingredients—6 of 117 of 113 of 11
Key difference—NiacinamideLinoleic AcidGluconolactone
Irritancy High Low Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Final report on the safety assessment of aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, sodium magnesium silicate, zirconium silicate, attapulgite, bentonite, Fuller's earth, hectorite, kaolin, lithium magnesium silicate, lithium magnesium sodium silicate, montmorillonite, pyrophyllite, and zeolitencbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Extracellular matrix in cutaneous ageing: the effects of 0.1% copper-zinc malonate-containing cream on elastin biosynthesisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinmdpi.com
M-61 Brilliant Cleanse
M-61Brilliant Cleanse
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