M-61

M-61 PowerSpot Pad

Name: M-61 - PowerSpot Pad
Brand: M-61

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-blemish

Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid + 3 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Salicylic acid, glycolic acid and witch hazel help to reduce the appearance of blemishes by naturally unclogging pores, while tea tree helps keep overactive skin under control.”

Source: Bluemercury

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, 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)~1–1.2%

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~2.3–2.8%

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~0.1–0.2%

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.5–0.75%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.3–0.55%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Superoxide dismutase, Boerhavia diffusa root extract + 3 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (superoxide dismutase) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

Superoxide dismutaseKey activeEffect: HighAn antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants~0.2–0.35%

Boerhavia diffusa root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals~0.2–0.4%

Zinc pcaEffect: LowA 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~0.1–0.2%

Cucumis sativus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect~0.35–0.65%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractUnder-dosedCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.3–0.55%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Glycolic acid, Zinc pca + 3 more

Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

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~2.3–2.8%

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)~1.1–1.4%

Exfoliation

Side benefit · Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid + 1 more

Works well

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.

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)~1–1.2%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid + 2 more

Works well

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid, salicylic acid

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Salicylic acidEffect: LowUsed 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)~1–1.2%

Moisturizing

Side benefit · Glycerin, Saccharum officinarum extract + 7 more

Works

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, zinc pca.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.25–0.45%

Saccharum officinarum extractKey activeEffect: HighSugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%

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~0.1–0.2%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~3.1–3.8%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

7 strong irritants: Sd alcohol 40-b, Camphor + 5 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Isopropyl alcoholA drying alcohol. Can increase skin's sensitivity and cause dryness and irritationHigh~6.3–7.7%est.

Sd alcohol 40-bCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~4.2–5.1%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~2.3–2.8%est.

Camphor—High~1.9–2.3%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~1–1.2%est.

Hamamelis virginiana leaf water—High~0.55–0.8%est.

Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.45–0.65%est.

Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extractA plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.4–0.65%est.

Citrus limon fruit extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.4–0.6%est.

Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~3.1–3.8%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~1.1–1.4%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.9–1.15%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Cucumis sativus fruit extractMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effectMedium~0.35–0.65%est.

Acer saccharum extractA plant extract that contains small percentage of AHAs. Is unlikely to have any skin benefit due the small concentration of the active compoundsMedium~0.25–0.4%est.

Boerhavia diffusa root extractA plant extract that might help reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicalsMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

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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

Isopropyl alcohol~6.3–7.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A drying alcohol. Can increase skin's sensitivity and cause dryness and irritation

More about Isopropyl alcohol

Sd alcohol 40-b~4.2–5.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Sd alcohol 40-b

Pentylene glycol~3.1–3.8%

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

Glycolic acid~2.3–2.8%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin toneExfoliationAnti-agingAnti-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

Camphor~1.9–2.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Camphor

Polysorbate 20~1.6–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20

Salicylic acid~1–1.2%

Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-blemishExfoliationAnti-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

Lactic acid~1.1–1.4%

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

Citric acid~0.9–1.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Phytonadione~0.7–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Phytonadione

Hamamelis virginiana leaf water~0.55–0.8%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Hamamelis virginiana leaf water

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice

Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil

Vaccinium myrtillus fruit/leaf extract~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Vaccinium myrtillus fruit/leaf extract

Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract~0.4–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract

Citrus limon fruit extract~0.4–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivity

More about Citrus limon fruit extract

Cucumis sativus fruit extract~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect

More about Cucumis sativus fruit extract

Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract

Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.3–0.55%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Saccharum officinarum extract~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Sugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharum officinarum extract

Acer saccharum extract~0.25–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A plant extract that contains small percentage of AHAs. Is unlikely to have any skin benefit due the small concentration of the active compounds

More about Acer saccharum extract

Boerhavia diffusa root extract~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that might help reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals

More about Boerhavia diffusa root extract

Glycerin~0.25–0.45%

Key active

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

Superoxide dismutase~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants

More about Superoxide dismutase

Propanediol~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Zinc pca~0.1–0.2%

Key active

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

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Alcohol~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol

Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Ingredient list view

Water, Isopropyl alcohol, Sd alcohol 40-b, Pentylene glycol, Glycolic acid, Camphor, Polysorbate 20, Salicylic acid, Lactic acid, Citric acid, Phytonadione, Hamamelis virginiana leaf water, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Vaccinium myrtillus fruit/leaf extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Citrus limon fruit extract, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Saccharum officinarum extract, Acer saccharum extract, Boerhavia diffusa root extract, Glycerin, Superoxide dismutase, Propanediol, Sodium hydroxide, Zinc pca, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol

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Bluemercury

$15.97

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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-61PowerSpot PadYOUR PRODUCT	BarefacedToning Pads II	Renee RouleauPore + Wrinkle Perfecting Serum	skintificAHA BHA PHA Exfoliating Pads
Match	—	94%	90%	89%
Price	$15.97	$52.00+$36.03	$72.50+$56.53	$18.90+$2.93
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 8	5 of 8	4 of 8
Key difference	—	Mandelic Acid	Niacinamide	Niacinamide
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"M-61 - PowerSpot Pad" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-blemish, Anti-aging, Exfoliation and Evens skin tone

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

Ingredient callouts

This product contains acids (lactic acid 1.10% - 1.40% and glycolic acid 2.30% - 2.80%). Their concentration is low, and they will not have a strong exfoliating effect. Instead, they work to support the skin natural acid mantle and to attract water (as humectants). Lactic acid is particularly good in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin and improving the skin barrier.
Salicylic acid (1.00% - 1.20%). 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 0.10% - 0.20% and glycerin 0.25% - 0.45%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.