Me Superdrug me Salicylic Acid & Ceramides Cleanser

Name: Me - Superdrug me Salicylic Acid & Ceramides Cleanser
Brand: Me

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow

See all ingredients

Works for

Cleansing

Cocamidopropyl betaine, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate + 5 more

Cleanses gently

What the product description says

“Superdrug me Salicylic Acid & Ceramides Cleanser”

Source: Supderdrug

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (carbomer, cholesterol, cocamidopropyl betaine, peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, sodium lauroyl lactylate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, 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.

Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: cocamidopropyl betaine

Cocamidopropyl betaineEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen~8.5–10.4%

Sodium lauroyl sarcosinateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent~6–7.3%

Peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~1.9–2.3%

Sodium lauroyl lactylateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together~0.5–0.8%

CholesterolEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.3–0.55%

CarbomerEffect: HighHelps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations~0.1–0.15%

Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~0.1–0.2%

Exfoliation

Salicylic acid, Gluconolactone

Works well

What the product description says

“This effective acne wash helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and blackheads while gently exfoliating for visibly smoother, clearer skin.”

Source: Supderdrug

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: gluconolactone, 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)~1.2–1.5%

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: HighA 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~1.1–1.4%

Anti-blemish

Salicylic acid, Niacinamide + 2 more

Works well

What the product description says

“This salicylic cleanser is perfect for dull skin and ideal for unclogging pores, preventing breakouts, and revealing a clearer, more refined complexion.”

Source: Supderdrug

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide, salicylic acid. These ingredients 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: gluconolactone

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)~1.2–1.5%

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.95–1.2%

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: MediumA 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~1.1–1.4%

PhytosphingosineEffect: LowA type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect~0.25–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

10 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 10 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Cocamidopropyl betaineHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergenHigh~8.5–10.4%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~1.2–1.5%est.

Sodium lauroyl sarcosinateHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agentMedium~6–7.3%est.

Peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.9–2.3%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~1.1–1.4%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.6–0.85%est.

Sodium lauroyl lactylateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.8%est.

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymerAttracts water into the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Face facts Ceramide Blemish Foaming Cleanser

Cheaper77% match

$7.80

Mixa Anti-Imperfection Comfort Cleanser

Cheaper72% match

$7.25

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

Cocamidopropyl betaine~8.5–10.4%

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

Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate~6–7.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

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

More about Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate

Glycerin~3.1–3.8%

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

Sodium chloride~2.3–2.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Sodium chloride

Peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate~1.9–2.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate

Salicylic acid~1.2–1.5%

Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliationAntibacterialEvens 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

Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Gluconolactone~1.1–1.4%

Key activeIrritant · 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

Niacinamide~0.95–1.2%

Hero · Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMoisturizingReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterial

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.7–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate

Citric acid~0.6–0.85%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Sodium lauroyl lactylate~0.5–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sodium lauroyl lactylate

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer

Sodium hydroxide~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Ceramide np~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide np

Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Cholesterol~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol

Ceramide ap~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

More about Ceramide ap

Phytosphingosine~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect

More about Phytosphingosine

Pentylene glycol~0.2–0.4%

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~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Xanthan gum~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Carbomer~0.1–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Ceramide eop~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

More about Ceramide eop

Ingredient list view

Water, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, Glycerin, Sodium chloride, Peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, Salicylic acid, Sodium benzoate, Gluconolactone, Niacinamide, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Citric acid, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Sodium hydroxide, Ceramide np, Phenoxyethanol, Cholesterol, Ceramide ap, Phytosphingosine, Pentylene glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan gum, Carbomer, Ceramide eop

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🇬🇧 Supderdrug (UK)500 ml

≈ $13.38

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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
	MeSuperdrug me Salicylic Acid & Ceramides CleanserYOUR PRODUCT	CeraVeAcne Control Cleanser	Face factsCeramide Blemish Foaming Cleanser	MixaAnti-Imperfection Comfort Cleanser
Match	—	88%	77%	72%
Price	—	$13.59	$7.80	$7.25
Shared key ingredients	—	14 of 16	8 of 16	4 of 16
Key difference	—	Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid	Ceramide As	Squalane
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
4
A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
5
Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Studyonlinelibrary.wiley.com
6
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acnencbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
The Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone Protects Against Ultraviolet Radiation in an In Vitro Model of Cutaneous Photoagingonlinelibrary.wiley.com
8
Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivityncbi.nlm.nih.gov
9
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
10
A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimenncbi.nlm.nih.gov
11
The use of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in photoaged skin
12
Blackwell Publishing, Ltd. Alpha-hydroxyacids and carboxylic acidsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
13
An evaluation of a polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen in combination with azelaic acid 15% gel in rosacea patientsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
14
Aging Skin: Causes, Treatments, and Preventionsciencedirect.com
15
Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacidssciencedirect.com
16
Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) Provide Conditioning Effects to Skin Without Increasing Sensitivity to UV Lightneostrata.neogen.gr
17
Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
18
Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
19
Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin’s own natural moisturizing systemsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
20
Topically Applied Ceramides Interact with the Stratum Corneum Lipid Matrix in Compromised Ex Vivo Skinncbi.nlm.nih.gov
21
Topical emulsions containing ceramides: Effects on the skin barrier function and anti‐inflammatory propertiesonlinelibrary.wiley.com

MeSuperdrug me Salicylic Acid & Ceramides Cleanser

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.