NEOSTRATA Clarify Mandelic Clarifying Cleanser
Works for
ExfoliationGluconolactone, Mandelic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“Formulated with Mandelic Acid, a gentle yet effective Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that is ideal for exfoliating oily skin.”
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, mandelic acid.
CleansingAmmonium laureth sulfate, Cocamidopropyl betaine + 11 moreCan be harsh
“Clarify Mandelic Clarifying Cleanser”
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: benzalkonium chloride, sodium laureth sulfate.
The following cleansing agents are typically mild, but still can cause an irritation or allergy for some people cocamidopropyl betaine.
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Ammonium laureth sulfate~23–34%
Water~12–18%
Benzalkonium chloride~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent (detergent). Also used as a preservative. Can be irritating
More about Benzalkonium chlorideBht~3.8–5.7%
Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Cocamidopropyl betaine~2.6–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen
More about Cocamidopropyl betaineDisodium cocoamphodiacetate~1.8–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent
More about Disodium cocoamphodiacetateGluconolactone~1.4–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 GluconolactoneGlycerin~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinMandelic acid~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid
More about Mandelic acidMelaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.9–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilPanthenol~0.6–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolPeg-150 distearate~0.55–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-150 distearatePeg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearatePeg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilPeg-80 sorbitan laurate~0.45–1.05%
Phenoxyethanol~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPolyquaternium-10~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish
More about Polyquaternium-10Polysorbate 20~0.3–0.75%
Ppg-2 hydroxyethyl cocamide~0.15–0.65%
Salicylic acid~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidSodium chloride~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideSodium laureth sulfate~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- High
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Works as a foaming cleansing agent
More about Sodium laureth sulfateSodium laureth-13 carboxylate~0.4–0.95%
Triethanolamine~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
More about TriethanolamineIngredient list view
Ammonium laureth sulfate, Water, Benzalkonium chloride, Bht, Chlorphenesin, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Disodium cocoamphodiacetate, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Mandelic acid, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Panthenol, Peg-150 distearate, Peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Peg-80 sorbitan laurate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-10, Polysorbate 20, Ppg-2 hydroxyethyl cocamide, Salicylic acid, Sodium chloride, Sodium laureth sulfate, Sodium laureth-13 carboxylate, Triethanolamine
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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.
| NEOSTRATAClarify Mandelic Clarifying CleanserYOUR PRODUCT | ExuviancePore Clarifying Cleanser | CeraVeRenewing SA Cleanser | Niche Beauty labPHA Soft Peeling Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 90% | 82% | 77% |
| Price | $34.00 | $37.00+$3.00 | $15.99−$18.01 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 18 of 18 | 4 of 18 | 4 of 18 |
| Key difference | — | — | Niacinamide | Peg-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Transparent Lab PHA Soft Peeling CleanserPrequel TRAVEL GLEANSER + SA
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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