Works for
ExfoliationSalicylic acidWorks well
“Powered by 2% salicylic acid, the foaming formula gently buffs away dead skin cells and impurities to encourage a visibly smooth, supple complexion.”
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.
Anti-blemishSalicylic acidWorks well
“Developed with dermatologists, the Neutrogena Clear and Defend Facial Wash is a lightweight gel cleanser that protects from blemish-causing bacteria and breakouts.”
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.
CleansingCocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate + 4 moreCan be harsh
“Clear & Defend Facial Wash”
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.
The following cleansing agents are typically mild, but still can cause an irritation or allergy for some people sodium methyl cocoyl taurate.
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: ParfumMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine~7.6–11.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaineSodium methyl cocoyl taurate~5.2–7.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agent
More about Sodium methyl cocoyl taurateGlycerin~2.7–4.1%
- 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 GlycerinSalicylic acid~0.95–1.45%
- 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 hydrolyzed potato starch dodecenylsuccinate~1.6–2.4%
C12-15 alkyl lactate~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Panthenol~1.1–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolCocamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate~0.95–1.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Disodium tetrapropenyl succinate~0.6–1.35%
Peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate~0.45–1.1%
Sodium chloride~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideDisodium edta~0.3–0.75%
Citric acid~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium hydroxide~0.15–0.5%
Tocopherol~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolBenzalkonium 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 chlorideParfum~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, Glycerin, Salicylic acid, Sodium hydrolyzed potato starch dodecenylsuccinate, C12-15 alkyl lactate, Panthenol, Cocamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate, Disodium tetrapropenyl succinate, Peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, Sodium chloride, Disodium edta, Citric acid, Sodium hydroxide, Tocopherol, Benzalkonium chloride, Parfum
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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.
| NeutrogenaClear & Defend Facial WashYOUR PRODUCT | The INKEY List CASalicylic Acid Cleanser | OleHenriksenDaily D-Clog Pore-Clearing Salicylic Acid Cleanser | CeraVeRenewing SA Face Cleanser for Normal Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 93% | 90% | 90% |
| Price | — | $12.07 | $33.77 | $9.89 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 9 | 4 of 9 | 4 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Betaine | Betaine Salicylate | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: L'Oréal Paris Daily Foaming Gel CleanserVERSO Deep Cleanse Gel Nettoyant Moussant
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 11 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 5A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
- 6
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