Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Facial Wash with AHA /BHA /PHA
Works for
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Glycolic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“Purifying face wash to help prevent 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.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: gluconolactone, glycolic acid
ExfoliationGlycolic acid, Gluconolactone + 1 moreWorks well
“With a micro exfoliator to help fade coloured marks left after acne”
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, glycolic acid, salicylic acid.
CleansingSodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine + 1 moreCan be harsh
“Clear & Defend+ Facial Wash with AHA /BHA /PHA”
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: sodium lauryl sulfate.
The following cleansing agents are typically mild, but still can cause an irritation or allergy for some people sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate.
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?
Irritancy8 flagged ingredientsLow 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.
Water~40–60%
Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate~10–16%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and used as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating and is better avoided for sensitive skin
More about Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonateCocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine~4.9–7.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaineSorbitol~2.7–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about SorbitolGlycolic acid~2–3%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidGluconolactone~1.4–2.2%
- 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 GluconolactoneSodium hydroxide~1.2–1.8%
Salicylic acid~0.4–0.95%
- 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 lauryl sulfate~0.85–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A cleansing agent (SLS). It can be irritating
More about Sodium lauryl sulfateSodium chloride~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chloridePotassium acrylates copolymer~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Disodium edta~0.1–0.45%
Citric acid~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium bicarbonate~0.1–0.4%
Ingredient list view
Water, Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, Sorbitol, Glycolic acid, Gluconolactone, Sodium hydroxide, Salicylic acid, Sodium lauryl sulfate, Sodium chloride, Potassium acrylates copolymer, Disodium edta, Citric acid, Sodium bicarbonate
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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 Wash with AHA /BHA /PHAYOUR PRODUCT | INNBEAUTY PROJECTFoam Around Clarifying Daily Cleanser | AcneFree Dermatology Inspired CareBlackhead Removing Scrub With Charcoal | MuradMini AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 77% | 77% | 75% |
| Price | — | — | — | $19.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 6 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Ceramide Np | Lactic Acid |
| Irritancy | Low | High | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser + Free Anti-Blemish ConcentrateCommunity Sixty-Six Detoxifying AHA/BHA Gel Cleanser
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Final Report On the Safety Assessment of Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonatesjournals.sagepub.com
- 2
- 3Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4
- 5
- 6
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