Paula's choice Clear Cleanser
Works for
ExfoliationSalicylic acidWorks well
“How? The key ingredient is exfoliating BHA salicylic acid, which sheds dead cells from the skin's surface while also working to minimise blackheads.”
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
“Soft on skin, hard on 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.
CleansingSodium lauroyl sarcosinate, Peg-200 hydrogenated glyceryl palmate + 3 moreCan be harsh
“Refreshing cleansing gel gently removes excess oil, debris and pore-clogging impurities.”
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 laureth sulfate.
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?
Irritancy10 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
3 of 3 community members would buy it again.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate~12–14%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent
More about Sodium lauroyl sarcosinateAcrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer~4.8–5.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glycerin~3.1–3.8%
- 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 GlycerinPeg-200 hydrogenated glyceryl palmate~2.5–3.1%
Sodium laureth sulfate~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Works as a foaming cleansing agent
More about Sodium laureth sulfateSalicylic acid~0.9–1.1%
- 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 acidArginine~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
More about ArginineButylene glycol~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolPeg-7 glyceryl cocoate~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent
More about Peg-7 glyceryl cocoatePanthenol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolDisodium edta~0.45–0.7%
Citric acid~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPeg-60 hydrogenated castor oil~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oilSodium citrate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citratePhenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCaprylyl glycol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolChlorphenesin~0.05–0.1%
Ingredient list view
Water, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, Acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer, Glycerin, Peg-200 hydrogenated glyceryl palmate, Sodium laureth sulfate, Salicylic acid, Arginine, Butylene glycol, Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate, Panthenol, Disodium edta, Citric acid, Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, Sodium citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Chlorphenesin
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| Paula's choiceClear CleanserYOUR PRODUCT | OlayHydrating Facial Cleanser, Hyaluronic Acid, for Normal Skin, Fragrance-Free | Face factsCeramide Blemish Foaming Cleanser | CeraVeRenewing SA Face Cleanser for Normal Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 85% | 83% | 83% |
| Price | $28.00 | $7.43−$20.57 | $7.82−$20.18 | $9.89−$18.11 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 9 | 3 of 9 | 3 of 9 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Niacinamide | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: VERSO Acne Deep CleanseMixa Anti-Imperfection Comfort Cleanser
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 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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