Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Fast-Acting Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment
Works for
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Glycolic acidWorks well
“Clear Days Ahead Fast-Acting Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment”
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: glycolic acid
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Glycolic acid, Oligopeptide-10Works well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: oligopeptide-10.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · Glycolic acid, Salicylic acidWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid, salicylic acid
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
ExfoliationNot advertised by the brand · Salicylic acid, Glycolic acidWorks well
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: glycolic acid, salicylic acid.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · Dimethicone, Isododecane + 11 moreWorks
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: dimethicone, squalane.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Alcohol denat.Medium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Salicylic acid2%
- 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 acidWater~45–55%
Dimethicone~7.5–9.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeIsododecane~6–7.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture
More about IsododecanePolysilicone-11~3.9–4.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel
More about Polysilicone-11Alcohol denat.~2.5–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Hexyldecanol~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about HexyldecanolGlycolic acid~1.7–2.1%
- 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 acidHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerCoco-caprylate/caprate~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/caprateSqualane~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneBisabolol~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololButylene glycol~0.7–1.05%
- 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 glycolCetylhydroxyproline palmitamide~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 Cetylhydroxyproline palmitamideEthylhexylglycerin~0.55–0.85%
Lecithin~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinOligopeptide-10~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Oligopeptide-10Trimethylpentanediol/adipic acid copolymer~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a nice, clear product finish on the skin
More about Trimethylpentanediol/adipic acid copolymerBrassica campestris sterols~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Help soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Brassica campestris sterolsLaureth-12~0.4–0.65%
Polysorbate 60~0.4–0.6%
Decyl glucoside~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Decyl glucosideLauryl glucoside~0.4–0.6%
Stearic acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidSodium acrylates copolymer~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylates copolymerEthoxydiglycol~0.2–0.35%
Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.3%
Disodium edta~0.15–0.25%
Caprylyl glycol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolHexylene glycol~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolPhenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolO-cymen-5-ol~0.05–0.1%
Ingredient list view
Salicylic acid, Water, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Polysilicone-11, Alcohol denat., Hexyldecanol, Glycolic acid, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Squalane, Bisabolol, Butylene glycol, Cetylhydroxyproline palmitamide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lecithin, Oligopeptide-10, Trimethylpentanediol/adipic acid copolymer, Brassica campestris sterols, Laureth-12, Polysorbate 60, Decyl glucoside, Lauryl glucoside, Stearic acid, Sodium acrylates copolymer, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium hydroxide, Disodium edta, Caprylyl glycol, Hexylene glycol, Phenoxyethanol, O-cymen-5-ol
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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.
| PhilosophyClear Days Ahead Fast-Acting Salicylic Acid Acne Spot TreatmentYOUR PRODUCT | Amazon BasicsAdvanced Blemish Spot Treatment with 2% Salicylic Acid | Kiehl'sTruly Targeted Acne-Clearing Pimple Patch with Salicylic Acid | Transparent LabPIE Acne Red Spot Fading Treatment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 84% | 81% | 79% |
| Price | $24.00 | $5.72−$18.28 | $27.16+$3.16 | $19.54−$4.46 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 8 | 2 of 8 | 2 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Niacinamide | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: The Crème Shop x KAKAO FRIENDS KAKAO FRIENDS Hydrocolloid Acne Patches For Dark SpotsMizon Good Bye Blemish Pink Spot
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 3A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
- 4
- 5
- 6Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
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