Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Overnight Repair Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Pads
Works for
Evens skin toneMandelic acid, Glycolic acid + 2 moreWorks well
“The pads contain glycolic and mandelic acids to improve the appearance of large pores, discoloration, and post-acne scarring for a more refined, refreshed, even complexion.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid, mandelic acid, niacinamide, 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.
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Arginine + 2 moreWorks well
“They are formulated to prolong the effectiveness of salicylic acid with less potential for irritation while upholding a healthy skin barrier.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
arginine.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, pentylene glycol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Anti-blemishNiacinamide, Salicylic acid + 2 moreWorks well
“What it is: An easy-to-use, one-step acne treatment pad that reduces acne breakouts and promotes clearer skin.”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide, salicylic acid. These ingredients 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, mandelic acid
ExfoliationSide benefit the brand mentions · Mandelic acid, Glycolic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“Pre-moistened acne treatment pads feature salicylic acid that gently removes dead skin cells, helps prevent future acne breakouts, and promotes clearer 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: glycolic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Glycolic acid, Niacinamide + 1 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid, niacinamide.
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Alcohol + 2 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Salicylic acid0.5%
- 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%
Alcohol denat.~11–13%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Laureth-4~4.5–5.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Laureth-4Alcohol~3.5–4.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholPolysorbate 20~2.5–3%
Arginine~2.1–2.6%
- 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 ArginineMandelic acid~1.6–1.9%
- 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 acidGlycolic acid~1.3–1.6%
- 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 acidMyristoyl tetrapeptide-13~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Niacinamide~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideTocopherol~0.7–1.05%
- 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 TocopherolCitrus aurantium dulcis peel extract~0.55–0.8%
Cocoyl argininamide~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.3–0.55%
Pentylene glycol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolTamarindus indica seed extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Lens esculenta seed extract~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.15%
Decylene glycol~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to creat a nice product texture and support penetration of other ingredients
More about Decylene glycolLimonene~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimonenePhenoxyethanol~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Salicylic acid, Water, Alcohol denat., Laureth-4, Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Arginine, Mandelic acid, Glycolic acid, Myristoyl tetrapeptide-13, Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract, Cocoyl argininamide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene glycol, Tamarindus indica seed extract, Lens esculenta seed extract, Sodium hydroxide, Decylene glycol, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol
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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 Overnight Repair Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment PadsYOUR PRODUCT | BeautyBioSwipe & Glow Peel Pads | NeoRetinDISCROM Lightening Peel Pads - CLEARANCE | HydroPeptideResurface and Repair Peptide Pads - 30 Treatments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 90% | 88% | 88% |
| Price | $48.00 | $53.49+$5.49 | $33.51−$14.49 | $93.00+$45.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 6 |
| Key difference | — | Gluconolactone | Retinol | Lactobionic Acid |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | High | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: skintific AHA BHA PHA Exfoliating PadsPacifica Beauty Glow Baby Brightening Peel Pads
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 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
- 5Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Laureths 4 and 23journals.sagepub.com
- 6
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