Works for
ExfoliationSalicylic acid, Lactic acidWorks well
“A gentle AHA that helps to facilitate the exfoliation of dead skin cells for smoother-looking skin; helps keep pores clear of cellular debris. . Aloe Vera.”
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.
CleansingPeg-80 sorbitan laurate, Hexylene glycol + 2 moreCleanses gently
“Blackhead Dissolving Gel”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (hexylene glycol, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, peg-80 sorbitan laurate, polysorbate 20) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 1 moreWorks well
“Blackhead Dissolving Gel”
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: ParfumMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
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%
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 DimethiconeCyclopentasiloxane~6–7.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneGlycereth-26~3.4–4.1%
Glycerin~2.6–3.2%
- 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 GlycerinCyclohexasiloxane~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels
More about CyclohexasiloxanePeg-80 sorbitan laurate~1.7–2.1%
Dimethiconol~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time
More about DimethiconolPolyacrylate-13~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the product formulation
More about Polyacrylate-13Panthenol~1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolAloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.7–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceCamellia sinensis leaf extract~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
More about Camellia sinensis leaf extractPolyisobutene~0.75–1.1%
Caprylyl glycol~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolEthylhexylglycerin~0.45–0.7%
Hexylene glycol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolBisabolol~0.3–0.55%
- 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 BisabololPolysorbate 20~0.3–0.55%
Ppg-26-buteth-26~0.3–0.55%
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilButyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateEthylhexyl salicylate~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateLactic acid~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
More about Lactic acidPhenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolParfum~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Salicylic acid, Water, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Peg-80 sorbitan laurate, Dimethiconol, Polyacrylate-13, Panthenol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Unknown, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Polyisobutene, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene glycol, Bisabolol, Polysorbate 20, Ppg-26-buteth-26, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Lactic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
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.
| ProactivBlackhead Dissolving GelYOUR PRODUCT | MixaAnti-Imperfection Comfort Cleanser | PrequelTRAVEL GLEANSER + SA | CeletequeAcne Cleansing Gel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 85% | 84% | 83% |
| Price | — | $7.21 | $6.00 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 14 | 3 of 14 | 3 of 14 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Zinc Pca | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: OleHenriksen Daily D-Clog Pore-Clearing Salicylic Acid CleanserBeauty Pie AcidEnzyme™ Exfoliating Face & Body Cleanse
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 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
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.