Renee Rouleau AHA/BHA Blemish Control Cleanser

Renee Rouleau AHA/BHA Blemish Control Cleanser

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Cleansing
Decyl glucoside, Cocamidopropyl betaine + 3 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“A non-drying, exfoliating cleanser that works to reduce bumps, blackheads, and lifts away discoloration.”
Source: Renee Rouleau

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside, glycol distearate, sodium cocoyl apple amino acids, steareth-4) 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.

Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside

Decyl glucosideEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating~8.4–10.3%
Cocamidopropyl betaineEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen~5.8–7%
Glycol distearateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together~0.25–0.45%
Sodium cocoyl apple amino acidsEffect: High~0.2–0.4%
Steareth-4Effect: High~0.15–0.3%
Exfoliation
Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“A non-drying, exfoliating cleanser that works to reduce bumps, blackheads, and lifts away discoloration.”
Source: Renee Rouleau

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.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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~1.6–2%
Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: HighUsed 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)~1–1.2%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn 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)~1.1–1.3%
Anti-blemish
Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“A non-drying, exfoliating cleanser that works to reduce bumps, blackheads, and lifts away discoloration.”
Source: Renee Rouleau

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

Salicylic acidHeroEffect: HighUsed 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)~1–1.2%
Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn 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~1.6–2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Carica papaya fruit extract, Citrus grandis seed extract + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 15 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Decyl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~8.4–10.3%est.
Cocamidopropyl betaineHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergenHigh~5.8–7%est.
Glycolic acidAn 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 acidHigh~1.6–2%est.
Salicylic acidUsed 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)High~1–1.2%est.
Carica papaya fruit extract—High~0.55–0.85%est.
Citrus grandis seed extract—High~0.4–0.6%est.
Citrus grandis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
Acrylates copolymerUsed to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~3.2–4%est.
Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~2.4–2.9%est.
Lactic acidAn 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)Medium~1.1–1.3%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.75–1.1%est.
Glycol distearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Decyl glucoside~8.4–10.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Decyl glucoside
Cocamidopropyl betaine~5.8–7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen

More about Cocamidopropyl betaine
Acrylates copolymer~3.2–4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistency

More about Acrylates copolymer
Jojoba esters~2.4–2.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function

More about Jojoba esters
Sodium pca~1.9–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca
Glycolic acid~1.6–2%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-blemish

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 acid
Salicylic acid~1–1.2%
Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishExfoliationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialEvens skin tone

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 acid
Lactic acid~1.1–1.3%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

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 acid
Citric acid~0.75–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Carica papaya fruit extract~0.55–0.85%
Irritant · high
Citrus grandis seed extract~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · high
Vitis vinifera seed extract~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterial

A plant extract that contains resveratrol and other anti-oxidant compounds that can help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation in skin and even out its tone. Can be also used to stabilize the product formulation

More about Vitis vinifera seed extract
Garcinia mangostana peel extract~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Ahnfeltiopsis concinna extract~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Ahnfeltiopsis concinna extract
Citrus grandis peel oil~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus grandis peel oil
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Sodium cocoyl apple amino acids~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Sodium cocoyl apple amino acids
Glycol distearate~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glycol distearate
Steareth-4~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Steareth-4
Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Disodium edta~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Sodium chloride~0.1–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride
Glycerin~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Glycerin
Butylene glycol~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 glycol
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Ingredient list view

Water, Decyl glucoside, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Acrylates copolymer, Jojoba esters, Sodium pca, Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, Lactic acid, Citric acid, Carica papaya fruit extract, Citrus grandis seed extract, Vitis vinifera seed extract, Garcinia mangostana peel extract, Ahnfeltiopsis concinna extract, Citrus grandis peel oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Sodium cocoyl apple amino acids, Glycol distearate, Steareth-4, Sodium hydroxide, Disodium edta, Sodium chloride, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol

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Renee Rouleau
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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Renee RouleauAHA/BHA Blemish Control CleanserYOUR PRODUCTCliniqueClarifying Do-Over PeelMuradCleansers & Toners Age Reform: AHA/BHA Exfoliating CleanserDope Skin CoAHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Match—86%80%79%
Price$40.50$21.37−$19.13—$33.00−$7.50
Shared key ingredients—4 of 136 of 135 of 13
Key difference—Lactobionic AcidSodium Ascorbyl PhosphateNiacinamide
Irritancy High Medium Low Medium
Drying alcohol— Contains drying alcohol ——
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.

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Renee Rouleau AHA/BHA Blemish Control Cleanser
Renee RouleauAHA/BHA Blemish Control Cleanser

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.