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Transparent Lab PHA Soft Peeling Cleanser
Transparent Lab

Transparent Lab PHA Soft Peeling Cleanser

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow
See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation
Gluconolactone, Salicylic acid + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“PHA Soft Peeling Cleanser”
From product name

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: gluconolactone, salicylic acid.

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~2.7–4%
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)~0.55–1.3%
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)~0.15–0.65%
Cleansing
Peg-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate + 7 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“PHA Soft Peeling Cleanser”
From product name

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (carbomer, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, peg-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, potassium cocoyl rice amino acids, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, sodium methyl oleoyl taurate) 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, cocamidopropyl dimethylamine

Peg-6 caprylic/capric glyceridesEffect: HighHelps dissolve other ingredients~2–3%
Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionateEffect: HighWorks as a cleansing agent~1.7–2.5%
Cocamidopropyl dimethylamineEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Can work as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating~1.3–1.9%
Cocamidopropyl betaineEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen~1–1.5%
Sodium cocoyl isethionateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent~0.8–1.25%
Sodium methyl oleoyl taurateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~0.55–1.3%
Potassium cocoyl rice amino acidsEffect: High~0.5–1.2%
Sodium cocoyl glutamateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~0.15–0.7%
CarbomerEffect: HighHelps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations~0.1–0.35%
Anti-blemish
Salicylic acid, Gluconolactone
Works well
What the product description says
“Its formula also contains 1% Salicylic Acid to treat and prevent brekouts.”
Source: N/A

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: gluconolactone

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)~0.55–1.3%
GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: MediumA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~2.7–4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
11 flagged ingredients
Low risk
We flag 11 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Cocamidopropyl dimethylamineHelps oil and water mix together. Can work as a cleansing agent. Can be irritatingHigh~1.3–1.9%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~0.55–1.3%est.
Cocamidopropyl betaineHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergenHigh~1–1.5%est.
GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~2.7–4%est.
Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionateWorks as a cleansing agentMedium~1.7–2.5%est.
Sodium cocoyl isethionateHelps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~0.8–1.25%est.
Sodium methyl oleoyl taurateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.55–1.3%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~0.15–0.65%est.
Sodium cocoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.7%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
The closest match we found
PHA Soft Peeling Cleanser
Niche Beauty lab PHA Soft Peeling Cleanser
Closest match100% match
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Propanediol~4.7–7.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Glycerin~3.4–5.1%
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
Gluconolactone~2.7–4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationMoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone
Peg-6 caprylic/capric glycerides~2–3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps dissolve other ingredients

More about Peg-6 caprylic/capric glycerides
Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate~1.7–2.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Works as a cleansing agent

More about Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate
Cocamidopropyl dimethylamine~1.3–1.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can work as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating

More about Cocamidopropyl dimethylamine
Salicylic acid~0.55–1.3%
Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryExfoliationAnti-blemishAntibacterialEvens 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
Sphingomonas ferment extract~0.9–1.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Sphingomonas ferment extract
Sodium cocoyl isethionate~0.8–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Sodium cocoyl isethionate
Potassium cocoyl rice amino acids~0.5–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Potassium cocoyl rice amino acids
Cocamidopropyl betaine~1–1.5%
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
Sodium methyl oleoyl taurate~0.55–1.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium methyl oleoyl taurate
Lactic acid~0.15–0.65%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-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
Sodium cocoyl glutamate~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium cocoyl glutamate
Carbomer~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Citric acid~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Sodium benzoate~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Potassium sorbate~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Ingredient list view

Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Peg-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, Cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, Salicylic acid, Sphingomonas ferment extract, Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Potassium cocoyl rice amino acids, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Sodium methyl oleoyl taurate, Lactic acid, Sodium cocoyl glutamate, Carbomer, Citric acid, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate

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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
Transparent LabPHA Soft Peeling CleanserYOUR PRODUCTNiche Beauty labPHA Soft Peeling CleanserCeraVeAcne Control CleanserCOSRXThe AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel
Match—100%78%69%
Price——$12.79$12.24
Shared key ingredients—12 of 125 of 122 of 12
Key difference——NiacinamideGlycolic Acid
Irritancy Low Low Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 22 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acnencbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    The Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone Protects Against Ultraviolet Radiation in an In Vitro Model of Cutaneous Photoagingonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  4. 4
    Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivityncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative studydovepress.com
  6. 6
    A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimenncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Transparent Lab PHA Soft Peeling Cleanser
Transparent LabPHA Soft Peeling Cleanser
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