Acnemy Zitclean Purifying Cleansing Gel Versus Transparent Lab Blemish Control BHA Cleanser Ph 3.5
Updated on August 07, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Acnemy Zitclean Purifying Cleansing Gel 25 ingredients
Transparent Lab Blemish Control BHA Cleanser Ph 3.5 26 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Acnemy Zitclean Purifying Cleansing Gel 25 ingredients
Transparent Lab Blemish Control BHA Cleanser Ph 3.5 26 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingPotassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Sphingomonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
Masking
Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract
SmoothingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingMannitol
Humectant
Cholesterol
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Salicylic Acid, Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract, Ceramide NP, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Phosphatidylcholine, Mannitol, Cholesterol, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingCocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Proline
Skin ConditioningArginine
Masking
Serine
Masking
Alanine
MaskingThreonine
Glycine
Buffering
PCA
Humectant
Lysine Hcl
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate
Skin ConditioningSphingomonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningGlutamic Acid
Humectant
Potassium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids
EmollientBetaine
Humectant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Lactate
BufferingSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Proline, Arginine, Serine, Alanine, Threonine, Glycine, PCA, Lysine Hcl, Sodium PCA, Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Glutamic Acid, Potassium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids, Betaine, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinWe don't have a description for Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate yet.
This ingredient is derived from caprylic and capric acids. It is an emulsifier with emollient properties.
According to the manufacturer, it is hydrophilic and soluble in aqueous solutions (water). They also state this ingredient is stable in a medium pH range (~5 - 8).
As an emulsifier, it helps make oils and oil-soluble ingredients more soluble in water.
Learn more about PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric GlyceridesPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a gentle cleanser and surfactant. It is the sodium salt of the Cocoyl Glutamic Acid and comes from coconut oil. As a surfactant, it helps lift dirt and oil to be washed away.
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate also has an emolliating effect and can help leave the skin feeling soft.
We don't have a description for Sphingomonas Ferment Extract yet.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Acnemy Zitclean Purifying Cleansing Gel 25 ingredients
Transparent Lab Blemish Control BHA Cleanser Ph 3.5 26 ingredients
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