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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid versus Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 .

Last updated on September 14, 2023. Published on March 31, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both general moisturizers. They have a total of 19 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any oils, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

General Moisturizer American Brand United States
General Moisturizer American Brand United States

General Moisturizer

All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.

General Moisturizer

All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.

Price

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Buy Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid

Starts at $16.77
Shop

Buy Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
15

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

BHA

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Reduces Large Pores
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
Mineral UV Filter
Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating
Reduces Irritation
Brightening

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (5)
Eczema (6)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Salicylic Acid 0.5% • Water • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Dimethicone • Methyl Gluceth-20 • Ppg-10 Cetyl Ether • Bis-Phenylpropyl Dimethicone • Arachidyl Alcohol • Behenyl Alcohol • Glycine Soja Seed Extract • Glycerin • Isoceteth-20 • Polyacrylamide • Cetearyl Glucoside • Arachidyl Glucoside • C13-14 Isoparaffin • Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer • Parfum • Laureth-7 • Disodium EDTA • BHT • Sodium Hydroxide • Citric Acid

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 2.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 5.

2
What it does: Antimicrobial, Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.

As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.

This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.

Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 3.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 6.

3
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 4.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 7.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 5.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 8.

5
What it does: Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

We don't have a description for Arachidyl Alcohol.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 9.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 12.

6
What it does: Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Disliked

A type of fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as traditional alcohols.

Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.

Behenyl Alcohol is usually derived from the fats in vegetable oils.

In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.

Learn more about Behenyl Alcohol

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 10.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 18.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Glycine Soja Seed Extract comes from the seed of the wild soybean plant. Wild soybean extract contains fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, linolenic), vitamin E, and antioxidants.

The wild soybean contains soyasaponins, a bioactive compound. Soyasaponins have inflammatory, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial properties. Soyasaponin has also been found to inhibit the melanin-creation process.

Two powerful components found in the wild soybean include genistein and diadzein. These two isoflavones are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Genistein in particular has been found to prevent redness caused by UV exposure.

One study from South Korea found wild soybean extract to help promote hair growth at the cellular level.

The wild soybean plant is a cousin to the famous soybean that gives us tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce.

Learn more about Glycine Soja Seed Extract

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 11.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 9.

8
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin 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 Glycerin

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 12.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 11.

9
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer. It is used to stabilize products and bind ingredients. When hydrated, Polyacrylamide forms a soft gel.

Polyacrylamide is low-toxicity. If source properly, it is deemed safe to use in cosmetics.

It should be noted the precursor to Polyacrylamide is acrylamide. Acrylamide is a carcinogen. Most reputable sources of Polyacrylamide will screen for residual acrylamide to make sure the count is in a safe range. Acrylamide is not able to be absorbed through the skin.

We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.

Learn more about Polyacrylamide

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 14.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 23.

10
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

Cetearyl Glucoside is a surfactant and emulsifier. It can be produced from synthetic of natural sources of cetearyl alcohol and glucose.

Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters. It can also be used to enhance the texture of products.

As a surfactant, Cetearyl Glucoside helps during the cleansing process. By gathering all the dirt and oils, it allows these molecules to be washed away easily.

Learn more about Cetearyl Glucoside

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 15.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 13.

11
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

We don't have a description for Arachidyl Glucoside.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 16.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 24.

12
What it does: Emollient, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

C13-14 Isoparaffin is created from petroleum-based mineral oils. It is an emollient and helps thicken a product.

As an emollient, it helps keep the skin soft and smooth by creating a barrier on top. This barrier traps moisture in, keeping the skin hydrated.

C13-14 Isoparaffin may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about C13-14 Isoparaffin

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 17.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 26.

13
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising

We don't have a description for Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 18.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 17.

14
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 19.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 20.

15
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Laureth-7 is created by the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol using ethylene oxide. Lauryl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with hydrating properties.

Laureth-7 is an emulsifier and cleansing ingredient. As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps cleanse the skin by gathering dirt, oil, and pollutants to be rinsed away.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 20.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 27.

16
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 21.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 25.

17
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

BHT also helps stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Many products are sensitive to air and light. BHT prevents them from breaking down when exposed.

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 22.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 31.

18
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 23.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 32.

19
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

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.

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 look more even.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer Salicylic Acid contains this as ingredient number 24.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 contains this as ingredient number 33.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

17% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
63% are disliked or very disliked
13% have no rating yet
9% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
74% are disliked or very disliked
9% have no rating yet

Usage

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