Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser Versus Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser
Updated on October 24, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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
Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser 17 ingredients
Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser 15 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
Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser 17 ingredients
Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser 15 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Disodium EDTA
Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate
CleansingParfum
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Glycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingPEG-16 Soy Sterol
Emulsifying
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Sorbitol
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid 0.5%, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate, Parfum, Glycerin, Glycine Soja Protein, PEG-16 Soy Sterol, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sorbitol, Water, Xanthan Gum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 AcidDisodium 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 EDTAThis 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 GlyceridesPolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Water. 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
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser 17 ingredients
Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser 15 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser 17 ingredients
I've used this cleanser for a little while. Much gentler than other salicylic acid cleansers I've used. I knocked off a point because some people may be allergic to fragrance.
