Cetaphil Gentle Clear Acne Mattifying Moisturizer Versus Neutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit Acne Face Moisturizer
Updated on May 15, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 8 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, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
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
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Acne Mattifying Moisturizer 37 ingredients
Neutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit Acne Face Moisturizer 22 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
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Acne Mattifying Moisturizer 37 ingredients
Neutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit Acne Face Moisturizer 22 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Glycerin
Humectant
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingSqualane
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientZinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialMorus Alba Root Extract
BleachingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingBisabolol
Masking
Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters
Skin Conditioning
PPG-5-Laureth-5
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingKojic Acid
Antioxidant
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingSophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Polyquaternium-11
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid 0.5%, Water, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Sodium Polyacrylate, Glycerin, Ceteareth-20, Polysorbate 60, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate, Phenoxyethanol, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Zinc Gluconate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Morus Alba Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Bisabolol, Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, PPG-5-Laureth-5, Sodium Hydroxide, Kojic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-11, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Methyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Ceteth-10 Phosphate
CleansingDicetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSteareth-20
CleansingSteareth-2
EmulsifyingNeopentyl Glycol Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentBHT
Antioxidant
Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract
Astringent
Salicylic Acid 0.5%, Water, Dicaprylyl Ether, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Dimethicone, Methyl Gluceth-20, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Steareth-20, Steareth-2, Neopentyl Glycol Diisostearate, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, BHT, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate is a synthetic powder used as an absorbent, thickener, and anti-caking agent.
As an absorbent, it is great at mattifying skin by soaking up the oil. This is why you'll find it in a range of products from makeup to moisturizers.
This ingredient is considered a modified starch. Starch can also be found naturally in plants.
One study from 1991 found that 5% of this ingredient enhanced titanium dioxide SPF by as much as 40%. The study found 1% titanium dioxide had a 5.6 SPF and adding 5% of aluminum starch octenylsuccinate boosted it to an SPF of 8.1
Although “aluminum” in an ingredient name can raise red flags for some consumers, the form and usage context matter significantly. For typical topical applications, there is no substantial evidence of health risks - such as cancer, neurotoxicity, or systemic “aluminum overload.”
Learn more about Aluminum Starch OctenylsuccinateCetearyl 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 AlcoholDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisodium 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 EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinSalicylic 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 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 HydroxideWater. 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
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Acne Mattifying Moisturizer 37 ingredients
Neutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit Acne Face Moisturizer 22 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Acne Mattifying Moisturizer 37 ingredients
Be the first to review Gentle Clear Acne Mattifying Moisturizer
Write the first reviewNeutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit Acne Face Moisturizer 22 ingredients
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