Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion Clearing Acne Cleanser Versus Proactiv Renewing Cleanser
Updated on July 16, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both face cleansers. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain benzoyl peroxide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne and dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or oils
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 Complexion Clearing Acne Cleanser 15 ingredients
Proactiv Renewing Cleanser 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
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion Clearing Acne Cleanser 15 ingredients
Proactiv Renewing Cleanser 26 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%
Water
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Sorbitol
Humectant
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventDisodium PEG-12 Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate
CleansingTridecyl Stearate
Emollient
Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientParaffin
Perfuming
Cetyl Esters
Emollient
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Tridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientTrisodium Sulfosuccinate
BufferingPEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Sulfate
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium PCA
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Preservative
Methylparaben
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%, Water, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Disodium PEG-12 Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate, Tridecyl Stearate, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Paraffin, Cetyl Esters, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Trisodium Sulfosuccinate, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Propylene Glycol, Sodium PCA, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzoyl Peroxide is famous for fighting acne. This is because it does a variety of tasks on the skin: it helps reduce excess oil, kill bacteria, and clear out dead skin cells. In other words, it is effective at unclogging pores.
These properties make it great at fighting different types of acne, including cystic and inflammatory types of acne.
When targeting the bacteria in your pores, Benzoyl Peroxide has been shown to kill the bacteria without causing sensitivity. It also helps keep your skin's natural bacteria and biome balanced. Having a healthy biome protects your skin from external harmful factors.
Once Benzoyl Peroxide is absorbed into the skin, our bodies turn it into benzoic acid and quickly exits in urine.
When using Benzoyl Peroxide, it may be irritating for some people due to a variety of reasons, such as a broken skin barrier or just an allergic reaction. We recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient if you have concerns.
Learn more about Benzoyl PeroxideWater. 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 WaterMagnesium Aluminum Silicate is a type of silica. It comes from naturally occuring minerals such as silicate ores and clay.
Magnesium aluminum silicate is used for enhancing texture and as an absorbent. Due to its large molecular size, it is unable to be absorbed into the skin.
Like other types of silica, this ingredient can be used to thicken a product. As an absorbent, it may be used to absorb extra water or help prevent clumping.
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 Magnesium Aluminum SilicatePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion Clearing Acne Cleanser 15 ingredients
Proactiv Renewing Cleanser 26 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion Clearing Acne Cleanser 15 ingredients
I have sensitive skin and dry skin and this has resulted in very nasty big pimples to appear on my cheeks. I could see it working for some as it is labeled for sensitive skin but has so far left my skin feeling more dry with the added pimples. There is also this weird consistency with the cleanser that almost feels like its scratching my face.
