Clearstem Skincare Gentleclean Vitamin Infused Calming Wash Versus PCA Skin Facial Wash
Updated on August 15, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, 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
Clearstem Skincare Gentleclean Vitamin Infused Calming Wash 29 ingredients
PCA Skin Facial Wash 19 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Clearstem Skincare Gentleclean Vitamin Infused Calming Wash 29 ingredients
PCA Skin Facial Wash 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate
CleansingSorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
Cleansing
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
CleansingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Lauryl Glucoside
CleansingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientEmblica Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrastis Canadensis Extract
MaskingHippophae Rhamnoides Seed Oil
Skin Protecting
Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Paradisi Seed Extract
Masking
Capsaicin
MaskingHesperidin
EmollientCitrus Reticulata Peel Oil
Masking
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Jasminum Officinale Extract
Masking
Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sclerotium Gum, Polysorbate 20, Lauryl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Allantoin, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Emblica Officinalis Fruit Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Seed Oil, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi Seed Extract, Capsaicin, Hesperidin, Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil, Ascorbic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Jasminum Officinale Extract, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingSodium Chloride
Masking
Propanediol
SolventSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Salix Nigra Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingAmorphophallus Konjac Root Powder
Abrasive
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lactic Acid, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Sodium Chloride, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterCocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetaineAllantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinLactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.
Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.
Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidIngredient Ratings
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