Clearstem Skincare Sulfur Spot & Mask Versus Proactiv Skin Purifying Mask
Updated on November 21, 2024
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, oily skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or silicones
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and 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
Clearstem Skincare Sulfur Spot & Mask 30 ingredients
Proactiv Skin Purifying Mask 26 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Clearstem Skincare Sulfur Spot & Mask 30 ingredients
Proactiv Skin Purifying Mask 26 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Sulfur 5%
Antiseborrhoeic
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Glycerin
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingBentonite
AbsorbentCetearyl Olivate
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
Antioxidant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientTriethyl Citrate
Masking
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentSodium PCA
HumectantCitric Acid
Buffering
Sulfur 5%, Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Sodium Hydroxide, Acacia Senegal Gum, Bentonite, Cetearyl Olivate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sorbitan Olivate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Zinc Oxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Triethyl Citrate, Maltodextrin, Sodium PCA, Citric Acid
Sulfur 6%
Antiseborrhoeic
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Glycereth-26
HumectantLinoleic Acid
Cleansing
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentSynthetic Wax
Abrasive
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CleansingLinolenic Acid
Cleansing
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract
Skin ConditioningGeranium Maculatum Extract
TonicHydrated Silica
Abrasive
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantTetrasodium EDTA
Sodium Sulfate
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Chromium Hydroxide Green
Sulfur 6%, Water, Kaolin, Glycereth-26, Linoleic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Synthetic Wax, Ceteareth-20, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Linolenic Acid, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Extract, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Hydrated Silica, Ethoxydiglycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Sulfate, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Chromium Hydroxide Green
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Sulfur is a commonly occurring element on Earth (and our universe!). In cosmetics, it helps kill bacteria, reduces sebum, and provides exfoliation. This makes it an effective ingredient to reduce breakouts and fight acne.
As a ketayolytic agent, it breaks down the top layer of skin. This is a form of exfoliation and may help decrease acne and hyperpigmentation.
Studies show sulfur has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Sulfur can be drying if used excessively or at higher concentrations. We recommend speaking with a medical professional if you have any concerns.
Ancient Greece, India, China, and Egypt have used sulfur in both traditional medicines and for household use.
Learn more about SulfurWater. 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 WaterKaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinCetearyl 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 AlcoholZinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.
Today, traditional and nano-sized zinc oxide can be found in beauty products. Nano-sized zinc oxide can enhance a product's UV protection. While it is not believed to have a negative effect on skin, nano-zinc oxide may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.
Zinc Oxide also has antibacterial and calming properties. It is not water soluble.
Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.
Learn more about Zinc OxideTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Clearstem Skincare Sulfur Spot & Mask 30 ingredients
Proactiv Skin Purifying Mask 26 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Clearstem Skincare Sulfur Spot & Mask 30 ingredients
Works for acne I think but smells like rotten eggs because of the sulfur and pills
