Versus

Curology Acne Cleanser Versus Vichy Normaderm Phytoaction Cleansing Gel

Face Cleanser
Face Cleanser
American Brand United States
French Brand France

Updated on September 03, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin and brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Buffering

Sodium 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 Hydroxide
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol 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.

When to use

108 Routines
47% use in am
53% use in pm
94% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
178 Routines
44% use in am
56% use in pm
94% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Curology Acne Cleanser 14 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Light (1)
sarahmeadows's avatar

Sarah Meadows

5 months ago
Review

I’ve only used it for about a week and my breaks out have cleared up so much, has smoothed out my texture, and it’s gotten rid of most of my closed comedones.

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent

Vichy Normaderm Phytoaction Cleansing Gel 17 ingredients

4.8 /5
from 5 ratings
Light (2) Light Scent (2) Works Well (2)
AllyF.'s avatar

AllyF.

1 year ago
Review

I've tried a numerous amount of cleansers for my acne prone skin, but I always come back to this one! If you have acne prone skin that reacts well to salicylic acid - you should definitely give Vichy a try!

#great value
#light scent
#works well
Ali2412's avatar

Ali2412

2 years ago
Review

Amazing
I love this product. Make skin feel fresh after using this cleanser. I apply it with bit of water and massage into my skin . I wait a minute to wash it of..it keeps my acne away.