Differin Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Cleanser Versus FaceTheory Clarifying Cleanser C2
Updated on October 07, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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
Differin Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Cleanser 17 ingredients
FaceTheory Clarifying Cleanser C2 18 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Differin Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Cleanser 17 ingredients
FaceTheory Clarifying Cleanser C2 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid 4%
Buffering
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate
Emollient
Sodium Glycolate
BufferingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid 1%
Buffering
Sodium Lactate
BufferingSodium Salicylate
Preservative
Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Emulsion Stabilising
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil 0.97%
Masking
Water, Glycolic Acid 4%, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Salicylic Acid 2%, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Sodium Glycolate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Lactic Acid 1%, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Salicylate, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil 0.97%
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 WaterXanthan 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 GumGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Differin Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Cleanser 17 ingredients
FaceTheory Clarifying Cleanser C2 18 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Differin Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Cleanser 17 ingredients
TL;DR: Affordable and helpful with breakouts. Can be mildly drying, but not as drying as other "acne-safe" cleansers. Specifically formulated with retinoid use in mind.
Picked this up when I first started tret. I believe this DOES have AHA's in it (that you have to hunt for in the ingredients list—they're not called out), which can make it mildly drying and exfoliating, but I do find my cystic Show more
A good basic cleanser.
