I Dew Care Clean Zit Away Salicylic Acid Acne Foaming Cleanser Versus Meditherapy A Clearing Active BHA Gel Cleanser
Updated on July 30, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA and hyaluronic acid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
I Dew Care Clean Zit Away Salicylic Acid Acne Foaming Cleanser 26 ingredients
Meditherapy A Clearing Active BHA Gel Cleanser 33 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
I Dew Care Clean Zit Away Salicylic Acid Acne Foaming Cleanser 26 ingredients
Meditherapy A Clearing Active BHA Gel Cleanser 33 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 1.5%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingMethylpropanediol
SolventLauryl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingSodium Chloride
Masking
Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate
Coco-Betaine
CleansingTromethamine
BufferingAcrylates Copolymer
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingEclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingMelaleuca Cajaputi Extract
Tonic
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Propanediol
SolventCitrus Unshiu Peel Extract
MaskingSalicylic Acid 1.5%, Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Methylpropanediol, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Coco-Betaine, Tromethamine, Acrylates Copolymer, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Citric Acid, Hexylene Glycol, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Fructooligosaccharides, Butylene Glycol, Beta-Glucan, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Melaleuca Cajaputi Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Propanediol, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate
Coco-Betaine
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Propanediol
SolventTromethamine
BufferingPotassium Benzoate
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid 0.4%
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
Masking
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Bambusa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Coco-Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Propanediol, Tromethamine, Potassium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salicylic Acid 0.4%, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Coco-Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycolic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Madecassoside
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidWater. 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 WaterGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideThis ingredient is a surfactant and foam producer.
Coco-Betaine is the natural version of Cocamidopropyl Betaine. It is often derived from coconuts.
Coco-Betaine is a surfactant, meaning it helps remove dirt and oil from the skin.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineAcrylates Copolymer is used as a film-forming agent and texture enhancer.
After applied, Acrylates Copolymer forms a thin film cover that helps skin feel more soft. It can help sunscreens become more water-resistant.
It is also used to make a product more thick.
Learn more about Acrylates CopolymerRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil is oil expressed from the leaves of the rosemary plant.
Rosemary Leaf Oil is a fragrance and helps give your product a scent. If you are sensitive to irritating fragrances, this one contains camphor. Camphor has been found to irritate skin.
This oil also contains antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. As an antioxidant, it may protect you skin against damage. This can help slow down the signs of aging.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf OilCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric Acid1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.
Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.
One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.
Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolIngredient Ratings
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When to use
I Dew Care Clean Zit Away Salicylic Acid Acne Foaming Cleanser 26 ingredients
Meditherapy A Clearing Active BHA Gel Cleanser 33 ingredients
