Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense Versus Hydropeptide Cleansing Gel
Updated on April 09, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 5 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, 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
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens and fragrances
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
Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense 23 ingredients
Hydropeptide Cleansing Gel 32 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense 23 ingredients
Hydropeptide Cleansing Gel 32 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Citric Acid
Buffering
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract
Astringent
Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Lavandula Angustifolia Herb Oil
Perfuming
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMentha Viridis Leaf Oil
Astringent
Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Mandelic Acid, Citric Acid, Isopentyldiol, Maltodextrin, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Disodium EDTA, Lavandula Angustifolia Herb Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Linalool, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningCoco-Betaine
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingLauramidopropyl Betaine
CleansingPropanediol
Solvent
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientLactic Acid
Buffering
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide
Skin Conditioning
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMenthyl Ethylamido Oxalate
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Citrus Limon Peel Extract
EmollientLimonene
Perfuming
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Geranium Maculatum Extract
TonicHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Pseudoalteromonas Exopolysaccharides
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Amaranth Protein
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Sebacic Acid
BufferingSodium Salicylate
Preservative
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Water, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Propanediol, Phenethyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Caprylyl Glycol, Lactic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Menthyl Ethylamido Oxalate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Limonene, Allantoin, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Pseudoalteromonas Exopolysaccharides, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Amaranth Protein, Citric Acid, Sebacic Acid, Sodium Salicylate, Sorbic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric 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 AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Lactic 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 AcidLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneWater. 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense 23 ingredients
Hydropeptide Cleansing Gel 32 ingredients
Reviews
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