Versus

Neutrogena Clear & Defend 2 % Salicylic Acid Face Wash - Sweden Versus Q + A Niacinamide Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

Face Cleanser
Face Cleanser
American Brand United States
British Brand United Kingdom

Updated on December 27, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common

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, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain 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

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

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.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin 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 Glycerin
Buffering, Masking

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 Acid

When to use

44 Routines
48% use in am
52% use in pm
93% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
28 Routines
46% use in am
54% use in pm
100% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Neutrogena Clear & Defend 2 % Salicylic Acid Face Wash 17 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Light Scent (2) Works Well (2) Drying (1)
a28100102's avatar

a

6 months ago
Review

Works okay and leaves my skin feeling smooth after use, but it is not a daily cleanser. Maybe like every second day at best. It’s far too drying to use daily let alone twice a day…

#great value
#drying
#light scent
#works well

Q + A Niacinamide Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser 16 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Great Value (1) Works Well (1)
ClowderQueen_607's avatar

ClowderQueen_607

8 months ago
Review

I wish this didn't have physical exfoliants

nevali's avatar

Nevali

23 days ago
Review

My combination skin loves this cleanser sm
I also wish it didn’t exfoliate but it is nice if you skip cleansing in the morning for me atleast :) also one of the cleansers that doesn’t break me out

#great value
#works well