Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Liquid Exfoliant With AHA + Panthenol - UK Versus Menscience Microfine Face Scrub
Updated on August 20, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 6 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, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or silicones
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
Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Liquid Exfoliant With AHA + Panthenol 13 ingredients
Menscience Microfine Face Scrub 23 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
Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Liquid Exfoliant With AHA + Panthenol 13 ingredients
Menscience Microfine Face Scrub 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emollient
Polyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Cleansing
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
CleansingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Triethanolamine
BufferingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Diatomaceous Earth
Abrasive
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Ammonium Alum
AstringentDecyl Glucoside
CleansingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Sprout
HumectantAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
PEG-40 Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingGlyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Glycolic Acid, Triethanolamine, Polysorbate 20, Diatomaceous Earth, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Ammonium Alum, Decyl Glucoside, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Sprout, Allantoin, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA
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 WaterGlycolic 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 AcidButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolPolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Liquid Exfoliant With AHA + Panthenol 13 ingredients
Menscience Microfine Face Scrub 23 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Liquid Exfoliant With AHA + Panthenol 13 ingredients
(for context i have very dry sensitive-ish acne prone skin) way to rough for my skin literally burned off my face. my rosacea is triggered again. if i had the time to sue i would.
