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
What's inside
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
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.
Butylene 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 GlycolDisodium 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 EDTAGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with tons of research backing its benefits.
It is found naturally in sugar cane but the form used in skincare is usually synthetic for purity and stability.
Glycolic acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells to allow newer and fresher ones to emerge.
AHAs work by breaking down the structural “glue” that holds old skin cells in place. When that buildup is gone, your skin can renew itself more efficiently.
Research also shows glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, helping to firm and thicken the skin over time. This is one of its biggest advantages over other AHAs.
Overall, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid boosts skin hydration by helping it produce molecules that increase hyaluronic acid naturally.
To work best, glycolic acid products should have a pH between 3-4 (that’s where exfoliation is most effective but still gentle on skin).
The pH and concentration of a product are key to its effectiveness:
It is normal to feel a slight stinging sensation when using glycolic acid. This usually fades as your skin adjusts.
Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, it can penetrate deeper, which enhances its effectiveness but also makes it more likely to irritate sensitive skin.
If your skin is very sensitive or prone to rosacea, glycolic acid may be too strong; in that case, try milder options like lactic acid or a PHA instead.
Recent studies suggest glycolic acid might even help protect against UV damage. But don’t skip sunscreen! Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
Glycolic acid is a skincare superstar. It smooths, brightens, hydrates, and firms the skin. Unless you’re highly sensitive, it’s well worth adding to your routine.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic AcidPolysorbate 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 BenzoateWater. 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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Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Liquid Exfoliant With AHA + Panthenol 13 ingredients
Menscience Microfine Face Scrub 23 ingredients
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