Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Proofing Purifying Toner Versus Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3
Updated on July 20, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe toners. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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 Visibly Clear Spot Proofing Purifying Toner 17 ingredients
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 17 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 Visibly Clear Spot Proofing Purifying Toner 17 ingredients
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 17 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
C12-15 Alkyl Lactate
EmollientLactic Acid
Buffering
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Benzalkonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, Salicylic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Citric Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Benzalkonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Trehalose
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Benzophenone-4
UV Absorber
CI 60730
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15510
Cosmetic ColorantIngredients 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 GlycolCitric 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 AcidDisodium 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 EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
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 this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
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 WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Proofing Purifying Toner 17 ingredients
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 17 ingredients
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Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Proofing Purifying Toner 17 ingredients
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