Nivea Derma Skin Clear Chemical Exfoliator Versus Dermaquest Advanced Dermaclear Serum
Updated on November 01, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, BHA and niacinamide
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 common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and 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
Nivea Derma Skin Clear Chemical Exfoliator 21 ingredients
Dermaquest Advanced Dermaclear Serum 86 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Nivea Derma Skin Clear Chemical Exfoliator 21 ingredients
Dermaquest Advanced Dermaclear Serum 86 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Tapioca Starch
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingGluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
PEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
PEG-150 Distearate
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPantolactone
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTrisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Water, Glycolic Acid, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Tapioca Starch, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Gluconolactone, PEG-40 Stearate, PEG-150 Distearate, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Pantolactone, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningSd Alcohol 40-B
Astringent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Hexyl Laurate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Cetearyl Olivate
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientNiacinamide
Smoothing
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Dicetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCeteth-10 Phosphate
CleansingStearic Acid
Cleansing
PEG-100 Stearate
Sea Water
HumectantAminosuberic Acid
EmollientSebacic Acid
BufferingUndecanoic Acid
Antiseborrhoeic
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
Isopentyldiol
HumectantLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantTrifolium Pratense Flower Extract
Astringent
Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract
AstringentButyrospermum Parkii Nut Extract
EmollientMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Retinyl Linoleate
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Ethyl Linoleate
Emollient
Hexylresorcinol
AntimicrobialYeast Polysaccharides
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Hedera Helix Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientSambucus Nigra Flower Extract
RefreshingArnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Parietaria Officinalis Extract
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMalva Sylvestris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPrimula Veris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAlchemilla Vulgaris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
AstringentVeronica Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
AstringentMelissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAchillea Millefolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMitracarpus Scaber Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-60 Almond Glycerides
Emulsifying
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid
Antioxidant
Oleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningGlycine
Buffering
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wheat Starch
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentSyringa Vulgaris Leaf Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentAmmonium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Limonene
Perfuming
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Water, Sd Alcohol 40-B, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Azelaic Acid, Hexyl Laurate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Squalane, Lactic Acid, Sorbitan Olivate, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Niacinamide, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Stearic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Sea Water, Aminosuberic Acid, Sebacic Acid, Undecanoic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Isopentyldiol, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Nut Extract, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Retinyl Linoleate, Dimethicone, Ethyl Linoleate, Hexylresorcinol, Yeast Polysaccharides, Propylene Glycol, Hedera Helix Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Parietaria Officinalis Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Malva Sylvestris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Primula Veris Flower Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Veronica Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Mitracarpus Scaber Extract, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Oleanolic Acid, Glycine, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Maltodextrin, Syringa Vulgaris Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Xanthan Gum, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Limonene, Salicylic Acid
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 AcidDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeGlycerin 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 GlycerinCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
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 a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Nivea Derma Skin Clear Chemical Exfoliator 21 ingredients
Dermaquest Advanced Dermaclear Serum 86 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Nivea Derma Skin Clear Chemical Exfoliator 21 ingredients
This product is okay, but not exceptional. It should be applied to clean skin before moisturizing.
On the positive side, it has a lightweight texture and provides an instant softening effect. It also helps minimize the appearance of pores—*if* they’re already clean and unclogged.
However, after using it for about three weeks, I noticed increased oiliness, a few irritation spots, and some Show more
Effective and affordable product. Great for oily skin.
I use thin layer once or twice a week on my acne prone areas or more often if i have active acne. It’s light, absorbs quickly and has strong smell.
I don’t think it would work on a big/cystic acne but it works on small breakouts and it keeps oily skin in check.
