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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Perrigo Hydroquinone 4% Cream versus Dr Sam’s Flawless Neutralising Gel .

Published on June 18, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both facial treatments. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Facial Treatment American Brand United States
Facial Treatment Irish Brand Ireland

Facial Treatment

Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.

Facial Treatment

Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.

Price

Shop

Buy Hydroquinone 4% Cream

Shop

Buy Flawless Neutralising Gel

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Benefits

Hydrating
Dark Spots

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Rosacea
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

BHA

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.

Glyceryl Stearate 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. The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.

Learn more about Glyceryl Stearate

Perrigo Hydroquinone 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 2.

Dr Sam’s Flawless Neutralising Gel contains this as ingredient number 7.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.

This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.

Those with sensitive skin or conditions may deliver a rash when using this ingredient.

Learn more about Propylene Glycol

Perrigo Hydroquinone 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 5.

Dr Sam’s Flawless Neutralising Gel contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Perrigo Hydroquinone 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 7.

Dr Sam’s Flawless Neutralising Gel contains this as ingredient number 1.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Learn more about Squalane

Perrigo Hydroquinone 4% Cream contains this as ingredient number 9.

Dr Sam’s Flawless Neutralising Gel contains this as ingredient number 5.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

18% are loved or liked
18% have mixed ratings
45% are disliked or very disliked
18% have no rating yet
55% are loved or liked
9% have mixed ratings
36% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 5 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Perrigo Hydroquinone 4% Cream.

See 5 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 28 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Dr Sam’s Flawless Neutralising Gel.

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