Pixi Beauty Clarity Cleanser Versus Murad Essential-C Cleanser
Updated on August 20, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin C and Vitamin E
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, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
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
Pixi Beauty Clarity Cleanser 41 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Cleanser 35 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
Pixi Beauty Clarity Cleanser 41 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Cleanser 35 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate Filtrate
Skin ConditioningBromelain
Skin ConditioningPapain
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract
RefreshingCoriandrum Sativum Fruit/Leaf Extract
AntiseborrhoeicRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialStyrax Tonkinensis Resin Extract
Perfuming
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract
AntiseborrhoeicSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Bentonite
Absorbent
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMaltodextrin
Absorbent
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantCocamidopropyl Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Panthenol, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Bromelain, Papain, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract, Coriandrum Sativum Fruit/Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Styrax Tonkinensis Resin Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Chloride, Bentonite, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77499, CI 77007
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Chitosan
Rice Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningZinc Aspartate
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Lactose
HumectantCellulose
AbsorbentHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPropyl Gallate
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Orange Roughy Oil
Skin Conditioning
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Masking
Ferula Galbaniflua Resin Oil
Antimicrobial
Parfum
Masking
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Polysorbate 20, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Phospholipids, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Chitosan, Rice Amino Acids, Zinc Aspartate, Allantoin, Sodium PCA, Lactose, Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Propyl Gallate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Limonene, Linalool, Orange Roughy Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Ferula Galbaniflua Resin Oil, Parfum, CI 77492
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
This ingredient is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetainePolysorbate 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 20Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetatePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolAscorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidPhenoxyethanol 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
Pixi Beauty Clarity Cleanser 41 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Cleanser 35 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Pixi Beauty Clarity Cleanser 41 ingredients
I won't give it the full five stars because it's not the very best cleanser I've ever tried for oily & acne-prone skin, but it is indeed a very good product that does the job. It has Salicylic Acid that helps with controlling impurities, and a lot of plant extracts that make it really soothing and that also will make it smell amazing (but beware if you're sensitive skin, because it has in fact Show more
Murad Essential-C Cleanser 35 ingredients
This product thoroughly cleansed my skin, but it left me feeling very dry. It was to the point that I had to immediately put on the rest of my skincare routine right after use or else I’d feel like a vacuum-sealed raisin.
