Plants are Purple Clear Up Versus Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel - US
Updated on October 14, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne
Free From
They both do not contain any 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
Plants are Purple Clear Up 17 ingredients
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel 9 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Plants are Purple Clear Up 17 ingredients
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel 9 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhytic Acid
Citric Acid
Buffering
Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
Abrasive
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Water, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Panthenol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Levulinate, Lactic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Phytic Acid, Citric Acid, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidSodium 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 HydroxideWater. 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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When to use
Plants are Purple Clear Up 17 ingredients
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel 9 ingredients
Reviews
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