Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash Versus Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Clay Cleanser + Mask
Updated on March 19, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both face cleansers. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
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
Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash 29 ingredients
Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Clay Cleanser + Mask 19 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash 29 ingredients
Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Clay Cleanser + Mask 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Distearyl Phthalic Acid Amide
EmollientParaffin
Perfuming
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Coconut Acid
Cleansing
Menthol
Masking
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Isopropyl Alcohol
Solvent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Sulfite
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Chromium Hydroxide Green
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Distearyl Phthalic Acid Amide, Paraffin, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Jojoba Esters, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Coconut Acid, Menthol, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Sulfite, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Chromium Hydroxide Green
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Kaolin
Abrasive
Bentonite
AbsorbentSodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing
Trideceth-9
EmulsifyingPEG-5 Ethylhexanoate
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Menthyl Lactate
MaskingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingParfum
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
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 WaterThis gentle cleansing and foaming ingredient is known for leaving a smooth feeling in skin and hair. It is made using coconut oil.
According to the manufacturer, it is soluble in water and has resistance to hard water, acid, and alkali.
Due to its coconut base, it may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Sodium Methyl Cocoyl TaurateCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCitric 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 EDTASodium 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 HydroxideParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash 29 ingredients
Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Clay Cleanser + Mask 19 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash 29 ingredients
They need to un-discontinue this product — it’s been my holy grail for calm, clear skin for years!
