Proactiv Post Acne Scar Gel Versus Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer
Updated on January 07, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain peptides and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain oils 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
Proactiv Post Acne Scar Gel 26 ingredients
Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer 23 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Proactiv Post Acne Scar Gel 26 ingredients
Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer 23 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBis-PEG-12 Dimethicone
Emollient
Glyceryl Oleate Citrate
Emulsifying
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Skin Protecting
Hippophae Rhamnoides Seed Oil
Skin Protecting
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingRosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Squalane
Emollient
Asiaticoside
Antioxidant
Madecassic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Asiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningDextran
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Water, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-PEG-12 Dimethicone, Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, Ethoxydiglycol, Butylene Glycol, Bakuchiol, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Squalane, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Dextran, Tripeptide-1
Salicylic Acid 1%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Polysilicone-11
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Squalane
Emollient
Lecithin
EmollientOligopeptide-10
Antimicrobial
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientCeteareth-20
Cleansing
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthoxydiglycol
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium EDTA
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Salicylic Acid 1%, Water, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Butylene Glycol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Squalane, Lecithin, Oligopeptide-10, Tocopheryl Acetate, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid Copolymer, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, O-Cymen-5-Ol
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 WaterDimethicone 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 DimethiconeThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideEthoxydiglycol is a synthetic solvent.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Ethoxydiglycol also helps deliver other key ingredients into the skin.
Learn more about EthoxydiglycolButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Sodium 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 HydroxideTocopheryl 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 AcetateDisodium 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 EDTASqualane 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 SqualaneIngredient Ratings
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