The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Versus Neutrogena Clear & Defend 0.5 % Salicylic Acid Moisturiser - Sweden
Updated on March 04, 2025
Overview
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any oils 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
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Neutrogena Clear & Defend 0.5 % Salicylic Acid Moisturiser 34 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
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Neutrogena Clear & Defend 0.5 % Salicylic Acid Moisturiser 34 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Lactate
EmollientDicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Chamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Menthyl Lactate
MaskingCetyl Lactate
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Propylene Glycol Isostearate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Isostearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingPalmitic Acid
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Chloride
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Benzalkonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylparaben
Preservative
Methylparaben
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Salicylic Acid, Menthyl Lactate, Cetyl Lactate, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol Isostearate, Sodium Isostearoyl Lactylate, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Benzalkonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Parfum, Benzyl Alcohol
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 WaterPhenoxyethanol 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
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Neutrogena Clear & Defend 0.5 % Salicylic Acid Moisturiser 34 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 11 ingredients
Gotta give credit where credit is due
WOW… lot of people ganging up on this incredibly affordable/popular serum. I understand the criticisms, but personally I don’t believe the intensity is warranted. For so many people this was the start of their skincare journey; it certainly was mine! And because I had never used ingredients like niacinamide or zinc on my face before, of course I noticed an Show more
I've repurchased this so many times and tried different niacinamide serums but this one is my fav. It improves my hormonal acne so much and controls sebum production. Also, when I had the worst fungal acne flare-up ever, this and the lactic acid 5% SAVED ME. It burned a lot but now I don't have any bumps whatsoever. It won't work immediately so consistency is key. (I have combo-oily skin)
Neutrogena Clear & Defend 0.5 % Salicylic Acid Moisturiser 34 ingredients
I’ve used this for years. I’m not sure why but over my years my skin has grown to be more sensitive, oily and fungal acne prone. When I wear this before I sleep I wake up with my face COATED in oil literally shinning. Not great at all for oily skin
