The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
What it's good for
Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.
Goes into your pores and dissolves the oil and dead skin clogging them. Best for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily, acne-prone skin.
Good for: Anti-acne, Exfoliating
A gentler exfoliator that also hydrates as it works. Good entry point if you have sensitive skin and want to try acids.
Good for: Exfoliating, Hydrating
A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.
Good for: Hydrating
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database, one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
Goes into your pores and dissolves the oil and dead skin clogging them. Best for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily, acne-prone skin.
Liu Y et al., Clinical Efficacy of a Salicylic Acid-Containing Gel on Acne Management and Skin Barrier Function: A 21-Day Prospective Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70353 — salicylic acid gel reduced acne lesions, regulated sebum, improved hydration and barrier function
Ye R et al., 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel vs. adapalene gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blind, parallel-controlled trial, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2024;23(6):2125-2134 — 2% SSA hydrogel was equally effective as adapalene gel for mild-to-moderate acne
Brumley C et al. Allergic contact dermatitis to salicylic acid: A case series of relevant sensitization. Contact Dermatitis. 2024;91(2):133-138. doi:10.1111/cod.14573 — Case series of 489 patch-tested patients (2020-2024): 21 positive reactions to salicylic acid. Documents that ACD to SA is likely underreported; testing at 5% concentration feasible.
A gentler exfoliator that also hydrates as it works. Good entry point if you have sensitive skin and want to try acids.
Fanning N et al., Treatment of mild-to-moderate facial cutaneous aging using a combination peel containing 6% trichloroacetic acid and 12% lactic acid, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2023;22(11):3033-3041 — three monthly peels significantly improved clarity, pigmentation, fine lines, roughness in 32 subjects
Tang SC, Yang JH, Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin, Molecules 2018;23(4):863 — effect concentration-dependent
Babilas P et al., Cosmetic and dermatologic use of alpha hydroxy acids, JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft 2012 — supports AHAs including lactic acid for photoaging, pigmentation, and barrier effects
A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.
Danby SG et al., Different types of emollient cream exhibit diverse physiological effects on the skin barrier in adults with atopic dermatitis, Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 2022;47(6):1154-1164 — glycerol+urea emollient delivered superior barrier-strengthening and irritant protection
Youssef R et al., Glycerol 85% efficacy on atopic skin and its microbiome: a randomized controlled trial, Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2021;32(7):730-736 — topical glycerol 85% RCT on atopic skin
Evans NJ et al., Human axillary skin condition is improved following incorporation of glycerol into the stratum corneum from an antiperspirant formulation, Archives of Dermatological Research 2017;309(9):739-748 — 4% glycerol penetrated axillary SC, reduced irritation, improved hydration
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.
Full ingredient list
Everything on the package label, not just the tracked actives above.
- Contains fragrance: Fragrance (Parfum), Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, LinaloolWorth knowing if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
+−Show all 42 ingredients
Listed in the order printed on the package. By regulation, ingredients at 1% or higher are listed in descending order by concentration, so the first entry is the largest part of the formula.
- Aqua/Water/Eau
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
- Lauryl Glucoside
- Glycerin
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
- Bifida Ferment Lysate
- Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
- Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
- Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
- Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
- Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Root Extract
- Camelina Sativa Seed Oil
- Lactose
- Lactis Proteinum/Milk Protein/Protéine Du Lait
- Yogurt Powder
- Olus Oil/Vegetable Oil/Huile Végétale
- Tocopheryl Acetate
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
- Panthenol
- Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
- Polyquaternium-10
- Butylene Glycol
- Glycereth-7 Caprylate/Caprate
- Inulin
- Pentylene Glycol
- Caprylyl Glycol
- Bulnesia Sarmientoi Wood Oil
- Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Oil
- Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil
- Juniperus Mexicana Oil
- Cananga Odorata Flower Oil
- Citric Acid
- Sorbic Acid
- Ethylhexylglycerin
- Disteareth-75 Ipdi
- Fragrance (Parfum)
- Phenethyl Alcohol
- Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
- Butylphenyl Methylpropional
- Linalool
- Phenoxyethanol
Layering conflicts
Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.
- Retinolhigh
Retinol + salicylic acid can over-exfoliate and damage the barrier. Alternate nights.
- Tretinoinhigh
Tretinoin + salicylic acid — major irritation risk. Strict separation required.
- Glycolic Acidmedium
AHA + BHA stacking risks over-exfoliation. Use a pre-formulated AHA/BHA product or alternate days.
Similar comparisons
Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.