Dermalogica Active Clay Cleanser Review

Dermalogica Active Clay Cleanser
Ingredients

Dermalogica Active Clay Cleanser Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Kaolin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, PEG-100 Stearate, Propanediol, Coconut Acid, Butylene Glycol, Charcoal Powder, Sodium Astrocaryum Murumuruate, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Bioflavonoids, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Isethionate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Myristic Acid, Quartz, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, o-Cymen-5-ol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Pentylene Glycol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Caprylyl Glycol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Citral, Limonene, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Review

Does Dermalogica Active Clay Cleanser Work?

 
Dermalogica Active Clay Cleanser is a type of skincare product designed to be rinsed off, peeled off, or otherwise removed from the skin. Research confirming the moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, and soothing effects of such products is very limited. Therefore, we do not provide efficacy ratings for these types of skincare products.
 
However, you can explore the roles of specific ingredients in the Ingredient Breakdown section below.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.15
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Kaolin
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Coconut Acid
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Charcoal Powder
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Astrocaryum Murumuruate
Function:
Origin:
Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bioflavonoids
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Palmitic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Isethionate
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Myristic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Quartz
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
o-Cymen-5-ol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateA coconut-derived surfactant that features gentle cleansing capabilities. This mild cleansing agent is commonly used in skin cleansing products and is especially useful in solid bar cleansers, like syndet bars.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed OilA fatty oil pressed from safflower seeds that is used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It contains unusually high amounts of linoleic acid (up to 70%), as well as antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E, phytosterols, and phenolics.
Kaolin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
KaolinA type of mineral clay milled into a white, very fine powder. It is able to absorb sweat and oil, which then helps to keep the skin matte. The larger particles of kaolin are used in skin scrubs as an abrasive ingredient.
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Stearate SEAn emulsifier, where the SE stands for self-emulsifying. Emulsions containing glyceryl stearate SE often impart a smooth, velvety feel upon the skin.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Propanediol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Coconut Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coconut AcidAn emollient and cleansing mixture of fatty acids obtained from coconut oil that contains lauric, myristic, and palmitic acids.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Charcoal Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Charcoal PowderA naturally occurring ingredient that is used as a colorant due to its rich black color. It can also be used as an abrasive to exfoliate the top layer of dead cells off the surface of the skin, as well as as an absorbent.
Sodium Astrocaryum Murumuruate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Astrocaryum Murumuruate
Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) ExtractAn extract obtained from broccoli that contains antimicrobial sulfur compounds and various antioxidant vitamins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
Bioflavonoids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BioflavonoidsA mixture of plant-based compounds commonly referred to as flavonoids. Each flavonoid has slightly different properties, but overall they are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil obtained from pomelo peels - sometimes mislabeled as grapefruit. The high limonene content is responsible for its citrusy scent. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.

Palmitic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitic AcidA saturated fatty acid used in skincare as a strongly occlusive moisturizer and barrier repairing, emollient ingredient. It is a waxy-looking, white solid. Palmitic acid can be commonly found in animal and vegetable fats, notably palm oil.
Sodium Isethionate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Isethionate
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDerived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf OilA fragrant and antioxidant essential tea tree oil praised for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil helps to treat acne, inflamed skin, and small wounds. It might, however, cause allergies and skin irritations.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocamidopropyl BetaineA mildly cleansing ingredient derived from coconut. It also produces the foam that tells us our soap is actually working to remove dirt and oils.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Myristic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myristic AcidA common fatty acid found in various vegetable oils, most notably palm and coconut oil. It is a strongly occlusive moisturizing, emollient, and emulsifying ingredient.
Quartz
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
QuartzA naturally occurring mineral that functions as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
o-Cymen-5-ol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
o-Cymen-5-olA preservative related to chemicals found in the herb thyme. It has its own unique smell but is very effective even at small amounts.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6A polymeric ingredient that works best in water-based formulas to create gel textures. It helps to stabilize emulsions and control viscosity.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrasodium Glutamate DiacetateA biodegradable chelating agent that chemically captures the heavy metal ions naturally present in water and disarms their harmful effects.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Citral
Est. %0.15
Function
Origin
Citral

A fragrant compound found in many essential oils (especially lemon myrtle and lemongrass essential oil). It has a sweet, lemon-like scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citral, or at least do a patch test before using.

Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.