Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic Review

Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic
3.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Oligopeptide-10, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Water, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Glycolic Acid, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Polysorbate 20, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Polysorbate 80, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Maltodextrin, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac) Extract, Xanthan Gum, Honey Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol
Review

Does Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.3 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic:
 

🔵 Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a high humectancy of 6.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is well-suited for oily skin, providing moderate hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

📌 Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

💧 A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Glycolic Acid

This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Its action works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with glycolic acid, regardless of concentration, may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To counteract this increased sun sensitivity, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin during glycolic acid treatment.

📌 Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the product, either on their website or product label.

⚠️ If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract and Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to glycolic acid
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing that is well-suited for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic worth noting.
 
Looking at its moisturizing profile, we found that it doesn’t contain any occlusive ingredients, potentially allowing the moisture attracted to the skin by humectants to evaporate. Therefore, if it’s used as the only moisturizer in a routine, it’s recommended to pair it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones.
 
This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. However, glycolic acid - regardless of concentration - can increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during glycolic acid treatment.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 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
85
6
2
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Oligopeptide-10
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Water
Function:
Origin:
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Function:
Origin:
Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Honey Extract
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.6
6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
6
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
3.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
All humectants
6.6
6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.8 3 No
All antioxidants
1.8
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
0.3
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract
0.3
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
0.3
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
0.3
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 4.4 5 No
All soothing
4.4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %85
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.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Salicylic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Oligopeptide-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oligopeptide-10

Description is coming soon

Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Water
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Boswellia Serrata ExtractAn extract of Indian frankincense with a pleasant, earthy scent. It contains anti-inflammatory boswellic acids that assist in treating skin diseases such as eczema (although the research is still ongoing).
Glycolic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf OilA fragrant essential oil obtained from spearmint leaves. A compound called R-(–)-carvone is responsible for its somewhat sweet, but still fresh, minty scent.
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf OilAn essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Eucalyptus globulus, a tall, evergreen, Australian tree with waxy leaves. It mostly consists of cineole – which has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
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.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) ExtractAn extract obtained from horse chestnut seeds that contains an anti-inflammatory and astringent mixture called Aescin. It also offers soothing benefits and is aimed at irritated skin.
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arnica Montana Flower ExtractAn extract derived from the flower heads of the mountain arnica plant. This plant is used as herbal medicine to treat wounds, bruises, and inflammation. In skincare, however, it is mostly added for fragrance purposes due to its pleasant pine and sage odor.
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Oleifera Leaf ExtractAn emollient extract derived from the leaves of the Tea-oil Camellia, which is native to Southeast Asia. It contains astringent and wound-healing tannins that create a tightening feeling on the skin and can speed up the healing process of small cuts.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower ExtractDerived from German chamomile flowers, this extract is especially known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. It contains two soothing compounds called chamazulene and bisabolol, as well as antioxidant flavonoids.
Polysorbate 80
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 80A non-ionic surfactant, which means that it contains no chemical charges. It can be used as a mild cleansing agent in skin cleansing products but is more commonly used for its emulsifying abilities.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractAn antimicrobial and antioxidant extract derived from Neem leaves – an Indian traditional medicine. Neem leaves have been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is also a prospective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture ExtractAn extract that comes from a certain apple cultivar. It is claimed to have superior properties over any other apple extracts and the patent holder claims that it has anti-wrinkle activity.
Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac) Extract
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Honey Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Honey ExtractAn extract obtained from honey that is comprised of proteins, minerals, and various bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, emollient, moisturizing humectant, and soothing properties.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran ExtractAn extract from rice bran, the brown outer part of the rice kernel. It contains emollient fatty acids and antioxidants such as tocopherols (vitamin E) and γ-oryzanol.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.