Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer Review

Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer
4.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.9 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Butylene Glycol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Salicylic Acid, 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
Review

Does Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer:
 

🔵🔵 Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 3.6 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 4.9 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈6.0%) and Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide some occlusive moisturizing that is adequate for normal skin.

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: Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer contains a relatively low level of humectants.

People with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
   

Summary: Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer
, as a moisturizer, provides the right level of occlusivity to hydrate normal skin, with a balanced texture that’s neither too light nor too heavy.
 
That said, there are some things about Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains a limited amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
📌 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
75
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Polysilicone-11
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Oligopeptide-10
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Function:
Origin:
Ceteareth-20
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Ethoxydiglycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
o-Cymen-5-ol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.6
3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
9.8
6.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.6 10
3.6
3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 9.8 20
4.9
6.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.6 10
3.6
All humectants
3.6
3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
2
1.5
0.3
All occlusives 9.8 20
4.9
All occlusives
9.8
6.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
o-Cymen-5-ol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
All soothing 1 5 No
All soothing
1
1
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %6
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Polysilicone-11
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Polysilicone-11A synthetic rubber-like substance of the silicone family that has no color or distinct scent. These are large molecules that cannot penetrate the skin but instead create a thin silky film on the skin's surface.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %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.

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acrylates CopolymerA synthetic polymer that can come in various forms and is often used to create light gel-like textures. Some versions can also create a light film on the skin.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %1
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.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Oligopeptide-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oligopeptide-10

Description is coming soon

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.

Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid Copolymer
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Octyldodecyl NeopentanoateA synthetic emollient ester. This clear, colorless liquid has a unique sensorial profile that is light and silky, with good lubricity.
Ceteareth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceteareth-20A fatty alcohol emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water together, best for oil-in-water emulsions. It is also a cleansing agent. When combined with cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth-20 forms a mix that, according to acne.org, can be comedogenic.
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.
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Ethoxydiglycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthoxydiglycolA type of alcohol with humectant moisturizing properties. It also acts as a solvent, since it mixes well with a variety of other compounds, including water and even some oils.
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.
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.