The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule Review

The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule
2.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.4 out of 10.
  • Slight anti-wrinkle effect: The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Soothing: The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizer Suitable for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.4 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 moderate humectancy of 4.8 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Panthenol (est. ≈3.0%).

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, can provide light humectant hydration in a fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

Tip: 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 Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

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

Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Among others, The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule also contains contains Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract and Beta-Glucan, 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. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to 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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Panthenol (est. ≈3.0%) and Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract (est. ≈2.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

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

Things to Be Aware Of: The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule to your skincare routine:
 

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 The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule 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.

Pros & Cons of The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of The Face Shop Clarifying Spot Care Ampoule to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides moderate humectant moisturizing suitable for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients like Panthenol and Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract

Cons: 

  • Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants

Ingredients

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
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Propagermanium
Function:
Origin:
Betaine Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Hyssopus Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Marrubium Vulgare Extract
Function:
Origin:
Peucedanum Ostruthium Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Primula Veris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Veronica Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Achillea Millefolium Extract
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycoproteins
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.8
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.8 10
4.8
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
2.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 4.8 10
4.8
All humectants
4.8
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 2 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.4
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
2
Beta-Glucan
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
2
Niacinamide
0.3
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
0.3
Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract
0.3
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract
0.3
Veronica Officinalis Extract
0.3
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
0.3
Beta-Glucan
0.3
Glycoproteins
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
0.3
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 7.7 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
7.7
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

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.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Panthenol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica Leaf ExtractA well-researched soothing, wound-healing, and promising anti-aging extract that is obtained from the leaves of the Gotu Kola.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyl CyclodextrinA white crystalline powder that can reduce odors coming from other ingredients in a product.
Tromethamine
Est. %1
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilA castor oil-derived ingredient often used to incorporate small amounts of oil (such as a fragrance) into a water-based product. PEG-4 HCO is a gold-standard solubilizer and can be used in low amounts due to its ability to solubilize things so well.
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Unshiu Peel ExtractThis extract derived from satsuma mandarins mainly contains a fragrant essential oil. It is rich in antioxidant flavonoids, organic acids, and limonoids – promising anti-pigment and anti-wrinkle compounds.
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Propagermanium
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propagermanium
Betaine Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Betaine Salicylate
Hyssopus Officinalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyssopus Officinalis Extract
Marrubium Vulgare Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Marrubium Vulgare Extract
Peucedanum Ostruthium Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Peucedanum Ostruthium Leaf Extract
Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sambucus Nigra Flower ExtractDerived from the plant called black elder or elderberry, this extract is an occlusive and soothing ingredient that also contains antioxidant flavonoids.
Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) ExtractA vibrant, purple extract obtained from the dark flowers of common mallow. Its main active ingredient is an emollient and soothing thick mucilage.
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf ExtractA fragrant extract derived from the leaves of peppermint. It contains a pleasant-smelling essential oil, as well as plenty of antioxidant flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids.
Primula Veris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Primula Veris ExtractDerived from either the root or flower of the cowslip primrose, this soothing extract contains anti-inflammatory triterpene saponins and phenolic acids.
Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alchemilla Vulgaris ExtractA soothing extract that is derived from the lady's mantle plant. It contains plenty of astringent tannins and certain anti-inflammatory compounds.
Veronica Officinalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Veronica Officinalis ExtractAn antioxidant extract obtained from a native European flowering plant called heath speedwell, otherwise known as Paul's betony.
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melissa Officinalis Leaf ExtractA fragrant extract derived from lemon balm leaves with antioxidant and antiviral flavonoids and terpenes. It has a lovely, fresh, lemon-like scent.
Achillea Millefolium Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Achillea Millefolium ExtractAn extract obtained from the common yarrow. It is full of astringent and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that help with inflamed skin and wound healing, have soothing and refreshing effects on the skin, and give the product a fresh, green, and spicy scent.
Beta-Glucan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-GlucanA special polysaccharide obtained from cereals, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria, and some species of seaweed. It is a promising anti-wrinkle, wound healing, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredient.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

PEG-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8A synthetic liquid that serves as a humectant. It also works as a solvent because of its ability to dissolve a wide range of ingredients.
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.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Trisodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trisodium EDTAA chelating agent designed to encapsulate potentially harmful heavy metal ions that enter the formula through the water source. Once encapsulated, these heavy metal ions become inert.
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.

Glycoproteins
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlycoproteinsA broad term indicating a specific type of proteins, most likely of animal origin.
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil

A fragrant essential oil extracted from lime peels that is mostly comprised of limonene, pinene, terpinene, and terpineol - which give off a sweet citrusy scent.

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil

An essential oil expressed from the peels of the bergamot orange. The scent of bergamot oil is woodier than those of other citrus essential oils. This essential oil is still not recommended if you are sensitive to citrus fruits.

Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf OilAn essential oil distilled from the leaves of rosemary. It is used as a fragrance in skincare and has a spicy, earthy, camphoraceous scent. It also has antioxidant properties according to some research.
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.