NeoStrata Clarify Mandelic Clarifying Cleanser
NeoStrata Clarify Mandelic Clarifying Cleanser

NeoStrata Clarify Mandelic Clarifying Cleanser

200ml

£31.00

This is a soap-free, gel cleanser that will leave your skin feeling clean, gently exfoliated but not completely stripped.

It has been designed specifically for people with acne prone skin. It’s triple whammy of AHAs (mandelic acid), BHAs (salicylic acid) and PHAs (gluconolactone) mean that is it exfoliating, lipophilic (breaking down excess sebum), anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce the concentration of acne causing bacteria on the skin.

It also has a drop of glycerin in the formulation which helps to add some moisture back to the skin in place of that excess sebum.

Who is this for?

Perfect for:

  • Acne
  • Uneven Skin Tone
  • Oily Skin

Helps with:

  • Uneven Skin Texture
  • Uneven Skin Tone
  • Combination Skin

Not great for:

  • Sensitive Skin
  • Rosacea

What makes it special?

You’ll see on other areas of the site how much I rate Neostrata as an entry-to-mid level skincare brand. When it comes to AHAs and PHAs it’s hard to find a comparison - they are truly pioneers. This cleanser is no different. The price point is approachable enough for it to be used daily without feeling as though you have to hold back. The balance of AHA, PHA, BHA and surfactants is balanced so that it is effective without impairing the skin barrier (the addition of glycerin helps here too).

— Dr Max Greenfield

Key ingredients

Mandelic Acid is an alphahydroxy acid (AHA) which means that it’s an ingredient that acts as a keratolytic, or a chemical exfoliant. Unlike other AHAs, mandelic acid is a really large molecule. This means that it doesn’t penetrate quite as quickly or as deeply as other AHAs (like glycolic and citric acid). That makes it perfect for those with more sensitive skin types. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s also great at calming down the redness associated with acne or as an entry level AHA for those with more sensitive skin or rosacea.

Salicylic acid is a betahydroxy acid (BHA) that has a number of benefits, particularly for acne-prone skin. Its most well studied benefit is as a chemical exfoliant, particularly when with a lower pH. This increases how quickly skin cells turnover, bringing healthy skin cells to the surface. It’s also a hydrophobic or oil-loving molecule so helps to break down excess sebum and unclog the oxidised sebum trapped in pores (black heads). If that weren’t enough, salicylic acid is also anti-inflammatory and helps to calm redness associated with acne.

Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that not only acts as a potent antioxidant but also helps to very gently chemically exfoliate without causing any sensitivity. Gentle exfoliation from PHAs like gluconolactone helps to support the skin barrier and keep it functioning properly, reducing the amount of water that’s lost from the skin and preventing sensitivity.

Tea Tree Oil has long been used as a traditional remedy for acne and there is actually some evidence from small studies that show that its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help treat acne. I would never recommend it as a standalone ingredient but when combined with other ingredients may help to improve the formulation.

Aqua (Water), PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Triethanolamine, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, PEG-150 Distearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth-13 Carboxylate, Sodium Chloride, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide, Polyquaternium-10, Polysorbate 20, Benzalkonium Chloride, BHT, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol.

How to use

Cleanse - NeoStrata Clarify Mandelic Cleanser

Tone - optional step if you want to introduce additional actives into your routine

Vitamin C Serum - part of your core routine for its anti-oxidant benefits

Targeted active ingredients if this is part of your routine

Moisturise - only if you feel you need some extra hydration

Sun protection - SPF whatever the weather

Makeup (optional) 

Application Instructions

As this product is relatively exfoliating you may want to start using it 3-4 times/week and build up every couple of weeks. There is no reason why you can’t use this twice a day but it could be quite drying and it’s worth having a gentle cleanser in your repertoire for days where you want less exfoliation.

If you have oilier skin but do enjoy using an oil-based or balm cleanser then make sure that this is your second cleanse in the evening.

Gently remove make up with a micellar water or oil/balm cleanser

Cleanse - NeoStrata Clarify Mandelic Cleanser 

Tone - optional step if you want to introduce additional actives into your routine

Targeted active ingredients if this is part of your routine

Retinoid - a retinoid should form part of your core routine

Moisturise 

Application Instructions

As this product is relatively exfoliating you may want to start using it 3-4 times/week and build up every couple of weeks. There is no reason why you can’t use this twice a day but it could be quite drying and it’s worth having a gentle cleanser in your repertoire for days where you want less exfoliation.

If you have oilier skin but do enjoy using an oil-based or balm cleanser then make sure that this is your second cleanse in the evening.

Your skincare routine. Simplified.

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