Gentle Clear Triple-Action Acne Serum
Serum

Gentle Clear Triple-Action Acne Serum

Cetaphil
18Ingredients
0EU Banned
3Caution
0.1/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy SafeNo flagged ingredients
4w ago
0.1/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy SafeNo flagged ingredients
Allergen-freeNo fragrance allergens
83% Natural11% synthetic

Contains Regulated Ingredients

EU Restricted Ingredients

These ingredients are permitted in the EU but subject to concentration limits, usage conditions, or mandatory labelling requirements under Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

Salicylic AcidMax 3.0%
Max concentration:3.0%
Product types:(a) Rinse-off hair products(b) Other products except body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, roll-on deodorant(c) Body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, roll-on deodorant
Conditions:(a) (b) (c)Not to be used in preparations for children under 3 years of age. Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation. Not to be used in oral products. For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product.These levels are inclusive of any use of salicylic acid.
Label warnings: (a) (b) (c)Not to be used for children under 3 years of age** Solely for products which might be used for children under 3 years of age.
Sodium HydroxideMax 5.0%
Max concentration:5.0%
Product types:(a) Nail cuticle solvent(b) Hair straightener(c) pH adjuster for depilatories(d) Other uses as pH adjusterCallosity softener/remover (entry 15d)
Conditions:(b)1. General use2. Professional use(c) up to pH 12.7(d) up to pH 1115 d Contains alcakali, Avoid contact with eyesKeep out of reach of chindren ans Read directions for use carefully
Label warnings: (a) Contains alkali Avoid contact with eyes Can cause blindness Keep out of reach of children(b) 1. Contains alkaliAvoid contact with eyes Can cause blindness Keep out of reach of children2. For professional use only Avoid contact with eyes Can cause blindness(c) Keep out of reach of children Avoid contact with eyes
Zinc GluconateMax 72.0%
Max concentration:72.0%
Product types:(a) Toothpaste intended for users above 1 year of age(b) Toothpaste intended for children between 6 months and 1 year of age(c) Mouthwash intended for users above 6 years of age(d) Other products
What does "EU Restricted" mean?

Restricted ingredients are not banned — they are allowed in cosmetic products as long as specific conditions are met:

  • Concentration limits — maximum allowed percentage in the final product
  • Product type restrictions — some ingredients are only allowed in rinse-off or leave-on products
  • pH restrictions — the finished product must stay within a specific pH range
  • Mandatory labelling — certain allergens must be listed on the packaging
  • Usage conditions — must not be combined with certain other ingredients

These limits are based on the EU CosIng database (Annex III) and are updated regularly. Products sold in the EU must comply with all applicable restrictions.

Ingredient Chemistry

pH

pH Efficacy

pH Efficacy

pH 5.6 — Ineffective
5.6
0Neutral 714
pH estimated from category & ingredients: 5.6
Active ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Gluconolactone, Niacinamide, Glycolic Acid
Salicylic Acid at pH 5.6: likely ineffective — above 4.5
Gluconolactone at pH 5.6: likely ineffective — above 5
Niacinamide at pH 5.6: optimal range (5–7)
Glycolic Acid at pH 5.6: likely ineffective — above 4.5
Salicylic Acid is at pH 5.6, which is too high for optimal efficacy (3–4).
Gluconolactone is at pH 5.6, which is too high for optimal efficacy (3.5–4.5).
Glycolic Acid is at pH 5.6, which is too high for optimal efficacy (3–4).
Detected actives & ideal pH
Salicylic AcidpH 3–4
GluconolactonepH 3.5–4.5
NiacinamidepH 5–7
Glycolic AcidpH 3–4

Microbiome

Composition & Ethics

Product Details

Attributes

Ethics
VeganLikely
No animal-derived ingredients detected
Cruelty-FreeUnknown
No brand statement — contact manufacturer
Safety
Fragrance-FreeLikely
No fragrance ingredients detected
Key Actives
Niacinamide SerumConfirmed
Exfoliating SerumConfirmed
Confirmed Inferred Unknown Not compliant

Composition

83% natural11% synthetic
15 natural 1 unknown 2 synthetic

Based on 18 ingredients analyzed. 83% natural, 6% unknown and 11% synthetic.

Active ingredients3 actives

Functions Overview (15)

Texture & Feel

Texture & Feel

Expected texture
Viscous, serum-like — slightly "thick water" feel
SpreadabilityEasy
AbsorptionFast
Tackiness / ResidueLight
Finish:Soft matte — natural-looking, shine-controlled

Slight initial tackiness that fades into a hydrated dewy finish.