Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
Exfoliant
Updated 4w ago

Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

Kiehl’s
24Ingredients
0EU Banned
3Caution
0.3/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy Risk1 ingredient flagged
0.3/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy Risk1 ingredient flagged
Mod. Allergens3 fragrance allergens
63% Natural33% 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.

Linalool
Restricted — see EU CosIng Annex III
Potassium Hydroxide
Restricted — see EU CosIng Annex III
Salicylic Acid
Restricted — see EU CosIng Annex III
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 3.3 — Suboptimal
3.3
0Neutral 714
pH estimated from category & ingredients: 3.3
Active ingredients: L-Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid
L-Ascorbic Acid at pH 3.3: optimal range (2.5–3.5)
Ascorbyl Glucoside at pH 3.3: very acidic — may increase irritation risk
Salicylic Acid at pH 3.3: optimal range (3–4)
Glycolic Acid at pH 3.3: optimal range (3–4)
Ascorbyl Glucoside at pH 3.3 is below the ideal range (5–7).
Detected actives & ideal pH
L-Ascorbic AcidpH 2.5–3.5
Ascorbyl GlucosidepH 5–7
Salicylic AcidpH 3–4
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-FreeContains fragrance
Contains fragrance/parfum
Confirmed Inferred Unknown Not compliant

Composition

63% natural33% synthetic
15 natural 1 unknown 8 synthetic

Based on 24 ingredients analyzed. 63% natural, 4% unknown and 33% synthetic.

Preservatives1 preservative
Fragrance3 essential oils

Functions Overview (15)

humectant4:Glycerin, Peg/​Ppg/​Polybutylene Glycol-8/​5/​3 Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Tachibana Peel Extract
skin conditioning3:Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Tachibana Peel Extract
type of chemical entity3:Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium Edta

Texture & Feel

Texture & Feel

Expected texture
Grainy scrub or thin chemical liquid — physical exfoliants feel gritty, chemical ones feel like water
SpreadabilityEasy
AbsorptionVery fast
Tackiness / ResidueLight
Finish:Smooth, refined — skin feels polished after rinsing

Gritty (physical) or tingling (chemical) — exfoliation sensation on skin. Slight initial tackiness that fades into a hydrated dewy finish. Cooling sensation on application with rapid dry-down.