Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment
Serum
Updated 10 Dec 2025

Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment

Urban Skin Rx
49Ingredients
0EU Banned
6Caution
0.4/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy Risk5 ingredients flagged
0.4/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy Risk5 ingredients flagged
Allergen-freeNo fragrance allergens
59% Natural37% 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.

Alpha-Arbutin
Restricted — see EU CosIng Annex III
Benzoyl Peroxide
Restricted — see EU CosIng Annex III
Kojic 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 5.0 — Suboptimal
5.0
0Neutral 714
pH estimated from category & ingredients: 5.0
Active ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycolic Acid, Copper Tripeptide-1, Alpha-Arbutin, Kojic Acid, Retinol, Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid
Benzoyl Peroxide at pH 5: optimal range (4–7)
Glycolic Acid at pH 5: likely ineffective — above 4.5
Copper Tripeptide-1 at pH 5: optimal range (5–7)
Alpha-Arbutin at pH 5: optimal range (4–6.5)
Kojic Acid at pH 5: optimal range (3.5–5)
Retinol at pH 5: optimal range (5–6)
Niacinamide at pH 5: optimal range (5–7)
Azelaic Acid at pH 5: optimal range (4–5.5)
Glycolic Acid is at pH 5, which is too high for optimal efficacy (3–4).
Detected actives & ideal pH
Benzoyl PeroxidepH 4–7
Glycolic AcidpH 3–4
Copper Tripeptide-1pH 5–7
Alpha-ArbutinpH 4–6.5
Kojic AcidpH 3.5–5
RetinolpH 5–6
NiacinamidepH 5–7
Azelaic AcidpH 4–5.5

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
Contains RetinolConfirmed
Contains vitamin A derivative
Retinol / Vitamin AConfirmed
Niacinamide SerumConfirmed
Exfoliating SerumConfirmed
Brightening SerumConfirmed
Confirmed Inferred Unknown Not compliant

Composition

59% natural37% synthetic
29 natural 2 unknown 18 synthetic

Based on 49 ingredients analyzed. 59% natural, 4% unknown and 37% synthetic.

Active ingredients6 actives
Preservatives1 preservative
Silicones1 silicone

Functions Overview (15)

type of chemical entity8:Alpha-Arbutin, Retinyl Palmitate, Zinc Oxide, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica
skin conditioning8:Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Niacinamide, (Organic) Echinacea Angustifolia Root Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin
solvent4:Water, Propanediol, (Organic) Alcohol, Alcohol

Texture & Feel

Texture & Feel

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

Silicones create a smooth, velvety "slip" with a blurring sensory effect. Slight initial tackiness that fades into a hydrated dewy finish.