Acne Spot Treatment Lotion
Why this score
Concern47 / 55
- Chlorphenesin: watch if sensitive
How much genuine, cited concern the ingredients carry, weighted by how much of each is likely present and whether the product stays on or rinses off.
Transparency20 / 20
- No hidden fragrance blend.
Whether the full ingredient list, and any fragrance, are actually disclosed.
Formulation restraint19 / 25
- 1 known irritant or fragrance-allergen ingredient: Chlorphenesin.
Needless irritant or allergen load for the product type. A clean, purposeful formula scores well without any "free-from" theater.
Scored by PlainBody Editorial against the PlainScore method · Label checked July 2026
What’s inside
WaterGenerally safe
The base most products are built on. It carries the other ingredients and has no safety concern.
Full ingredient details →CarbomerGenerally safe
Carbomer is a synthetic polymer used purely to thicken and stabilize gels and lotions, with negligible skin penetration due to its large molecular size. Safety reviews have found low toxicity and minimal irritation potential even in leave-on use.
Full ingredient details →EthylhexylglycerinGenerally safe
A glycerin derivative used as a skin conditioner and preservative booster, often paired with phenoxyethanol to allow lower total preservative levels. It has a low irritation and sensitization profile in safety reviews.
Full ingredient details →Sodium HydroxideGenerally safe
A strong alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust the pH of cosmetics to safe, skin-friendly levels. At the pH found in finished products, sodium hydroxide is neutralized and well tolerated.
Full ingredient details →ChlorphenesinWatch if sensitive
Chlorphenesin is a preservative subject to an EU maximum concentration limit and has been linked to contact dermatitis in a minority of users, particularly with repeated exposure. Most people tolerate it at the regulated use level without issue.
Full ingredient details →Disodium EDTACommonly feared, low concern
A chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working properly. It is not a functional skincare "active" and only a very small amount is used, with minimal skin penetration expected.
Full ingredient details →Laureth-7Generally safe
A polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol, used as a mild surfactant and emulsifier in cleansers and other rinse-off products. CIR assessments support the safety of laureth surfactants in cosmetics, and they are often chosen for their mildness.
Full ingredient details →Hydroxypropyl MethylcelluloseGenerally safe
A cellulose derivative used to thicken gels, serums, and cleansers. It is well studied and widely used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. No meaningful safety concerns have been raised at typical cosmetic use levels.
Full ingredient details →Lower-concern alternatives
Same category, higher PlainScore.
- 100⇄The OrdinaryNiacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- 100⇄The OrdinaryHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- 100⇄CeraVeHydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Compare Acne Spot Treatment Lotion against anything we have scored →
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Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern ratings are evidence-graded and cited on each ingredient page. See how we score.