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[ DemythSkin Verdict ]
AOA Skin Clearing Anti-Acne Serum
SerumAcne / Oil Control
Efficacy
Strong
4.3 / 5.0
Safety
Mostly Safe
4.2 / 5.0
System Verdict
Solid drugstore acne serum with good actives but dragged down by likely low concentrations and irritation risks from alcohol-free but active-heavy combo. Efficacy score of 4.3 reflects strong actives like salicylic acid (position 6, likely 0.5-2%), niacinamide (position 5, >1%), retinol (position 10, sub-1% likely weak), and tea tree in a leave-on format, but deducts for no confirmed pH (assumed 3.5-4.0 for BHA efficacy), potential instability of retinol without encapsulation, and no synergistic stabilizers; outperforms basic cleansers but not clinical-strength prescription alternatives.
Active Ingredients Detected
S Tier: Gold StandardsHigh Clinical Proof | Skin-Transformative
Salicylic AcidRetinol
A Tier: Good BasicsProven Results
WaterGlycerinNiacinamideSodium HyaluronateAllantoinPanthenolArginine
B Tier: Supporting IngredientsPromising Ingredients
PropanediolButylene GlycolCentella Asiatica ExtractCamellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractSodium Hydroxide1,2-HexanediolCarbomerDisodium EDTA
C Tier: Marketing IdolsHype | Limited or Weak Data
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract
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DemythSkin is an independent ingredient analyzer. Scores are computed by a deterministic rubric from published clinical evidence — no brand pays for a score.