iS Clinical Active Serum
Evidence-led ingredient analysis, a transparent clean score out of 100 and cleaner, effective alternatives at three price levels.
Best for
Acne & Breakouts
Why Selenssa recommends it
This botanical-led clinical serum acts rapidly on active breakouts and post-acne mark pigmentation using a blend of gently exfoliating natural acids that preserve the barrier.
Key actives
Willow Bark Extract (Salicylic Acid), Sugar Cane Extract (Glycolic Acid), Bilberry Extract (Lactic Acid), Mushroom Extract (Kojic Acid)
Clean highlights
Paraben-free · Hydroquinone-free · Fragrance-free · Non-stripping
Selenssa Score 87/100 · £88.00
Want to see how this compares? See The Selenssa 3 →iS Clinical
Active Serum
Face Serum · Budget: £88.00
4.6 (1,250 reviews)· across Cult Beauty, LookFantastic, Space NK
Ingredients: AI-inferred — not yet verified
Formulation inferred from iS Clinical Active Serum; features powerful exfoliating acids alongside mild irritants like triethanolamine and menthol.
Hazard categories
Estimated score out of 100
Formulation score is fixed across Selenssa · Community effectiveness awaiting more reports
Based on publicly available ingredients, following our methodology. Not medical advice — always check the physical label, especially for allergies. How we score →
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A potent exfoliating choice for oilier complexions, though sensitive users should patch test due to menthol and strong acids.
Be cautious if
Sensitive, reactive, or dry skin types.
Against your clean standard
Conditional: Free from major parabens or phthalates, but contains ethanolamines and menthol.
Where this score comes from
- Source
- No source record on file yet
- Source page
- —
- Retrieved
- —
- Evidence snapshot
- Not captured
Score history
No score changes have been recorded for this product yet.
Think something here is wrong? Report a correction · How we score
Does iS Clinical Active Serum contain parabens, sulfates or fragrance?
A straight yes or no for the ingredient groups people most often want to avoid, checked against this product's published formulation.
Free from parabens
Preservatives; the longer-chain ones (propyl, butyl) carry the endocrine questions.
Free from sulfates (sls / sles)
Strong cleansing agents that can strip a compromised barrier.
Free from silicones
Slip and occlusion; cyclic silicones (D4/D5/D6) are the environmentally restricted ones.
Free from fragrance / parfum
Undisclosed fragrance blends are the most common trigger for sensitised skin.
Free from essential oils
Naturally derived, but among the most frequently reported contact allergens.
Contains drying alcohol
Found: triethanolamine, phenoxyethanol. Fine in small amounts for texture; high up the list it can dehydrate.
Free from formaldehyde releasers
Preservatives that slowly release formaldehyde.
Free from chemical uv filters of concern
Restricted or debated filters with endocrine or reef-persistence questions.
Is iS Clinical Active Serum non-comedogenic?
No ingredients in this formulation appear on Selenssa's common pore-clogger list, so it is unlikely to be the cause of congestion for most people. Comedogenicity is still individual — texture, occlusion and how much you use all play a part.
Is iS Clinical Active Serum safe for sensitive skin?
Usually tolerated, but patch test if your skin reacts easily.
- No fragrance or parfum in the list
- Contains a drying alcohol
Ingredients worth knowing about: Triethanolamine, Menthol.
Can you use iS Clinical Active Serum while pregnant?
This product contains salicylic acid, arbutin, which is usually on the list of ingredients people are advised to pause during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Selenssa is not medical advice — check with your midwife, GP or dermatologist before using it.
iS Clinical Active Serum full ingredients list
9 ingredients analysed, in the order Selenssa assessed them. Concentration generally falls as you move down the list.
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Triethanolamine, Salicylic Acid, Arbutin, Polyporus Umbellatus (Mushroom) Extract, Menthol, Phenoxyethanol.
The actives doing the work: Glycolic Acid (Refines skin texture and accelerates cellular turnover.); Salicylic Acid (Unclogs pores and minimizes inflammation associated with blemishes.); Glycerin (Draws moisture into skin to offset potential acid dryness.).
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