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Acne Deep Pore Cleansing Wash

Acne Deep Pore Cleansing Wash

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A clinically proven acne-fighting cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and a powerful Anti-Blemish Complex of Tea Tree Oil, Willow Bark, and Chamomile. Effectively removes pore-clogging dirt, oil, and bacteria while soothing irritated skin for a clear, healthy-looking complexion.

2% Salicylic Acid Vegan Cruelty-Free Paraben-Free SLS-Free GMO-Free Gluten-Free 87% Saw Clearer Skin
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
2/5
Size
6 fl oz (175ml)
Active
2% Salicylic Acid
Target
Acne & Pores
pH Level
3.5-4.5
Type
Gel Cleanser
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Deep Pore Cleansing

Effectively washes away dirt, bacteria, and built-up oil, leaving skin feeling refreshed and clean.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Clear Gel
Scent
Tea Tree & Lavender
Rinse Time
30-60 seconds
Finish
Clean & Fresh

Deep Pore Cleansing

Effectively washes away dirt, bacteria, and built-up oil, leaving skin feeling refreshed and clean.

Oil Balance

Promotes a healthy, balanced appearance by improving skin oil balance and reducing excess shine.

Gentle Exfoliation

Encourages exfoliation of dead skin cells, revealing a vibrant and glowing complexion.

Anti-Blemish Complex

Natural botanicals including Tea Tree, Willow Bark, and Chamomile deliver antibacterial and soothing properties.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy

Contains 2% Salicylic Acid. ACOG considers topical SA at 2% or less acceptable, but consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Topical salicylic acid is unlikely to be absorbed or appear in breastmilk. Avoid application near breast area.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Contains Polysorbate 20 which can feed Malassezia yeast. Not recommended for fungal acne sufferers.

Low Comedogenic Risk

Rating 2/5. Unlikely to clog pores for most skin types. Non-comedogenic formula.

Sensitive Skin

Contains essential oils (Tea Tree, Lavender). Patch test recommended for highly sensitive skin.

Vegan & Cruelty-Free

100% vegan formula with no animal testing. Certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Salicylic Acid 2%Gold Standard

A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve oil, dead skin cells, and debris. FDA-approved active ingredient for acne treatment.

  • Mechanism: Oil-soluble, penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum plugs
  • Anti-inflammatory: Related to aspirin, helps calm redness and irritation
  • Keratolytic: Loosens bonds between dead skin cells for gentle exfoliation
May cause dryness or peeling. Start with once daily use and gradually increase frequency.

Tea Tree Oil NaturalProven

Melaleuca Alternifolia leaf oil with powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties used for over 100 years in Australia for skin issues.

  • Antimicrobial: Effective against P. acnes bacteria that cause breakouts
  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and swelling of blemishes
  • Clinical Evidence: Studies show comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide with less irritation
Natural alternative to harsh acne treatments. Provides therapeutic herbal scent.

Willow Bark Extract NaturalNatural BHA

Salix Alba bark extract containing natural salicin, the precursor to salicylic acid. Provides gentle, natural exfoliation.

  • Source: Natural source of salicylic acid compounds
  • Action: Helps retexturize skin and clear away dead cells
  • Synergy: Complements synthetic salicylic acid for enhanced efficacy

Chamomile Extract OrganicSoothing

Organic Matricaria Chamomilla flower extract renowned for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Bisabolol: Active compound with proven anti-inflammatory effects
  • Antioxidant: Protects skin from environmental stressors
  • Calming: Reduces redness and irritation from acne treatments

Lavender Oil NaturalAntibacterial

Lavandula Angustifolia oil that nurtures skin while providing natural antibacterial properties and a calming aroma.

  • Antibacterial: Helps fight acne-causing bacteria
  • Aromatherapy: Calming scent known for stress relief
  • Healing: Supports skin healing and regeneration

17 ingredients

Salicylic Acid (2%), Purified Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine (Coconut Derived), Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, PEG-150 Distearate, Polysorbate 20, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Glycerin (Vegetable Derived), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Aniba Rosodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Decyl Glucoside (Plant Derived), Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

FREE FROM: Parabens, Phthalates, Sodium Lauryl Sulfates (SLS), Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Artificial Colors, GMOs, Gluten, Soy, Lanolin, Animal Ingredients
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
This Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as the first step in your skincare routine. Can be used morning and/or evening. Always follow with moisturizer and sunscreen (AM) as salicylic acid can increase sun sensitivity.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash face with lukewarm water to dampen skin and prepare for cleansing.

2

Apply Cleanser

Dispense a small amount onto dampened hands. Gently massage onto face using circular motions, avoiding eye area.

3

Lather & Focus

Work into a deep cleansing lather, concentrating on areas of congestion and oiliness (T-zone, chin).

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry gently with a clean towel.

5

Start Slow

Begin with once daily use. Gradually increase to 2-3 times daily if needed. Reduce if dryness or peeling occurs.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily or combination skin prone to breakouts
  • You struggle with blackheads, whiteheads, or clogged pores
  • You want a daily acne-fighting cleanser with natural botanicals
  • You prefer clean beauty products free from harsh chemicals
  • You enjoy natural herbal scents (tea tree & lavender)
  • You're looking for an affordable, effective acne treatment

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
  • You're pregnant and haven't consulted your doctor
  • You have extremely dry or sensitive skin
  • You dislike herbal/tea tree scents
  • You're already using multiple BHA/AHA products
  • You prefer fragrance-free skincare
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Perfect match. Controls excess oil, unclogs pores, and reduces shine without stripping. Clinically tested to reduce surface oil by up to 47%.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Ideal for T-zone oiliness and breakouts. Balances oil production while gentle enough for normal areas. Users report balanced complexion.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Specifically formulated for acne. 87% of users reported clearer skin in consumer trials. Targets and prevents blemishes effectively.

Normal Skin
Good

Works well for occasional breakouts and pore maintenance. May be too active for daily use if skin is clear. Use 2-3x weekly.

Dry Skin
Moderate

May be drying. Start with 1x daily and always follow with a rich moisturizer. Reduce frequency if peeling occurs.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

Contains essential oils which may irritate very sensitive skin. Patch test first. Some users report it's gentler than benzoyl peroxide.

08

Results timeline

WEEKS 6-8
Week 1

Initial Cleansing Effect

Skin feels cleaner and less oily after each use. Some may experience mild dryness as skin adjusts to salicylic acid. Pores appear less congested.

70% noticed cleaner feeling
Weeks 2-3

Pore Clearing & Oil Control

Blackheads and whiteheads begin to reduce. Oil production becomes more balanced. Some temporary purging may occur as clogged pores clear.

65% saw reduced blackheads
Week 4

Visible Improvement

Consumer trials showed noticeable reduction in blemishes. Skin texture improves and appears clearer. Breakouts become less frequent.

87% reported clearer skin
Weeks 6-8

Optimal Results

Full benefits realized with consistent use. Skin maintains clearer, more balanced appearance. Fewer new breakouts. Improved overall complexion.

80% saw significant improvement
09

Ratings by platform

14K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.3
Rating
12,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Strong tea tree scent not for everyone
Ulta Beauty
4.5
Rating
557+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can be drying if used too frequently
iHerb
4.4
Rating
800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Price slightly high for bottle size
Derma E Website
4.6
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Not suitable for very sensitive skin
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Effective 2% salicylic acid concentration
  • Natural anti-blemish complex with botanicals
  • Doesn't strip skin like benzoyl peroxide
  • Clean, vegan, cruelty-free formula
  • Affordable for quality ingredients
  • Works for face, shoulders, and back
  • Gentle enough for daily use for most
  • 87% saw clearer skin in trials

Criticized

  • Tea tree scent quite strong for some
  • Can be drying if overused
  • Not fungal acne safe (contains Polysorbate 20)
  • Contains essential oils (potential irritants)
  • 6oz bottle may run out quickly
  • Color may change over time (natural ingredients)
  • Not fragrance-free
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash
$8.99
Budget Pick

Same 2% salicylic acid concentration. Contains synthetic fragrance and dyes. More stripping formula without soothing botanicals. Works well but may be harsher on skin.

75% Match
Renewing SA Cleanser
$13.49
Similar Price

Contains salicylic acid plus ceramides and niacinamide for barrier support. More gentle formula. Better for dry/sensitive skin. Lacks antibacterial botanicals.

80% Match
Unscented Acnedote Deep Pore Wash
$9.99
Budget Pick

2% salicylic acid with willow bark, similar botanical approach. Fungal acne safe formula. Slightly different texture. Good natural alternative at lower price.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Key Active 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA
Size 6.76 fl oz (200ml)
Botanicals None - Zinc Gluconate
Fungal Acne Safe No
Clean Formula Fragrance-Free, Contains SLS
Acne Control Cleanser
Key Active 2% Salicylic Acid + Ceramides
Size 5 fl oz (147ml)
Botanicals None - Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid
Fungal Acne Safe No
Clean Formula Fragrance-Free, Gentle
Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Key Active 0.5% Salicylic Acid
Size 6 fl oz (177ml)
Botanicals None - Panthenol
Fungal Acne Safe No
Clean Formula Fragrance-Free, Cruelty-Free
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Check for color changes which may occur with natural ingredients.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed between uses.

Packaging

Squeeze tube bottle with flip-top cap. Recyclable plastic packaging.

Travel Friendly

Yes - 6 fl oz exceeds TSA carry-on limits. Available in smaller sizes or transfer to travel container.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

This cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers topical salicylic acid at 2% or less to be acceptable during pregnancy, but it's always best to consult your healthcare provider before use. For breastfeeding, topical salicylic acid is considered safe as it's unlikely to be absorbed into breastmilk in significant amounts. Avoid applying near the breast area where baby may come into contact.

No, this cleanser is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Polysorbate 20, which can feed Malassezia yeast and potentially worsen fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis). If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like Alba Botanica AcneDote, Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, or cleansers specifically labeled as fungal acne safe.

Use with caution. This cleanser already contains 2% salicylic acid (BHA), so layering with other exfoliating acids can cause irritation and over-exfoliation. If using retinol, vitamin C, or AHA products, consider using them at different times of day (cleanser AM, actives PM) or on alternate days. Always listen to your skin and reduce frequency if you experience dryness, redness, or peeling.

This cleanser is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It excels at controlling oil, unclogging pores, and preventing breakouts. Those with normal skin can use it 2-3x weekly for maintenance. Dry or sensitive skin types should use with caution, starting with once daily and always following with a moisturizer. Very sensitive skin should patch test first due to essential oil content.

Most users notice their skin feels cleaner and less oily within the first week. Visible improvement in blackheads and pore congestion typically occurs within 2-3 weeks. Consumer trials showed 87% of users reported clearer skin after 4 weeks of consistent use. Full results are typically achieved after 6-8 weeks. Note: Some users may experience temporary purging in weeks 2-3 as clogged pores clear.

Use this as the first step in your skincare routine, both morning and/or evening. Follow with toner (optional), serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). Since salicylic acid can increase sun sensitivity, wearing sunscreen during the day is essential. If double cleansing, use an oil-based cleanser first to remove makeup/sunscreen, then follow with this cleanser.

This cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of 2/5, meaning it's unlikely to clog pores for most people. In fact, its purpose is to unclog pores with salicylic acid. However, the Polysorbate 20 ingredient has a comedogenic rating of 2. Overall, most users find it helps clear rather than clog pores. If you're highly prone to clogged pores, monitor your skin's response during the first few weeks.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Due to natural ingredients like tea tree oil and chamomile extract, the color may slightly change over time - this is normal and doesn't affect efficacy. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight with the cap tightly closed. If the product develops an unusual odor or texture, discontinue use.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Derma E Acne Deep Pore Cleansing Wash is an effective, clean-beauty acne cleanser that delivers clinical-strength results with natural botanicals. The 2% salicylic acid formula effectively unclogs pores and fights breakouts, while Tea Tree, Willow Bark, and Chamomile provide antibacterial and soothing benefits. At around $15.50, it offers excellent value for a vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free formula. Best suited for oily and acne-prone skin types. The main drawbacks are its strong tea tree scent and that it's not fungal acne safe. Overall, a solid choice for those seeking a natural approach to acne treatment without harsh synthetic ingredients.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Salicylic Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Salicylic Acid
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
35% 23% 41%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 17 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
2 B
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Cleansing, Foaming, Hydrotrope, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
1 Unknown
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
0 Unknown
PEG-150 Distearate
Emulsifying
0 Unknown
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Perfuming, Antioxidant
Hydrating
0 Unknown
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking, Perfuming, Tonic
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS