Acne Deep Pore Cleansing Wash
Acne Deep Pore Cleansing Wash
Product Description
Product overview
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.
Deep Pore Cleansing
Effectively washes away dirt, bacteria, and built-up oil, leaving skin feeling refreshed and clean.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDeep 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.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains 2% Salicylic Acid. ACOG considers topical SA at 2% or less acceptable, but consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy.
Topical salicylic acid is unlikely to be absorbed or appear in breastmilk. Avoid application near breast area.
Contains Polysorbate 20 which can feed Malassezia yeast. Not recommended for fungal acne sufferers.
Rating 2/5. Unlikely to clog pores for most skin types. Non-comedogenic formula.
Contains essential oils (Tea Tree, Lavender). Patch test recommended for highly sensitive skin.
100% vegan formula with no animal testing. Certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSalicylic 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
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
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.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse 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.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash face with lukewarm water to dampen skin and prepare for cleansing.
Apply Cleanser
Dispense a small amount onto dampened hands. Gently massage onto face using circular motions, avoiding eye area.
Lather & Focus
Work into a deep cleansing lather, concentrating on areas of congestion and oiliness (T-zone, chin).
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry gently with a clean towel.
Start Slow
Begin with once daily use. Gradually increase to 2-3 times daily if needed. Reduce if dryness or peeling occurs.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect 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
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESPerfect match. Controls excess oil, unclogs pores, and reduces shine without stripping. Clinically tested to reduce surface oil by up to 47%.
Ideal for T-zone oiliness and breakouts. Balances oil production while gentle enough for normal areas. Users report balanced complexion.
Specifically formulated for acne. 87% of users reported clearer skin in consumer trials. Targets and prevents blemishes effectively.
Works well for occasional breakouts and pore maintenance. May be too active for daily use if skin is clear. Use 2-3x weekly.
May be drying. Start with 1x daily and always follow with a rich moisturizer. Reduce frequency if peeling occurs.
Contains essential oils which may irritate very sensitive skin. Patch test first. Some users report it's gentler than benzoyl peroxide.
Results timeline
WEEKS 6-8Initial 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 feelingPore 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 blackheadsVisible Improvement
Consumer trials showed noticeable reduction in blemishes. Skin texture improves and appears clearer. Breakouts become less frequent.
87% reported clearer skinOptimal Results
Full benefits realized with consistent use. Skin maintains clearer, more balanced appearance. Fewer new breakouts. Improved overall complexion.
80% saw significant improvementRatings by platform
14K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- 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
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame 2% salicylic acid concentration. Contains synthetic fragrance and dyes. More stripping formula without soothing botanicals. Works well but may be harsher on skin.
Contains salicylic acid plus ceramides and niacinamide for barrier support. More gentle formula. Better for dry/sensitive skin. Lacks antibacterial botanicals.
2% salicylic acid with willow bark, similar botanical approach. Fungal acne safe formula. Slightly different texture. Good natural alternative at lower price.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Check for color changes which may occur with natural ingredients.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed between uses.
Squeeze tube bottle with flip-top cap. Recyclable plastic packaging.
Yes - 6 fl oz exceeds TSA carry-on limits. Available in smaller sizes or transfer to travel container.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThis 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.
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
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Cleansing, Foaming, Hydrotrope, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 0 |
PEG-150 Distearate
Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Perfuming, Antioxidant
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking, Perfuming, Tonic
|
|








