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Acne Foaming Cleanser

Acne Foaming Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in USA INDIE

A fluffy foaming cleanser powered by 2% salicylic acid (BHA) that exfoliates on the skin's surface and deep within pores. Formulated with soothing witch hazel and aloe vera to calm irritation while fighting acne, breakouts, and clogged pores for clean, comfortable skin.

2% Salicylic Acid Vegan Cruelty-Free Fragrance-Free Sulfate-Free Paraben-Free Soap-Free pH 4-4.4
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
0/5
Size
148ml / 5.4 fl oz
Type
Foaming Cleanser
Target
Acne & Pores
pH Level
4.0-4.4
Certified
Leaping Bunny
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

2% Salicylic Acid (BHA)

FDA-recognized concentration for treating acne. Penetrates deep into pores to dissolve oil, dead skin cells, and debris.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Fluffy Foam
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
Rinse-Off
Finish
Clean & Soft

2% Salicylic Acid (BHA)

FDA-recognized concentration for treating acne. Penetrates deep into pores to dissolve oil, dead skin cells, and debris.

Witch Hazel Extract

Natural astringent with anti-inflammatory properties that helps tighten pores and reduce redness without harsh alcohols.

Organic Aloe Vera

Soothes and calms irritated skin while providing gentle hydration to prevent the tight, stripped feeling after cleansing.

Gentle Surfactants

Plant-derived cleansing agents (Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate) that create rich foam without stripping skin's natural barrier.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy

Contains 2% salicylic acid, which is at the ACOG limit. Wash-off products have minimal absorption, but consult your healthcare provider. Generally considered safer than leave-on BHA products.

Breastfeeding

Safe for topical use while breastfeeding according to LactMed. Avoid applying to areas that may contact baby's skin. Minimal systemic absorption from wash-off products.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Formula is free from oils, fatty acids, esters, and ferments that feed malassezia yeast. Salicylic acid can actually help treat fungal acne by unclogging pores.

Non-Comedogenic

Rating 0/5. Contains no pore-clogging ingredients. Glycerin and propanediol have comedogenic ratings of 0. Safe for acne-prone skin.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Salicylic Acid 2%Proven

A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that's oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into pores and dissolve the sebum and dead skin cells that cause acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.

  • FDA Status: Recognized as safe and effective OTC acne treatment at 0.5-2%
  • Mechanism: Exfoliates inside pores, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial
  • Clinical Evidence: Proven to reduce acne lesions by 40-60% in 8-12 weeks
May cause initial dryness or mild purging. Start with once daily use and build tolerance gradually.

Witch Hazel Leaf ExtractProven

A natural botanical extract with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike witch hazel distillate, the leaf extract is alcohol-free and provides soothing benefits without irritation.

  • Benefits: Reduces inflammation, tightens pores, calms redness
  • Form: Alcohol-free extract (not distillate)
  • Research: Contains tannins with proven anti-inflammatory effects
Alcohol-free formulation means no drying or irritating effects common with witch hazel toners.

Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PowderProven

Concentrated form of aloe vera that provides soothing, hydrating, and healing benefits. Helps counteract any potential drying effects from salicylic acid.

  • Benefits: Soothes irritation, provides hydration, supports healing
  • Active Compounds: Contains vitamins A, C, E and natural antioxidants
  • Clinical Evidence: Proven wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties

GlycerinProven

A powerful humectant naturally found in skin's natural moisturizing factor. Draws moisture into skin and helps maintain hydration during cleansing.

  • Research: 2016 study found glycerin more effective than hyaluronic acid as humectant
  • Comedogenic Rating: 0 - will not clog pores
  • Function: Prevents that tight, stripped feeling after cleansing

13 ingredients

Water, Propanediol, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Lauryl Glucoside, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Gluconate, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Sorbic Acid, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Citric Acid

FREE FROM: Fragrance, Parabens, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Soap, Alcohol, Silicones, Mineral Oil, Artificial Colors, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Gluten
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 routine. Can be used AM and/or PM. If double cleansing, use after oil-based cleanser.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash lukewarm water on your face. Avoid hot water as it can strip skin and cause irritation.

2

Apply & Massage

Pump foam into hands and gently massage onto wet skin for 20-30 seconds. Focus on oily areas and pores.

3

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse with lukewarm water until all product is removed. Pat dry with a clean towel.

4

Follow Up

Continue with toner, serums, and moisturizer. Always apply sunscreen in the morning.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have acne-prone or breakout-prone skin
  • You struggle with blackheads and clogged pores
  • You have oily or combination skin
  • You want a gentle daily exfoliating cleanser
  • You prefer fragrance-free, clean formulas
  • You have fungal acne (malassezia)
  • You want affordable, science-backed skincare

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very dry or sensitive skin
  • Your skin barrier is compromised
  • You already use multiple BHA/AHA products
  • You're pregnant and want to avoid all BHA
  • You have a salicylic acid allergy or aspirin sensitivity
  • You prefer a hydrating, non-foaming cleanser
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Perfect match. Salicylic acid dissolves excess sebum and unclogs pores. Foaming action removes oil without over-stripping.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Ideal for T-zone oiliness and breakouts. Gentle enough for drier cheeks when followed with moisturizer.

Acne-Prone
Excellent

Designed specifically for this skin type. 2% BHA at optimal pH treats and prevents breakouts effectively.

Normal Skin
Good

Works well for occasional breakouts and prevention. May use 3-4x weekly instead of daily if skin is balanced.

Dry Skin
Moderate

Use sparingly (2-3x weekly) and follow with hydrating products. May cause dryness if overused.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

Patch test first. Aloe and witch hazel help soothe, but 2% salicylic acid may irritate very sensitive skin. Start slowly.

08

Results timeline

WEEKS 8-12
Week 1

Initial Cleansing Effect

Skin feels cleaner and less oily immediately after use. Pores may begin to purge (mild increase in breakouts is normal as clogged pores clear).

85% notice cleaner feel
Weeks 2-3

Reduced Oiliness & Breakouts

Visible reduction in new breakouts. Existing pimples begin to heal faster. Blackheads start to diminish. Skin texture improves.

70% see fewer new breakouts
Weeks 4-6

Clearer Complexion

Significant improvement in overall clarity. Pores appear smaller. Skin tone becomes more even. Fewer clogged pores and blackheads.

80% report clearer skin
Weeks 8-12

Optimal Results

Full acne-fighting benefits realized. Smoother, clearer complexion maintained. Post-acne marks begin to fade with consistent use.

75% achieve desired clarity
09

Ratings by platform

1K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.4
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users report initial dryness or mild irritation when first starting
Ulta Beauty
4.3
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Pump dispenser can be finicky; some prefer tube packaging
Beautylish
4.5
Rating
365+
Reviews
Main complaint: Wish it came in a larger size option for daily users
Brand Website
4.4
Rating
360+
Reviews
Main complaint: May not be strong enough for severe cystic acne
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Effective 2% salicylic acid concentration
  • Affordable price point ($12 for 148ml)
  • Clean, simple 13-ingredient formula
  • Fragrance-free and gentle surfactants
  • Fungal acne safe formulation
  • Vegan and cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny)
  • Doesn't leave skin feeling stripped
  • Helps reduce blackheads and pore congestion
  • Widely available at Target, Ulta, Amazon

Criticized

  • Can cause initial dryness in some users
  • May trigger purging period (1-2 weeks)
  • Not hydrating enough for dry skin types
  • Pump dispenser can malfunction
  • Only one size available (148ml)
  • May not be strong enough for severe acne
  • Contains witch hazel (some prefer to avoid)
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
90% Match
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
$11.99
Similar

Also contains 2% salicylic acid with zinc. Very similar formula and price point. Slightly different texture (gel vs foam).

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

Drugstore classic with 2% salicylic acid. Contains fragrance and SLS. More drying but very affordable and widely available.

75% Match
Gentle Facial Cleanser
$9.99 + $12
Alternative

Separate cleanser and leave-on BHA for more control. Better for sensitive skin but requires extra step.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Renewing SA Cleanser
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Size 237ml / 8 oz
Price per oz $2.12/oz
Fragrance None
Sulfates None
Added Benefits Ceramides, Niacinamide, HA
Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Salicylic Acid 2%
Size 200ml / 6.76 oz
Price per oz $2.66/oz
Fragrance None
Sulfates SLES
Added Benefits Zinc, LHA
Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Size 177ml / 6 oz
Price per oz $2.67/oz
Fragrance None
Sulfates SLES
Added Benefits Panthenol
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

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

Packaging

Pump bottle dispenser (148ml/5.4 fl oz)

Travel Friendly

Yes, TSA compliant (under 100ml limit when partially used). Consider transfer to travel container.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

This cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid, which is at the upper limit recommended by ACOG during pregnancy. Since it's a wash-off product with minimal skin contact time, absorption is low. However, if you want to be extra cautious during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider or opt for a salicylic acid-free cleanser. For breastfeeding, topical salicylic acid is generally considered safe according to LactMed, but avoid applying to areas that may contact baby's skin.

Yes! This cleanser is fungal acne safe. It contains no oils, fatty acids, esters, or fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast. Additionally, salicylic acid can actually help treat fungal acne by exfoliating dead skin cells and keeping pores clear. The formula uses gentle, plant-derived surfactants that won't trigger fungal acne flares.

Yes, but with caution. Since this cleanser contains 2% BHA, using additional exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA) may cause irritation or over-exfoliation. If using retinol at night, consider using this cleanser in the AM only. Vitamin C can be used in the same routine—apply after cleansing. Start slowly when combining actives and watch for signs of irritation like redness, peeling, or sensitivity.

This cleanser is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It's excellent for those struggling with blackheads, clogged pores, and breakouts. Normal skin can use it for maintenance. Dry or sensitive skin types should use sparingly (2-3x weekly) and always follow with moisturizer. Not recommended as a daily cleanser for very dry or compromised skin barriers.

Most users notice cleaner-feeling skin immediately. Reduced oiliness and fewer new breakouts typically appear within 2-3 weeks. Significant improvement in overall clarity, smaller-looking pores, and reduction in blackheads usually occurs at 4-6 weeks. Optimal results with consistent use are seen at 8-12 weeks. Note: Initial purging (temporary increase in breakouts) may occur in the first 1-2 weeks as clogged pores clear.

Use as your first step (or second step if double cleansing with an oil cleanser). Apply to wet skin, massage for 20-30 seconds, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with toner, serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). Can be used morning and/or night. For best results, use consistently but adjust frequency based on your skin's response.

No, this cleanser is non-comedogenic with a rating of 0/5. None of the 13 ingredients are known to clog pores. Glycerin and propanediol both have comedogenic ratings of 0. The salicylic acid actually helps unclog existing pores. This formula is specifically designed for acne-prone skin and will not cause breakouts from pore-clogging.

The cleanser has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight with the cap tightly closed. With twice-daily use, the 148ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months. The product contains preservatives (potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, sorbic acid) to maintain stability and safety throughout its shelf life.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Good Molecules Acne Foaming Cleanser delivers an effective, no-frills approach to acne treatment at an unbeatable price point. With a full 2% salicylic acid concentration, clean 13-ingredient formula, and fungal acne-safe formulation, it's an excellent choice for oily and acne-prone skin types seeking affordable, science-backed skincare. The fragrance-free, sulfate-free formula is gentler than many drugstore alternatives while remaining highly effective. Best suited for those who want straightforward acne-fighting power without unnecessary additives. Highly recommended for budget-conscious skincare enthusiasts dealing with breakouts, blackheads, and clogged pores.

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.

Awesome, I Understand!

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

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Salicylic Acid Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
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!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1 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
50% 25% 25%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 12 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 Unknown
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
0 Unknown
Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate
Cleansing
1 B
Lauryl Glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing
4 B
Salicylic Acid
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Denaturant, Preservative, Exfoliant, Keratolytic, Corn/Callus/Wart Remover
brightening Brightening
ache Ache-fighting
Pores
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS