Actine Control Gel De Limpeza
Actine Control Gel De Limpeza
Product Description
Darrow Actine Control Gel de Limpeza is a lightweight, foaming daily cleanser developed specifically for oily and acne-prone skin. Powered by Zinc Gluconate, pumpkin seed oil and a touch of Lactic Acid, it lifts away excess sebum, dirt and impurities while a cooling Menthyl Lactate finish leaves skin feeling fresh and shine-free. It is one of the most dermatologist-recommended oily-skin cleansers in Brazil.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Controls Excess Oil
Surfactants paired with Zinc Gluconate and pumpkin seed oil help dissolve sebum and leave a balanced, shine-free finish.
Targets Breakouts
Zinc Gluconate offers antibacterial and soothing benefits valued in formulas aimed at inflammatory acne.
Cooling Fresh Feel
Menthyl Lactate delivers a refreshing post-cleanse sensation that oily-skin users tend to love.
Derm-Trusted in Brazil
From Darrow, a Brazilian brand with 50+ years in cleansing and one of the most prescribed oily-skin lines locally.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Generally considered safe. It's a rinse-off cleanser with no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters. Confirm with your doctor.
Not considered safe. Polysorbate 20 is a known potential trigger for malassezia-prone skin.
Contains Parfum and Menthyl Lactate. The cooling/scented profile may sting or irritate very reactive or compromised skin.
Alcohol appears mid-list. In a rinse-off it's brief contact, but daily over-use can feel drying on dehydrated skin.
Preserved with Methylparaben and Propylparaben. Regarded as safe at cosmetic levels, but a consideration for those who avoid parabens.
As a cleanser it washes off, so it pairs well with most actives (retinol, vitamin C, BHA) used later in your routine.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
β‘ Zinc Gluconate Low % Proven
The zinc salt of gluconic acid, valued in oily and acne-focused formulas for its antibacterial and skin-calming properties. It's a hero active across the Actine oily-skin line.
- Source: Zinc is widely studied for antibacterial and wound-healing action and is noted as effective against inflammatory acne.
- Role here: Supports oil balance and helps soothe blemish-prone skin during cleansing.
π Lactic Acid (AHA) Trace Promising
A gentle alpha-hydroxy acid that helps loosen dead surface cells. In this formula it sits near the end of the list, so it mainly fine-tunes pH rather than acting as a strong exfoliant in a wash-off product.
- Source: Lactic acid is a well-researched AHA that exfoliates, hydrates and can support the skin barrier.
- Note: Contact time is short in a cleanser, so expect mild smoothing rather than deep peeling.
π Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil Low % Promising
Pumpkin seed oil ("Cucurbita") is the signature anti-oiliness active across Darrow's Actine range, traditionally credited with helping moderate the look of excess sebum.
- Source: Rich in linoleic acid, zinc and antioxidant carotenoids and vitamin E.
- Role here: Adds emollient feel and skin-supporting fatty acids without a heavy residue.
π΅ Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Low % Proven
One of the most recognized natural soothing ingredients, helping to calm and cool skin that can feel irritated after cleansing.
- Source: Contains antioxidant vitamins A, C and E plus hydrating polysaccharides.
- Role here: Helps offset the potential dryness of a foaming oily-skin cleanser.
βοΈ Menthyl Lactate Low % Promising
An ester of menthol and lactic acid that delivers menthol's signature cooling sensation while being less irritating than raw menthol.
- Source: Used as a cooling agent that leaves a refreshing after-feel.
- Note: The cooling tingle is pleasant for most oily-skin users but can bother sensitive skin.
23 ingredients
Water, Decyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 20, Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Methyl Gluceth-20, Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Benzoic Acid, Cetrimonium Bromide, Cucurbita Pepo Seed Oil, Disodium EDTA, EDTA, Parfum, Lactic Acid, Menthyl Lactate, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben, Zinc Gluconate.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Always the first step. Cleanse on damp skin, then follow with your actives, moisturizer, and SPF in the morning.
π How to Use
Wet your face
Splash with lukewarm water β hot water can over-strip oily skin and increase rebound shine.
Massage in a small amount
Apply a pea-to-dime-sized amount and massage gently in circular motions until it lathers, about 20β30 seconds.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse fully with water and pat dry. Avoid leaving residue, especially around the hairline and jaw.
Use AM & PM
Suitable for morning and night. If skin feels tight, start once daily (evening) and build up as tolerated.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or acne-prone skin
- You want a daily cleanser that cuts shine and excess sebum
- You like a fresh, cooling after-feel
- You want an affordable, derm-recommended option
- You layer actives later and want a clean rinse-off base
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have dry, very sensitive or eczema-prone skin
- You're managing fungal acne (malassezia)
- You prefer fragrance-free and paraben-free formulas
- You dislike a minty/cooling tingle
- Your skin reacts to astringent alcohol
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Built for this skin type β controls sebum and leaves a clean, shine-free finish.
Manages oily zones well; follow with a light moisturizer on drier areas.
Zinc supports blemish-prone skin, but not suitable if your breakouts are fungal acne.
Fragrance, menthol and alcohol mean a patch test is wise for reactive skin.
A bit too clarifying β dry skin may feel tight. A creamy cleanser suits better.
π Results Timeline
Immediate fresh-clean feel
Skin feels deeply cleansed and noticeably less oily, with a cooling minty after-feel.
90% notice instantlyBetter oil balance
Midday shine and that greasy feeling tend to ease with consistent twice-daily cleansing.
~70% report less shineClearer, smoother look
As part of a full routine, users often see fewer congested pores and a more even surface.
~60% see improvementβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Excellent at cutting oil and shine
- Refreshing, cooling clean feel
- Zinc + pumpkin seed oil targeted for oily skin
- Affordable and dermatologist-recommended
- Sulfate-free, silicone-free, soap-free
β Criticized
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Contains fragrance and menthol
- Preserved with parabens
- Astringent alcohol mid-list
- Can feel drying with over-use
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Streamlined 15-ingredient Brazilian gel cleanser with BHA for oily skin. Simpler, fragrance-light formula β fewer "extras" but very similar clarifying purpose.
Affordable Brazilian foam cleanser with niacinamide that is also fungal-acne safe and vegan β a better pick if malassezia is your concern.
Brazilian oily-skin cleanser with AHA plus niacinamide. Similar oil-control goal with an added brightening, pore-refining angle.
π Comparison with Competitors
Darrow Actine Control Gel (Featured)
~$9La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel
~$15Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel
~$20CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
~$16π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; close the tube tightly after use
Squeeze tube (bisnaga), available in 60g, 140g, 240g and 400g
Yes β the 60g tube is well under the 100ml carry-on limit
β Frequently Asked Questions
Generally yes. It's a rinse-off cleanser that contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens β the ingredients most often flagged during pregnancy. The small amount of Lactic Acid is considered fine in a wash-off product. It is preserved with parabens, which some people prefer to avoid as a personal choice, so always confirm with your OB-GYN or dermatologist.
No. The formula contains Polysorbate 20, which is a known potential trigger for malassezia (fungal acne). If you're specifically managing fungal acne, choose a fungal-acne-safe cleanser instead. For typical hormonal or bacterial breakouts on oily skin, this is not a concern for most users.
Yes. Because it's a cleanser that you rinse off, it doesn't meaningfully interact with leave-on actives. Cleanse first, then apply your vitamin C in the morning or your retinol/AHA/BHA at night, followed by moisturizer. If your skin feels sensitized from strong actives, you can switch to once-daily cleansing.
It's designed for oily, combination and acne-prone skin that wants oil control and a deep-clean feel. It rates excellent for oily and combination skin, good for acne-prone (non-fungal) skin, and is less ideal for dry or very sensitive skin, which may find it too clarifying.
The fresh, less-oily feeling is immediate. Reduced midday shine usually shows within 1β2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use, and clearer, smoother-looking skin tends to develop over 4β8 weeks when paired with a full routine. A cleanser supports your routine β leave-on treatments do most of the heavy lifting for acne.
It's always the first step. Use it on damp skin morning and night, then follow with toner (optional), treatments/serums, moisturizer, and β in the morning β sunscreen.
It's very low risk β we rate it about 1 out of 5. As a rinse-off cleanser it has minimal contact time, and the pumpkin seed oil it contains is low on the comedogenic scale. It's formulated specifically for acne-prone skin and is soap-free, sulfate-free and silicone-free.
Around 12 months after opening (check the PAO jar symbol on your tube). Keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight, and close the cap tightly to protect the formula.
Verdict: Darrow Actine Control Gel de Limpeza is a reliable, affordable, dermatologist-favorite cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin. It cuts shine effectively, feels refreshingly cool, and uses skin-friendly actives like Zinc Gluconate and pumpkin seed oil. The trade-offs are real: it contains fragrance, menthol, parabens and astringent alcohol, and it is not fungal-acne safe β so very sensitive, dry, or malassezia-prone users should look elsewhere. For everyone else with oily, congested skin who wants a budget-friendly daily cleanser, it's an easy recommendation.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
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 Β«promisesΒ» 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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Decyl Glucoside
Surfactant, Emulsion Stabilising, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 3 |
Polysorbate 20
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol
Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|