All About Clean™ Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
All About Clean™ Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
Clinique's All About Clean™ Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser is a dermatologist-developed, 100% fragrance-free cream-mousse cleanser designed for combination oily to oily skin. It lathers into a rich foam to dissolve pollution, excess oil, long-wearing makeup, and sunscreen — while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate condition the skin for a soft, non-stripped finish.
Rich Cream-Mousse Lather
Dispenses as a cream and whips into a luxurious, cushiony foam that deep cleans without that tight "squeaky" feeling.
Texture & feel
SENSORYRich Cream-Mousse Lather
Dispenses as a cream and whips into a luxurious, cushiony foam that deep cleans without that tight "squeaky" feeling.
Hydration Inside the Wash
Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate condition the skin during cleansing so the barrier isn't stripped.
Removes Makeup & SPF
Cuts through long-wearing foundation, mineral SPF residue, and pollution — ideal as the 2nd step in a double cleanse.
Sensitive-Skin Friendly
Zero fragrance, zero essential oils, zero SLS/SLES — allergy tested by Clinique's in-house dermatologists.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe to use throughout pregnancy and while nursing.
Contains sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, PEG-3 distearate, and potassium fatty-acid salts — technically not 100% FA-safe, but because it rinses off completely, most users tolerate it.
100% fragrance-free formula — ideal for rosacea, eczema-prone, and reactive skin. Allergy-tested by Clinique.
Pairs well with retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, AHA/BHA, and peptide serums — it leaves no active residue to interfere.
Oil-free formula rated 1/5 on the comedogenic scale. Safe for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin.
Formulated by Clinique's Guiding Dermatologists since the brand's founding in 1968 and extensively allergy-tested.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSPotassium Myristate + Potassium Salt Complex ~15-25%Proven
A saponified coconut and palm fatty-acid blend (myristate, palmitate, laurate, stearate, behenate) — the primary "true-soap" surfactants that give the cleanser its signature rich, creamy foam and excellent sebum-cutting ability.
- Function: Anionic surfactants that emulsify oil, makeup, and SPF so they rinse away cleanly.
- pH behavior: Potassium soaps sit on the alkaline side (pH ~9-10), which is why the cleanser rinses "squeaky" without stripping thanks to the conditioning agents added.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate ~2-5%Proven
A mild, coconut-derived, biodegradable secondary surfactant that boosts foam quality and softens the overall cleanse. Often used in baby and sensitive-skin shampoos.
- Source: Derived from coconut oil; known for low irritation potential and great lather stability.
Glycerin Top 3 (~5-10%)Proven
A gold-standard humectant positioned very high in the INCI (3rd ingredient) — it pulls water into the stratum corneum during the wash, counteracting the tightness that most soap-based cleansers create.
- Research: Multiple clinical studies confirm glycerin improves stratum-corneum hydration and reduces trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).
- In cleansers: Helps preserve the skin barrier during surfactant-based cleansing.
Sodium Hyaluronate <1%Promising
The water-soluble sodium salt of hyaluronic acid — smaller molecular weight than HA itself, so it penetrates slightly better. Binds water to the surface of the skin to reduce the "stripped" feel post-cleanse.
- Function: Humectant that can hold up to 1,000× its weight in water.
- In a rinse-off: Contact time is short, but enough residual HA remains to soften the post-wash feel.
Cholesteryl Hydroxystearate <1%Promising
A skin-identical lipid ester used to thicken the cream-mousse texture and help re-deposit a whisper of conditioning film on the skin — one of the reasons this cleanser feels soft instead of stripping.
- Function: Cholesterol is one of the three key lipids (with ceramides and fatty acids) of the skin's natural barrier.
PEG-3 Distearate + Butylene Glycol Combined ~3-5%Proven
PEG-3 distearate is an emulsifier/opacifier that gives the formula its pearly cream look; butylene glycol is a multi-tasking humectant and solvent that helps everything stay stable and rinse cleanly.
- Safety: Both are on the EWG low-hazard list and widely used in gentle-formulation skincare.
17 ingredients
Water, Potassium Myristate, Glycerin, Potassium Behenate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Potassium Palmitate, Potassium Laurate, Potassium Stearate, PEG-3 Distearate, Cholesteryl Hydroxystearate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trisodium EDTA, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, CI 60730 (Ext. Violet 2), CI 14700 (Red 4).
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the 2nd step of a PM double cleanse (after an oil or balm), or on its own in the morning for combination-oily skin.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet skin with lukewarm water
Avoid hot water — it can strip the barrier and trigger oil rebound. Lukewarm activates the creamy foam best.
Lather a dime-size amount between palms
The cream dispenses dense; emulsify it in wet hands until you get a rich, pillowy foam before it touches your face.
Massage onto wet skin for 30–60 seconds
Work in upward circles, avoiding the immediate eye area. This is where glycerin & sodium hyaluronate do their conditioning work.
Rinse thoroughly & pat dry
Rinse until no slip remains, then pat (don't rub) with a soft towel. Follow immediately with toner or serum while skin is still damp.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have combination-oily to oily skin that gets shiny by midday
- You wear makeup or SPF daily and want a foaming 2nd cleanse
- You've reacted to fragrance or essential oils in other cleansers
- You like a classic sudsy foam feel (not a gel or milk)
- You need a dermatologist-tested, allergy-screened formula
- You want a cleanser that won't interfere with retinol or actives
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry, dehydrated, or mature skin (prefers a cream cleanser)
- You have a damaged barrier or active eczema flare (pH is alkaline)
- You are strictly fungal-acne (malassezia) avoidant
- You prefer low-pH or amino-acid based cleansers (5.5 pH range)
- You want exfoliation / acid cleansing in the same product
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThe formula is purpose-built for oily skin — efficiently dissolves sebum, sunscreen, and long-wearing makeup without the post-wash "tight" feel.
Balances T-zone oil without over-drying drier cheeks, thanks to glycerin and hyaluronate humectants.
Oil-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free — pairs well with BHA and retinoid treatments layered afterward.
Allergy-tested and 100% fragrance-free, but the potassium-soap base is slightly alkaline — patch test if your barrier is compromised.
May feel too clarifying for truly dry skin. Clinique's Liquid Facial Soap Mild or a cream cleanser is a better match.
Works well for mature oily/combination skin; if skin reads as dry with age, swap to a more emollient option.
Results timeline
6–8 WEEKSClean, soft, non-stripped skin
Makeup, SPF, and oil rinse away completely. Skin feels fresh and soft — not that "tight" feeling typical of soap-bar cleansers.
~85% noticed immediatelyBalanced oil production
T-zone shine is noticeably more controlled by midday. Pores appear less congested as daily removal of excess sebum becomes consistent.
~70% noticedClearer, smoother texture
Congestion and small bumps reduce; makeup applies more smoothly because the skin surface is cleaner and better prepped.
~60% noticedConsistent clarity & comfort
Established as a daily cleanser: no irritation, no barrier stripping, skin reads as clearer and more even-toned when paired with the rest of a good routine.
~55% noticedRatings by platform
7K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Rich, luxurious cream-mousse foam feels more premium than typical foaming cleansers
- Completely fragrance-free — safe for sensitive, rosacea, and eczema-prone users
- Removes long-wearing makeup and mineral SPF in one pass
- Doesn't leave skin feeling tight, stripped, or squeaky
- Dermatologist-developed and thoroughly allergy-tested
- Sustainable packaging — tube is 39% PCR + 28% plant-derived plastic
- Non-comedogenic & oil-free — suitable for acne-prone skin
Criticized
- Alkaline pH (~9–10) may not suit users committed to low-pH cleansing
- Premium price vs. comparable drugstore foaming cleansers
- Not strictly fungal-acne (malassezia) safe due to fatty-acid soaps
- Too clarifying for genuinely dry or dehydrated skin types
- Contains CI 60730 & CI 14700 colorants (aesthetic only, no skin benefit)
- Tube packaging can be tricky to squeeze out the very last of the product
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Similar foaming experience for oily/combo skin at roughly half the price. Adds ceramides + niacinamide but uses a different surfactant system (cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine instead of potassium soaps). Closer to neutral pH — a better pick if you want to avoid alkaline cleansers.
French-pharmacy equivalent aimed at the same oily/combo-skin user. Fragrance-free and dermatologist-developed with thermal spring water. Slightly gel-ier texture than Clinique's cream-mousse, but comparable deep-cleansing performance.
Ultra-gentle, fragrance-free, dermatologist-trusted option at drugstore pricing. Less rich lather than the Clinique formula and less effective on heavy makeup — but arguably milder for reactive or very sensitive skin.
Foaming texture with a gentle surfactant system at the lowest price point of the group. Not as luxurious as Clinique's cream-mousse feel, and less effective at removing long-wear makeup, but a solid everyday basic.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Clinique All About Clean Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening (12M symbol on tube)
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Bathroom shelf is fine; keep cap firmly closed.
Squeeze tube — minimum 39% post-consumer recycled plastic + 28% plant-derived plastic; cap is 25% PCR.
Yes — 30ml travel size available and fits TSA 100ml liquid rules. Full 150ml size is carry-on compliant for checked baggage only.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreen filters, or essential oils that are typically flagged during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It's a simple, fragrance-free cleanser based on potassium soaps, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate — all widely considered pregnancy-safe. That said, always clear new products with your OB/GYN if you have specific concerns.
Technically no — it contains sodium methyl cocoyl taurate (coconut-derived) and PEG-3 distearate, which are on malassezia-sensitive lists. However, because this is a rinse-off product with very short skin contact time (under 60 seconds), most fungal-acne-prone users tolerate it well. If you're strictly avoiding all potential triggers, opt for a fragrance-free gel cleanser using only SLS, SLES, or cocamidopropyl betaine as the surfactant.
Yes — this cleanser is an excellent partner for active routines. Because it rinses away cleanly and contains no conflicting actives, it won't interfere with retinoids, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), glycolic/lactic acid (AHA), or salicylic acid (BHA). Simply cleanse, pat nearly-dry, then apply your active as normal. If you use strong actives, consider following with a hydrating toner or essence to buffer.
It's specifically formulated for combination-oily and oily skin. The rich cream-mousse foam deep-cleans sebum and makeup, while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate prevent the stripped feeling that oily-skin cleansers often cause. Acne-prone skin also does well with it. If your skin is truly dry, dehydrated, or mature-dry, Clinique's Liquid Facial Soap Mild formulation is a gentler fit.
Immediate: skin feels clean, soft, and not stripped after the very first wash. Within 1–2 weeks most users notice better T-zone oil balance and less midday shine. By 3–4 weeks, skin texture often reads smoother and pores look less congested. Keep in mind a cleanser is a supporting product — it prepares the canvas — so long-term skin goals still depend on your serum, treatment, and SPF steps.
It's your first step in the morning, and your second step (after an oil/balm cleanser) in a PM double cleanse. Order: (PM optional oil cleanser) →this foaming cleanser → toner or essence → serum/actives → moisturizer → SPF (AM only). Use twice a day, or once daily in the evening with a gentler option in the morning if your skin feels over-cleansed.
No — it's oil-free and non-comedogenic, with an overall comedogenic rating of roughly 1 out of 5. None of the ingredients are flagged as pore-clogging at the levels used. Clinique officially labels it safe for acne-prone skin, and thousands of Ulta and Sephora reviewers confirm no breakout reactions with consistent use.
12 months after opening (12M symbol on the packaging). Because phenoxyethanol is used as the preservative and the tube minimizes air exposure, the product stays stable for a full year. Most users finish the 150ml tube in 2–4 months when using it twice daily, well within the PAO window. Store away from direct sunlight and heat for best results.
Verdict: Clinique's All About Clean Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser is a reliable, dermatologist-developed workhorse for oily and combination skin. Its stand-out features are the luxurious cream-mousse lather, the zero-fragrance formulation, and the clever addition of glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to condition during the cleanse. It's not the cheapest foaming cleanser on the market and it's not the lowest-pH either, but it delivers a consistently clean, non-stripped finish and plays nicely with every active in your routine. A smart choice if you want a gentle-yet-effective daily foaming cleanse from a trusted allergy-tested brand.
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 skin’s 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 «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.
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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 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
|
|
|
| 0 |
Potassium Myristate
Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Potassium Behenate
Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|