All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap
All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap
Product Description
Product overview
A dermatologist-developed liquid facial cleanser that gently removes dirt, oil, and debris while maintaining skin's natural moisture balance. Part of Clinique's iconic 3-Step Skincare System, this quick-rinsing formula leaves skin feeling clean, comfortable, and refreshed without tightness or dryness.
Dermatologist-Developed Formula
Created with dermatological expertise as part of the iconic 3-Step System pioneered in 1968.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDermatologist-Developed Formula
Created with dermatological expertise as part of the iconic 3-Step System pioneered in 1968.
Moisture-Protecting Cleanse
Gentle surfactant blend removes impurities without stripping skin's natural protective barrier.
Soothing Aloe & Sucrose
Calming botanicals help prevent irritation while cleaning, leaving skin comfortable.
Hyaluronic Acid Boost
Sodium Hyaluronate provides hydrating benefits even in a rinse-off cleanser.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, or other pregnancy-restricted ingredients. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains some surfactants that may trigger fungal acne in sensitive individuals. Patch test recommended if prone to malassezia.
Rated 1/5 for pore-clogging potential. Non-acnegenic formula suitable for acne-prone skin.
100% fragrance-free and allergy tested. Ophthalmologist tested safe for use around eyes.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSucroseSoothing
A natural sugar that acts as a humectant and skin-soothing agent. Helps calm and comfort skin during cleansing while providing mild hydrating benefits.
- Function: Humectant, skin conditioner, soothing agent
- Benefits: Calms irritation, attracts moisture to skin
Sodium HyaluronateHydrating
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water. Provides hydrating benefits even in a rinse-off cleanser.
- Function: Humectant, skin-conditioning agent
- Benefits: Draws moisture to skin, prevents post-cleansing tightness
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceSoothing
Natural aloe vera extract known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties. Helps calm skin during cleansing.
- Function: Soothing agent, skin conditioner, antioxidant
- Benefits: Reduces inflammation, promotes healing, provides gentle hydration
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)Antioxidant
A stable form of Vitamin E that provides antioxidant protection. Helps protect skin from environmental stressors while cleansing.
- Function: Antioxidant, skin-conditioning agent
- Benefits: Protects against free radicals, supports skin barrier
23 ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Tea-Cocoyl Glutamate, Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sucrose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetyl Triethylmonium Dimethicone PEG-8 Succinate, Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-7, Laureth-2, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Sulfate, Tocopheryl Acetate, EDTA, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as Step 1 in Clinique's 3-Step System. Follow with Clarifying Lotion and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Face & Hands
Splash lukewarm water on your face and wet your hands thoroughly.
Create Lather
Dispense a small amount into palms and work into a gentle lather between your hands.
Massage Gently
Apply to makeup-free face and neck using gentle circular motions, avoiding eye area.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat skin dry with a clean towel. Use twice daily, AM and PM.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry to combination skin
- You want a gentle, non-stripping cleanser
- You prefer fragrance-free skincare
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have sensitive or allergy-prone skin
- You want a simple, effective daily cleanser
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very oily skin (try Oily Skin formula)
- You need heavy makeup removal (use makeup remover first)
- You have active fungal acne breakouts
- You prefer cream or oil cleansers
- You want a cleanser with active exfoliants
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESGentle formula with sucrose and hyaluronic acid won't strip moisture. Leaves skin comfortable, not tight.
Designed specifically for dry-combination skin. Balances cleansing without over-drying.
May not provide enough cleansing power for very oily skin. Consider the Oily Skin Formula instead.
Fragrance-free, allergy tested formula. Contains soothing aloe and sucrose to calm reactive skin.
Non-acnegenic and non-comedogenic. Good for acne-prone skin, though lacks active acne-fighting ingredients.
Results timeline
WEEK 4+Clean, Refreshed Feeling
Skin feels clean and comfortable immediately after use without any tightness, dryness, or residue.
95% report immediate cleanlinessBalanced Skin
Consistent use helps maintain skin's moisture balance. Less surface flaking, skin feels more comfortable throughout the day.
85% notice improved comfortHealthier-Looking Skin
When used as part of the complete 3-Step System, skin appears clearer, smoother, and more radiant.
78% report healthier-looking skinRatings by platform
7K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Gentle, non-stripping formula
- 100% fragrance-free
- Dermatologist and allergy tested
- Leaves skin feeling clean but comfortable
- Safe for sensitive skin and pregnancy
- Quick-rinsing, no residue
- Long-lasting bottle (3-4 months of daily use)
- Eco-friendly recyclable packaging
Criticized
- Contains SLES (not completely sulfate-free)
- May be too mild for very oily skin
- Won't remove heavy/waterproof makeup alone
- Higher price than drugstore alternatives
- Some prefer former bar soap formula
- Not ideal for fungal acne-prone skin
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar gentle, non-foaming formula with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Contains no fragrance. Better for very dry skin but may feel less clean for combo skin.
Classic gentle cleanser that's fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Simpler formula without hyaluronic acid. Works well for sensitive skin.
Ultra-gentle, free of dyes and fragrances. Ideal for extremely sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Less foaming action than Clinique.
French pharmacy brand with prebiotic thermal water and ceramides. Milky texture, very gentle but needs more product per use.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Keep cap tightly closed.
Recyclable bottle (96% plant-derived plastic) with flip-top cap (25% post-consumer recycled material)
6.7 oz exceeds TSA limit. Travel size (1 oz/30ml) available. Standard size safe for checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cleanser is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or other pregnancy-restricted ingredients. The formula is dermatologist-tested and fragrance-free, making it a gentle choice for expectant and nursing mothers.
Use with caution if you're prone to fungal acne. While this cleanser is a rinse-off product (reducing potential issues), it contains some surfactants and conditioning agents that may trigger malassezia in sensitive individuals. If you have active fungal acne, consider patch testing first or choosing a confirmed FA-safe cleanser.
Yes, this gentle cleanser is compatible with all actives including retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Its non-stripping formula won't exacerbate irritation from active treatments. Always apply actives to clean, dry skin after cleansing and wait for products to absorb before layering.
The Mild formula is designed for dry to combination skin. Clinique offers three formulas: Extra Mild (very dry to dry skin), Mild (dry combination skin), and Oily Skin Formula (combination oily to oily skin). This Mild version works best for those who want a gentle cleanse without over-drying or leaving residue.
As a cleanser, you'll feel results immediately—skin feels clean and refreshed after the first use. For best results, use consistently twice daily as part of Clinique's 3-Step System. After 2-4 weeks of regular use, most people notice more balanced, comfortable skin with less surface dryness.
This cleanser is Step 1 in your routine—use it first, morning and night. If wearing makeup, remove with a makeup remover or cleansing balm first, then follow with this soap. After cleansing, continue with toner/exfoliant, treatments, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM).
No, this cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5 and is labeled non-acnegenic by Clinique. It's designed to cleanse without clogging pores. The quick-rinsing formula means ingredients don't sit on skin long enough to cause blockages. Safe for acne-prone skin.
The product has a 12-month PAO (Period After Opening). The 6.7 oz bottle typically lasts 3-4 months with twice-daily use. Store at room temperature with cap closed. If you notice changes in color, texture, or smell, discontinue use.
Verdict: Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap Mild is a reliable, dermatologist-developed cleanser that delivers exactly what it promises—a gentle, effective cleanse without stripping the skin. Its fragrance-free, allergy-tested formula makes it an excellent choice for sensitive skin and those seeking a no-frills daily cleanser. While the price is higher than drugstore alternatives and it may be too mild for very oily skin, the quality ingredients (hyaluronic acid, aloe, sucrose), pregnancy-safe formula, and legacy of the Clinique brand justify the investment for those with dry to combination skin. A solid staple in any minimalist skincare routine.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Lauramidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Chloride
Masking, Viscosity Controlling, Bulking Agent
|
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 2 |
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|








