Anti-Bacterial Cleanser
Anti-Bacterial Cleanser
Product Description
tbh. Anti-Bacterial Cleanser is a creamy, non-foaming face wash that targets breakout-causing bacteria and unclogs pores โ without benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or any stripping harsh actives. Built on the brand's patented biofilm technology, it cleanses deeply while keeping acne-prone skin calm, balanced, and hydrated.
โจ Texture & Feel
Antibacterial Biofilm Tech
Patented technology helps break down the protective biofilm layer that shields breakout-causing bacteria, so the cleanser can target the source of congestion.
Hydrating, Not Stripping
Glycerin and apricot kernel oil cleanse without that tight, squeaky-dry feeling, so skin stays balanced and comfortable after rinsing.
No Harsh Actives
Free from benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid โ no stinging, no over-drying, and no bleached towels or pillowcases.
Twice-Daily Gentle Use
A mild surfactant blend keeps it gentle enough for morning and night, on all skin types including sensitive and breakout-prone.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Generally considered safe โ it's a rinse-off cleanser with no retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. Always confirm with your OB or midwife.
Not recommended for strict fungal-acne routines. It contains fatty acids and esters (stearic acid, cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, apricot oil) that can feed Malassezia.
Plays well with the rest of your routine โ cleanse first, then apply vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol, or AHA/BHA treatments as normal.
Fragrance-free and sulfate-free with no harsh exfoliating actives, making it a low-irritation choice for reactive, breakout-prone skin.
Contains citric acid, but at the low pH-adjusting level typical of cleansers โ not a leave-on exfoliant. Daily SPF is still recommended.
Vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-safe with no parabens, silicones, or harsh alcohols. No common allergens listed.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งผ Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate Lead surfactant Proven
The primary cleansing agent and a widely used mild alternative to harsh sulfates. It lifts oil, sweat, and impurities while being gentle enough for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Function: Anionic surfactant permitted in "sulfate-free" formulas.
- Why it matters: Cleanses effectively without the barrier-stripping reputation of SLS/SLES.
๐ฅฅ Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Co-surfactant Proven
A coconut-derived ultra-gentle cleanser (often called "SCI") that creates a soft, creamy cleanse without the tight, drying feel of traditional foaming agents.
- Source: Derived from coconut oil fatty acids.
- Benefit: Cleans without disrupting the skin barrier or natural oils.
๐ฆ Glycerin Humectant Proven
A powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the skin, offsetting the dryness many acne cleansers cause and leaving skin hydrated after rinsing.
- Research: A 2016 study found glycerin to be a more effective humectant than hyaluronic acid and AHAs.
- Bonus: Supports the skin barrier and has mild antimicrobial properties.
๐ Citric Acid (AHA) <1% ยท pH Promising
An alpha-hydroxy acid from citrus fruits. Here it's used mainly as a pH adjuster to keep the formula skin-friendly, and it assists in disrupting the bacterial biofilm.
- Note: Meaningful AHA exfoliation only occurs at high concentrations (~20%), far above cleanser levels.
- Role here: Maintains a slightly acidic pH that supports the skin's acid mantle.
๐ Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil Emollient Promising
Apricot kernel oil softens and conditions skin thanks to fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acid, plus antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E that help defend against free radicals.
- Emollient: Helps keep skin supple and comfortable during cleansing.
- Antioxidants: Vitamins A, C, and E support overall skin health.
๐ง Stearic Acid Emollient Proven
A fatty acid that softens skin, supports the protective barrier by reducing water loss, and gives the cleanser its creamy, cushioned texture.
- Roles: Emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
- Source: Typically from vegetable fats like coconut or shea.
๐ก๏ธ Caprylyl Glycol Multi-tasker Proven
A gentle alcohol derived from fatty acids that acts as a humectant and emollient while also boosting preservation, helping retain moisture and extend shelf life.
- Hydration: Attracts and locks in moisture without drying.
- Stability: Has mild antimicrobial activity, often paired with phenoxyethanol.
๐ฆ Chlorphenesin Antimicrobial Proven
A synthetic preservative and biocide that protects the formula against bacterial growth and supports the product's overall antibacterial positioning.
- Function: Fights microorganisms and odour-causing bacteria.
- Pairing: Used alongside phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol for stability.
15 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum.
Exact ingredient percentages are not publicly disclosed by the brand. Always check the packaging before use, as formulations can change.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use it as your main cleanser, morning and night. In the evening, double cleanse โ start with a jelly or oil cleanser to remove makeup and SPF, then follow with this antibacterial wash for a deeper clean.
๐ How to Use
Wet Your Face
Splash with lukewarm water, then squeeze a small amount of cleanser into your hands.
Massage Gently
Apply to the face and massage in gentle circles for at least 60 seconds to let the formula work.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off completely with water and pat dry with a clean towel. It won't lather like a foaming wash.
Repeat AM & PM
Use twice daily as your regular cleanser. At night, double cleanse first if wearing makeup or sunscreen.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have breakout- or acne-prone skin and want a gentle daily cleanser
- Your skin reacts badly to benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
- You want clean skin without tightness, dryness, or stinging
- You prefer vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free formulas
- You like a non-foaming, creamy cleansing experience
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You specifically manage fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You love a rich, foaming, squeaky-clean lather
- You want a clinically dosed BP or BHA acne treatment
- You're on a tight budget and want a basic cleanser
- You need a strong exfoliating or makeup-melting cleanser
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Dissolves excess oil and unclogs pores without triggering the rebound greasiness harsh foaming washes can cause.
Balances oily zones while keeping drier areas comfortable, thanks to the humectant-rich, non-stripping base.
Purpose-built for breakouts โ antibacterial focus and no benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid harshness.
Fragrance-free and gentle, though it contains preservatives and low-level AHA โ patch test if very reactive.
More hydrating than most acne cleansers, but dry skin should always follow with a richer moisturiser.
๐ Results Timeline
First Changes
Skin feels noticeably cleaner and calmer, with many reviewers reporting less redness and irritation within the first couple of weeks.
Many noticed in 1โ2 weeksClearer Skin
In the brand's 6-week consumer study, the routine showed visible improvement, with fewer and less frequent breakouts as the skin settles.
84% saw clearer skin (6-wk study)Maintenance
With consistent twice-daily use, reviewers describe sustained clarity, smoother texture, and fewer recurring breakouts over the longer term.
71% fewer breakouts (6-wk study)โญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Genuinely gentle โ cleanses without stripping or drying
- No benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid (no bleached towels)
- Hydrating, creamy feel that soothes redness
- Vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and reef safe
- Very strong real-world feedback (4.8/5 across 585+ reviews)
- Suitable for twice-daily use and sensitive skin
โ Criticized
- Premium price for a cleanser ($24.95 / 125 mL)
- Non-foaming texture is an adjustment for lather-lovers
- Not fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe
- Fragrance-free / "no scent" disliked by some users
- Often backordered with limited international retail
- Antibacterial claims rely on a brand-funded consumer study
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Famously gentle, non-stripping, and fragrance-free โ a close match on the "won't dry you out" front, but it has no antibacterial biofilm technology or acne-specific positioning.
Creamy, hydrating, non-foaming wash with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Great for the barrier and similarly comfortable, but built for hydration rather than targeting breakouts.
An affordable Aussie soap-free staple that's very mild on the skin. It matches the gentle, low-irritation experience but is purely basic cleansing with no acne actives.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
tbh. Anti-Bacterial Cleanser (Featured)
$24.95CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
$21.99Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
$28.00La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
$24.95๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Squeeze tube
30 mL mini is carry-on friendly; the 125 mL full size exceeds the 100 mL liquid limit
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes. It's a rinse-off cleanser with none of the actives usually flagged during pregnancy โ no retinoids, no benzoyl peroxide, no salicylic acid, and no hydroquinone. The citric acid present is at a low, pH-adjusting level rather than an exfoliating dose. As with any product, confirm with your OB-GYN or midwife about your individual situation.
No, it isn't recommended for strict fungal-acne (Malassezia folliculitis) routines. It contains fatty acids and esters โ including stearic acid, cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, and apricot kernel oil โ that can feed Malassezia yeast. Because it's a rinse-off product the contact time is short, so some people tolerate it, but it can't be considered fully FA-safe.
Yes. As a gentle daily cleanser it pairs well with active ingredients. Simply cleanse first, then apply your vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol, or AHA/BHA treatments afterward as you normally would. Because it doesn't contain its own strong leave-on acids, there's no real risk of over-exfoliating from the cleanser itself.
It's designed for all skin types but shines on oily, combination, and acne- or breakout-prone skin. Sensitive and dry skin can use it too โ it's fragrance-free and hydrating for a cleanser โ though dry skin should always follow with a richer moisturiser.
Many users report calmer, cleaner skin within 1โ2 weeks. The brand's 6-week consumer study (127 participants, testing the cleanser alongside the spot treatment and pimple patches) reported that 84% saw visibly clearer skin and 71% had less frequent breakouts. Results vary with your skin type and the rest of your routine.
It's your main cleanser, used morning and night. In the morning, cleanse first, then layer toner, treatments, moisturiser, and SPF. At night, double cleanse โ remove makeup and sunscreen with a jelly or oil cleanser first, then follow with this antibacterial wash before your treatments and moisturiser.
Clogging risk is low. We'd rate it around 2/5 โ it does contain mildly comedogenic ingredients like apricot kernel oil and stearic acid, but because it's a rinse-off product these don't sit on the skin. It's formulated specifically for acne-prone skin, and reviewers consistently report fewer breakouts rather than more.
Around 12 months after opening (12M PAO), which is typical for a preserved water-based cleanser. Keep the tube sealed when not in use and store it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to get the full shelf life.
Verdict: tbh. Anti-Bacterial Cleanser is a standout gentle option for anyone burned by harsh acne products. It cleanses deeply, hydrates instead of stripping, and skips benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid entirely โ all backed by genuinely strong real-world reviews (4.8/5 from hundreds of buyers). The main caveats are the premium price, the fact that it isn't fungal-acne safe, and antibacterial claims that lean on a brand-funded study. For sensitive, breakout-prone skin that wants visible results without the sting, it earns its reputation.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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 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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Cleansing, Foaming, Hydrotrope, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Citrate
Masking, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Chelating
|
|