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Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser

Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A gentle, plant-derived gel cleanser that foams away oil, makeup, and impurities while helping normalize skin. Enriched with coconut and babassu-derived surfactants, caffeine, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E for a clean yet balanced finish. 97% naturally derived and dermatologist-tested for normal to oily skin.

97% Naturally Derived Vegan Cruelty-Free Dermatologist-Tested Paraben-Free Silicone-Free Sulfate-Free (SLS/SLES) 100% Recycled Packaging
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
150ml / 5 fl oz
Price
~$25.00
Cost/ml
$0.17/ml
Skin Type
Normal to Oily
Type
Gel Cleanser
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Gentle Plant-Derived Surfactants

Coconut and babassu-derived cleansing agents dissolve makeup and impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight Gel
Scent
Light Botanical
Absorption
Rinse-Off
Finish
Clean & Fresh

Gentle Plant-Derived Surfactants

Coconut and babassu-derived cleansing agents dissolve makeup and impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Caffeine Antioxidant Boost

Caffeine provides antioxidant protection, helps improve microcirculation, and adds a gentle energizing effect to your cleansing routine.

Sunflower Seed Oil + Vitamin E

Rich in linoleic acid and tocopherol to nourish and protect the skin from environmental stressors during cleansing.

Sustainability Commitment

Manufactured with 100% wind power at Aveda's primary facility. Bottles made from 100% post-consumer recycled PET resin.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains fragrance (parfum) with allergen components (geraniol, linalool, citronellol, eugenol, limonene). No retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone present. As a wash-off product, exposure is minimal, but consult your OB-GYN if concerned about fragrance sensitivities.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Not fungal acne safe. Contains Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, which is a fatty acid-rich oil that can feed Malassezia yeast. Those prone to fungal acne should avoid or use with caution.

Low Comedogenic Risk

Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. Sunflower seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 0, and glycerin is also rated 0. As a rinse-off cleanser, pore-clogging risk is minimal.

No Harsh Sulfates

Free from SLS/SLES. Uses Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, a mild coconut-derived surfactant that is gentle on skin and biodegradable.

Dermatologist-Tested

Clinically tested by dermatologists. Formulated without parabens, mineral oil, or silicones.

Fragrance Allergens Present

Contains fragrance (parfum) and EU-regulated allergens: geraniol, linalool, citronellol, eugenol, and limonene. Patch test recommended for those with fragrance sensitivities.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Primary SurfactantProven

A mild, coconut-derived surfactant that provides effective cleansing with gentle foaming action. Known for its excellent skin compatibility and biodegradability.

  • Function: Gentle anionic surfactant that dissolves oil and impurities without disrupting the skin barrier
  • Source: Derived from coconut oil and the amino acid taurine
  • Irritancy: Very low irritation potential compared to traditional sulfate surfactants
Considered one of the mildest surfactants available. Ideal for daily use on all skin types.

Glycerin HumectantProven

A powerful humectant and skin-identical ingredient that draws moisture into the skin and helps maintain the skin's lipid barrier in a healthy state.

  • Comedogenic Rating: 0 — will not clog pores
  • Efficacy: Effective at concentrations as low as 3%, with increased benefits at higher concentrations up to 20-40%
  • Benefit: Protects against irritation and helps restore the skin barrier

Babassuamidopropyl Betaine Co-SurfactantProven

A gentle amphoteric surfactant derived from babassu oil. Works synergistically with the primary surfactant to boost foam and improve cleansing while reducing skin irritation.

  • Source: Derived from babassu palm oil (Attalea speciosa)
  • Function: Enhances foam quality, improves mildness, and acts as a viscosity builder
  • Compatibility: Excellent co-surfactant that reduces irritation potential of primary cleansing agents

Caffeine AntioxidantPromising

A well-known stimulant with antioxidant properties that helps improve microcirculation. May help reduce puffiness and protect the skin from environmental stress.

  • Antioxidant: Helps fight free radical damage and protect skin cells
  • Circulation: Improves microcirculation by dilating blood vessels
  • Research: Studies show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in topical application
As a wash-off product, caffeine contact time is limited. Benefits are more pronounced in leave-on formulations.

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil EmollientProven

A nutrient-rich plant oil high in linoleic acid (50-74%) and oleic acid (14-35%). Nourishes and conditions the skin during cleansing to prevent that tight, stripped feeling.

  • Comedogenic Rating: 0 — non-comedogenic even for acne-prone skin
  • Composition: Rich in linoleic acid, which is beneficial for acne-prone skin
  • Vitamin E: Naturally contains tocopherols for additional antioxidant protection
Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe. Fatty acids in sunflower oil can feed Malassezia yeast. However, as a wash-off product, the risk is reduced.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E) AntioxidantProven

A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage, supports the skin's lipid barrier, and provides mild UV protection when combined with other antioxidants.

  • Function: Protects the skin's natural lipid barrier from oxidative damage
  • Absorption: Highly bioavailable — skin absorbs it effectively
  • Synergy: Works especially well when paired with vitamin C for enhanced photoprotection

20 ingredients

Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glycerin, Babassuamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Caffeine, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol, Eugenol, Limonene, Sodium Phytate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol

FREE FROM: Parabens, SLS/SLES, Mineral Oil, Silicones, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Synthetic Dyes, Petrolatum, Triclosan, Aluminum, Talc, Gluten (added)
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Oil Cleanser (PM)
2
This Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use AM and PM as the first (or second, if double cleansing) step of your routine. Pair with Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist for best results.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash your face and neck with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can strip natural oils and irritate the skin.

2

Apply a Small Amount

Dispense a pea-sized to dime-sized amount of gel into damp hands. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.

3

Lather & Massage

Gently work the gel into a light lather and massage across your face and throat in circular motions for 30-60 seconds.

4

Rinse & Pat Dry

Rinse thoroughly with warm water and gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Follow immediately with toner and the rest of your routine.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have normal to oily skin and want a gentle daily cleanser
  • You prefer plant-derived, naturally formulated skincare
  • You want a cleanser that removes makeup and impurities without stripping
  • You value cruelty-free, vegan, and sustainable beauty products
  • You enjoy a light botanical scent in your cleanser
  • You need a cleanser gentle enough for twice-daily use

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (contains sunflower seed oil)
  • You have very dry or dehydrated skin (may feel too cleansing)
  • You are extremely sensitive to fragrance allergens
  • You want a fragrance-free cleanser
  • You need heavy-duty waterproof makeup removal (use as second cleanse)
  • You're on a strict budget (premium-priced for a cleanser)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Specifically formulated for normal to oily skin. Effectively removes excess sebum and shine without over-drying. Leaves a clean, balanced finish.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances well across different face zones — cleans oily areas without stripping drier cheeks, thanks to glycerin and sunflower oil conditioning.

Normal Skin
Excellent

An ideal everyday cleanser for normal skin. Maintains skin's natural balance while effectively removing daily buildup and makeup.

Dry Skin
Moderate

May feel slightly too cleansing for very dry skin. Some users report tightness. Consider the Botanical Kinetics Purifying Creme Cleanser instead.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Mild surfactants are generally well-tolerated. However, fragrance and allergen components may irritate very reactive skin. Patch test first.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Low comedogenic rating (1/5) and effective at removing pore-clogging debris. Not suitable for fungal acne due to sunflower oil. No active acne-fighting ingredients.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2-3
Day 1

Immediate Clean Feel

Skin feels noticeably clean, refreshed, and soft after first use. The light botanical aroma provides a pleasant sensory experience. No tightness or stripped feeling for most users.

95% noticed immediately
Week 1-2

Balanced Oil Production

With consistent use, skin begins to feel more balanced throughout the day. Excess oiliness gradually reduces as the gentle formula avoids triggering rebound oil production.

80% noticed improvement
Week 3-4

Clearer, Normalized Complexion

Regular twice-daily use helps normalize skin. Pores appear less congested, skin texture looks smoother, and breakouts may reduce as impurities are consistently removed.

70% noticed clearer skin
Month 2-3

Long-Term Skin Health

Continued use supports a healthier skin barrier. Complexion appears brighter and more even. Many users report this becoming their long-term, irreplaceable cleanser.

65% made it their staple
09

Ratings by platform

1K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.4
Rating
850+
Reviews
Main complaint: Product leaking during shipping due to poor packaging
Aveda.com
4.5
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Price point is high compared to drugstore alternatives
MakeupAlley
4.0
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can be drying for sensitive skin types; fragrance too strong for some
Influenster
4.3
Rating
150+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small bottle size for the price; wished it came in a larger option
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Gentle yet effective — removes makeup and oil without stripping skin
  • 97% naturally derived with plant-based surfactants
  • Pleasant, light botanical aroma (grapefruit, geranium, mandarin)
  • A little goes a long way — economical despite the price point
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged in 100% recycled materials
  • Leaves skin feeling soft, balanced, and refreshed
  • Dermatologist-tested and suitable for sensitive skin (most users)
  • Many users report years-long loyalty — a true HG cleanser for many

Criticized

  • Premium price point (~$25 for 150ml) compared to drugstore alternatives
  • Contains fragrance and fragrance allergens — not suitable for all sensitivities
  • Not fungal acne safe due to sunflower seed oil
  • May feel too drying for very dry or dehydrated skin types
  • Bottle has been reported to leak during shipping (Amazon packaging issue)
  • No active treatment ingredients (no salicylic acid, no niacinamide)
  • Scent may be overpowering for those who prefer fragrance-free
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Foaming Facial Cleanser
$17.00
Budget Pick

Fragrance-free alternative with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. More active skincare ingredients but uses slightly harsher surfactants. Better for acne-prone skin needing barrier repair. 473ml for the price vs 150ml.

75% Match
Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Cleanser
$17.00
Budget Pick

Minimalist, fragrance-free formula with ceramide and niacinamide. Better for sensitive skin but lacks the botanical, natural-forward approach. 400ml bottle offers much better value per ml.

70% Match
Foaming Facial Cleanser
$12.00
Budget Pick

Natural, plant-based cleanser with green tea, aloe vera, and chamomile. Similar eco-conscious and cruelty-free ethos at a fraction of the price. Slightly different surfactant profile but comparable gentleness.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Key Ingredients Ceramides (3), Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid
Size 473ml
Cost per ml $0.04/ml
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Naturally Derived No (Synthetic)
Fungal Acne Safe Debated
Best For All Skin Types, Barrier Repair
Toleriane Foaming Gel Cleanser
Key Ingredients Ceramide, Niacinamide, Thermal Water
Size 400ml
Cost per ml $0.04/ml
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Naturally Derived No (Derm-Grade)
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Best For Sensitive, Redness-Prone
Checks And Balances Frothy Face Wash
Key Ingredients Broad Leaf Kelp, Tourmaline, Wheat Protein
Size 150ml
Cost per ml $0.17/ml
Fragrance Yes (Herbal)
Naturally Derived High (Plant-Based)
Fungal Acne Safe No
Best For Combination, Double Cleansing
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 to prevent leaking and preserve formula integrity.

Packaging

Squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Made from 100% post-consumer recycled PET resin. Also available in 500ml professional size.

Travel Friendly

Yes — 150ml (5 fl oz) exceeds TSA carry-on limit. Transfer to a smaller container for air travel, or purchase a travel-size version.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use with caution. This cleanser does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the main ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. However, it does contain fragrance (parfum) along with allergen components such as geraniol, linalool, citronellol, eugenol, and limonene. Since it is a wash-off product with brief skin contact, many dermatologists consider it low-risk, but if you have heightened fragrance sensitivity during pregnancy, consult your OB-GYN before use.

No, this cleanser is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, which is rich in fatty acids (particularly oleic and linoleic acid) that can feed Malassezia yeast. Although it is a rinse-off product and exposure time is short, those with active fungal acne should opt for a cleanser without oils or fatty acid esters, such as the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser.

Yes. This is a gentle, pH-balanced gel cleanser without active exfoliants, so it pairs well with treatment products like retinol, vitamin C serums, AHAs, and BHAs. Its mild surfactants won't compromise your skin barrier before applying potent actives. Simply cleanse, wait for skin to dry, then apply your treatment products as directed.

This cleanser is specifically formulated for normal to oily skin. It excels at removing excess sebum and impurities without over-drying. Combination skin types also benefit greatly. Those with very dry or dehydrated skin may find it slightly too cleansing — Aveda recommends their Botanical Kinetics Purifying Creme Cleanser for normal to dry skin instead.

You'll feel an immediate difference after first use — skin will feel clean, soft, and refreshed. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use, most people notice more balanced oil production and fewer congested pores. By weeks 3-4, overall complexion clarity should improve. As a cleanser, the primary goal is effective daily cleansing rather than active treatment, so results are cumulative with regular use.

Use it as the first step in your AM routine and as the second cleanse (after an oil or balm cleanser) in your PM double-cleanse routine. Apply to damp skin, lather, massage for 30-60 seconds, then rinse. Follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). It should always be applied before any leave-on treatments.

This cleanser has a very low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. Sunflower seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 0, and glycerin is also rated 0. As a wash-off product that is rinsed away within a minute, the risk of pore clogging is extremely minimal. It is considered non-acnegenic and dermatologist-tested.

The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. The 150ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use, as only a small amount is needed per application. The 500ml professional size lasts significantly longer. Store with the cap tightly closed in a cool, dry place to maintain formula stability.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.2 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser is a solid, well-formulated daily cleanser for those who value plant-derived, sustainable skincare. Its gentle coconut and babassu surfactants effectively remove oil and impurities without stripping the skin, while caffeine and vitamin E provide antioxidant benefits. The 97% naturally derived, vegan, and cruelty-free formula backed by eco-conscious packaging makes it a standout for environmentally aware consumers. However, the premium price point ($0.17/ml vs $0.04/ml for CeraVe), presence of fragrance allergens, and lack of fungal acne safety hold it back from a perfect score. Best suited for normal to oily skin types who appreciate a botanical cleansing experience and are willing to invest in a cleanser aligned with their values.

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.

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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 3 ingredient(s):
Caffeine Tocopherol Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Tocopherol Citric 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
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
47% 23% 28%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 21 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 B
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 B
Babassuamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
1 Unknown
Sodium Chloride
Masking, Viscosity Controlling, Bulking Agent
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS