Carrotene Clarifying Foam Cleanser(5% BHA with Beta-Carotene)
Carrotene Clarifying Foam Cleanser(5% BHA with Beta-Carotene)
Product Description
APRILSKIN Carrotene Clarifying Foam Cleanser (5% BHA with Beta-Carotene) is a daily Korean foam cleanser powered by a 5% BHA complex and Carrot Complex (10,001PPM) with beta-carotene. It deep-cleans pores, controls excess sebum and soothes acne-prone, oily skin โ all without stripping moisture or leaving skin tight.
โจ Texture & Feel
Carrot Complex 10,001PPM
Beta-carotene-rich carrot root water, root extract and seed oil soothe redness and help strengthen the skin barrier against free radicals.
Deep Pore Cleanse
A 5% BHA complex (salicylic acid) dissolves sebum and unclogs pores โ APRILSKIN claims 99.99% of the acne-causing source removed.
Non-Stripping Lather
Rich, cushiony foam cleanses without leaving skin tight, and is reported to improve both surface and inner hydration after washing.
Clean & Vegan
Vegan, cruelty-free and reef-safe, formulated without sulfates, parabens, silicones, harsh alcohols or synthetic fragrance.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains salicylic acid (BHA) plus bergamot, tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils. Rinse-off use means low exposure, but check with your OB/GYN before use.
Not FA-safe. Contains fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, lauric, myristic), soybean oil and stearate esters. Rinse-off reduces โ but does not eliminate โ the risk.
Dermatologist-tested and certified suitable for acne-prone skin. The lightweight, rinse-off formula is not designed to clog pores.
Natural scent comes from bergamot, eucalyptus, tea tree and patchouli oils, which can irritate reactive skin. A patch test is recommended.
Salicylic acid does not increase photosensitivity, but daily broad-spectrum SPF is always recommended when using any BHA.
Compatible with most routines. Space it out from strong leave-on AHA/retinol products to avoid over-exfoliation and dryness.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งช Salicylic Acid (BHA) 5% BHA Complex Proven
An oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid that penetrates into pores to clear out sebum and dead skin, control oil and reduce inflammation โ making it especially effective for blackheads and breakouts.
- FDA: Salicylic acid at 0.5โ2% is recognised as an over-the-counter acne treatment.
- Mechanism: Being oil-soluble, it dives into pores where water-soluble AHAs can't reach.
- Bonus: Structurally similar to aspirin, so it also calms inflamed, irritated skin.
๐ฅ Beta-Carotene & Carrot Complex 10,001PPM Promising
A blend of carrot root water, root extract and seed oil delivering beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant and vitamin A precursor that helps soothe redness and protect the skin from free radicals.
- Antioxidant: Beta-carotene neutralises free radicals that can damage skin cells.
- Soothing: Carrot-derived actives help calm visible redness and support the barrier.
- Signature: The 10,001PPM Carrot Complex is the brand's hero soothing ingredient.
๐ฟ Tea Tree Leaf Oil Melaleuca Alternifolia Promising
A traditional anti-blemish oil with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, often used to help reduce acne-causing bacteria.
- Antibacterial: Terpinen compounds help target acne-associated bacteria.
- Soothing: Shown to help calm inflammation in some skin studies.
๐ก๏ธ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Antioxidant Proven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals and helps reinforce the lipid barrier, keeping skin nourished and resilient.
- Barrier support: Helps maintain healthy skin lipids and ceramides.
- Protection: Offers minor defence against UVB-related damage (not a sunscreen substitute).
๐ผ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Licorice Root Promising
A licorice-root derivative valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin-soothing properties, with components linked to brightening.
- Calming: Helps reduce the look of redness and irritation.
- Brightening: Glabridin can help block pigmentation pathways.
39 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Water, Beeswax, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Dipropylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycine Soja Oil, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Disodium EDTA, Rosa Chinensis Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil, Oak Root Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Beta-Carotene, Tocopherol
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as the very first step of your routine, AM and PM, so the actives that follow can absorb better. Pair it with the Carrotene Cleansing Balm for a double cleanse in the evening.
๐ How to Use
Wet Your Face
Splash your face with lukewarm water to prep the skin.
Lather Up
Squeeze a small dollop onto wet hands and work it into a rich, foamy lather.
Massage Gently
Massage over the entire face in gentle circular motions, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse & Repeat AM/PM
Rinse well with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Use twice daily.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or acne-prone skin
- You want a daily BHA cleanser for clogged pores and blackheads
- You enjoy a foaming, deep-clean feel that isn't tight
- You prefer vegan, cruelty-free K-beauty under $25
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin or a compromised barrier
- You're sensitive to essential oils / natural fragrance
- You need a strictly fungal-acne-safe cleanser
- You want a fragrance-free, ultra-minimal formula
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
BHA controls excess sebum and the foaming format leaves skin feeling thoroughly clean without grease.
Cleans oilier zones while the carrot complex and humectants help keep drier areas comfortable.
Great for clogged pores and blackheads, but note it isn't fungal-acne (malassezia) safe.
Carrot complex is soothing, but bergamot, tea tree and eucalyptus oils may irritate reactive skin. Patch test first.
Daily BHA cleansing can feel stripping on dry skin; once-daily use plus a rich moisturizer is wiser.
๐ Results Timeline
Clean, Refreshed Skin
Skin feels deeply cleansed and soft straight away, without the tight, squeaky feeling many acne cleansers leave behind.
Most usersSmoother Texture
Skin starts to feel smoother and less congested, with visibly less surface oil and shine through the day.
~60% noticedFewer Clogged Pores
Regular BHA cleansing helps reduce blackheads and clogged pores, leaving skin clearer around the nose and chin.
~55% noticedClearer Complexion
With consistent use alongside a full routine, users report a calmer, more even-looking complexion and fewer new breakouts.
~50% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Effective daily BHA exfoliation for clogged pores
- Soothing carrot / beta-carotene complex
- Rich, cushiony lather that doesn't strip skin
- Vegan, cruelty-free and affordable at $20
- Leaves skin clean and soft, not tight
โ Criticized
- Natural essential-oil scent can irritate sensitive skin
- Not fungal-acne safe (contains fatty acids)
- Twice-daily BHA may be too much for dry skin
- 120ml tube can run out quickly with frequent use
- Exceeds the 100ml carry-on liquid limit
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
0.5% salicylic acid plus tea tree and willow bark in a larger 150ml tube. Gentler and lower-fragrance, but skips the soothing carrot/beta-carotene complex.
Triple-acid (AHA/BHA/PHA) cleanser with tea tree for a similar acne focus and slightly stronger exfoliation. Also contains essential oils, so not for the fragrance-sensitive.
Salicylic acid with ceramides and niacinamide in a fragrance-free, drugstore formula that's friendlier for sensitive and fungal-acne-prone skin โ but with no plant soothing actives.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
APRILSKIN Carrotene Foam (This Product)
$20.00COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
$12.00Some By Mi 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam
$14.90CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
$14.99๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; close the cap tightly after each use.
Squeeze tube
120ml exceeds the 100ml carry-on liquid limit โ pack it in checked luggage.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. It contains salicylic acid (BHA) plus bergamot, tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils. Because it's a rinse-off cleanser, the actual skin exposure is low, but salicylic acid and essential oils are commonly flagged during pregnancy. Always confirm with your OB/GYN or dermatologist before adding it to your routine.
No. It contains fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, lauric and myristic acids), soybean oil and stearate esters that can feed malassezia yeast. As a rinse-off product the risk is lower than a leave-on, but it is not considered fully fungal-acne safe. If you're prone to malassezia folliculitis, a fragrance-free option like CeraVe Renewing SA is a safer pick.
Yes, in most routines. As a cleanser it's the first step and rinses off, so it generally layers fine with vitamin C, retinol and other actives applied afterward. Since it already contains BHA, be mindful of stacking strong leave-on AHA/BHA or retinol products โ if you notice dryness or irritation, reduce to once-daily cleansing or alternate your stronger actives.
It's best suited to oily, combination and acne-prone skin that benefits from daily BHA cleansing and oil control. Sensitive and dry skin types can use it, but should patch test first (because of the essential oils) and consider once-daily use with a richer moisturizer to avoid feeling stripped.
Skin feels cleaner and softer immediately. Smoother texture and less visible oil are commonly noticed within 1โ2 weeks, fewer clogged pores and blackheads around 4 weeks, and a clearer, more even-looking complexion with consistent use over 8+ weeks alongside a full routine.
It's the very first step, used AM and PM on damp skin before toner, serum and moisturizer. In the evening you can use it as the second step of a double cleanse, after an oil cleanser or the Carrotene Cleansing Balm, to thoroughly remove sunscreen and makeup.
It's marketed as non-comedogenic and is dermatologist-tested as suitable for acne-prone skin, earning a low comedogenic rating of about 1/5. Because it's a rinse-off cleanser, the oils and beeswax in the formula don't sit on the skin long enough to be a significant pore-clogging concern for most people.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is around 12 months. Store the tube in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and close the cap tightly after each use to keep the formula fresh.
Verdict: The APRILSKIN Carrotene Clarifying Foam Cleanser is a solid, affordable daily BHA cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin. The 5% BHA complex tackles clogged pores and sebum while the signature Carrot Complex (10,001PPM) with beta-carotene keeps the formula soothing rather than harsh, and the rich lather leaves skin clean without that tight feeling. The main caveats: it relies on natural essential oils for scent (so it isn't ideal for the very sensitive) and it is not fungal-acne safe. If you have oily, breakout-prone skin and don't mind a light herbal fragrance, it's an easy K-beauty staple at $20.
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 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting 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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Palmitic Acid
Fragrance, Opacifying, Sufactant, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauric Acid
Fragrance, Emulsifying
|
|