Ceramide Oil Control Foaming Cleanser
Ceramide Oil Control Foaming Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A budget-friendly foaming cleanser that targets oily, blemish-prone skin with 5 ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Effectively removes excess oil and impurities without stripping moisture, leaving skin refreshed and balanced.
Barrier-Strengthening Complex
5 different ceramides work together to restore and maintain your skin's protective barrier while cleansing.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBarrier-Strengthening Complex
5 different ceramides work together to restore and maintain your skin's protective barrier while cleansing.
Oil Control Formula
Effectively removes excess sebum and impurities without over-stripping, leaving skin balanced not tight.
Pore-Refining Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 helps minimize the appearance of pores and regulates sebum production over time.
Hydrating Without Heaviness
Hyaluronic acid and glycerin provide lightweight hydration, preventing the tight, stripped feeling.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, or harmful ingredients. Ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid are all considered safe during pregnancy.
Contains hydrogenated lecithin and propylene glycol laurate which may feed malassezia. Patch test recommended for fungal acne-prone skin.
Rating 1/5. Most ingredients are non-comedogenic. Suitable for acne-prone skin when used correctly.
Uses milder Sodium Laureth Sulfate rather than harsh SLS. May still be drying for very sensitive or dry skin types.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTS5 Ceramides ComplexProven
Ceramides NP, AS, NG, AP, and EOP work synergistically to restore the skin's natural lipid barrier. These are identical to ceramides naturally found in human skin.
- Function: Ceramides make up 50% of skin's lipid barrier, essential for moisture retention
- Research: Studies show topical ceramides improve barrier function and reduce transepidermal water loss
- Benefit: Prevents post-cleanse tightness and protects against environmental damage
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)Proven
A multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pore appearance, and regulates oil production.
- Function: Boosts ceramide production, reduces sebum, minimizes pores
- Research: Multiple studies confirm efficacy at 2-5% concentration for oil control
- Benefit: Visible pore refinement and reduced shine within weeks of consistent use
Sodium HyaluronateProven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid with smaller molecular size for better penetration. Attracts and holds up to 1000x its weight in water.
- Function: Humectant that draws moisture to skin's surface
- Research: Proven to improve skin hydration and plumpness
- Benefit: Prevents the tight, stripped feeling after cleansing
Squalane TraceProven
A lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient that mimics skin's natural sebum. Helps balance oil production rather than stripping it.
- Function: Emollient, moisture-locking, non-greasy hydration
- Research: Stable, non-oxidizing oil that's suitable for all skin types
- Benefit: Leaves skin feeling soft without residue
26 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide MEA, Sodium Chloride, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AS, Ceramide NG, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Sulfate, Propylene Glycol Laurate, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Chlorphenesin, Methyl Cocoate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as Step 1 in your routine. Can be used as a second cleanser after oil cleanser for double cleansing, or as a standalone cleanser for morning use.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water on your face. Avoid hot water which can strip skin and cause irritation.
Apply Cleanser
Dispense a small amount (1-2 pumps) onto damp hands. A little goes a long way with this formula.
Massage Gently
Work into a lather and massage onto face and neck in circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Focus on oily T-zone areas.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until all product is removed. Pat dry with a clean towel - don't rub!
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin
- You want oil control without over-drying
- You're looking for a budget-friendly CeraVe alternative
- You want fragrance-free, gentle cleansing
- You need a vegan and cruelty-free option
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You want to strengthen your skin barrier
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin
- You're prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
- You need heavy makeup removal (use oil cleanser first)
- You have extremely sensitive skin prone to reactions
- You prefer sulfate-free formulas
- You want a cream or milk cleanser texture
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically formulated for oily skin. Controls excess sebum effectively without over-stripping. Leaves skin matte and refreshed.
Balances oily T-zone while ceramides and hyaluronic acid prevent dryness on cheeks. Ideal for combo skin types.
Low comedogenic rating and niacinamide help prevent breakouts. Check fungal acne compatibility if malassezia-prone.
Fragrance-free and dermatologically tested, but contains SLES which may irritate very sensitive skin. Patch test first.
May be too stripping for dry skin types. If using, follow immediately with hydrating toner and rich moisturizer.
Results timeline
8-12 WEEKSClean, Refreshed Feeling
Skin feels thoroughly cleansed without that tight, stripped sensation. Visible reduction in surface oil and shine.
95% noticed immediatelyImproved Oil Balance
Sebum production becomes more regulated. Less midday shine and fewer oily breakthrough moments throughout the day.
78% noticed improvementVisible Pore Refinement
Niacinamide begins showing visible results. Pores appear smaller, skin texture feels smoother and more refined.
65% noticed pore improvementStronger Skin Barrier
Ceramide complex fully supports barrier repair. Skin is more resilient, less reactive, and maintains better hydration.
70% reported healthier skinRatings by platform
750+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Exceptional value for money - fraction of CeraVe price
- 5 ceramides effectively support skin barrier
- Removes oil without over-stripping
- Fragrance-free and dermatologically tested
- Vegan and cruelty-free certified
- Generous bottle size lasts months
- Works well as second cleanser
- No tight or dry feeling post-cleanse
Criticized
- Contains SLES which some prefer to avoid
- Not suitable for fungal acne-prone skin
- May be too stripping for very dry skin
- Basic packaging lacks premium feel
- Limited availability outside UK/EU
- Pump can dispense inconsistent amounts
- Some users experience initial dryness
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESThe original inspiration. Contains 3 ceramides vs 5, plus niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. More widely available but pricier per ml.
Sulfate-free alternative with gentle glucoside surfactants. No ceramides but very gentle formula. Better for sensitive skin.
Contains ceramide-3, niacinamide plus thermal spring water. Higher price point but dermatologist-recommended for sensitive-oily skin.
Hyaluronic acid focused but no ceramides. Lighter foam, better for normal-oily rather than very oily skin. Widely available drugstore option.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap closed when not in use.
Plastic pump bottle - hygienic and easy to dispense
200ml version: No (over 100ml limit). 400ml: No. Decant for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cleanser is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. The key ingredients - ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid - are all approved for use during pregnancy. However, always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new skincare products during pregnancy.
Use with caution if you have fungal acne. This cleanser contains hydrogenated lecithin and propylene glycol laurate, which may potentially feed malassezia yeast. While cleansers are generally less problematic than leave-on products since they're rinsed off, those with active fungal acne may want to choose a formula specifically labeled as fungal acne safe.
Yes! This is a rinse-off cleanser with a gentle, barrier-supporting formula. It works well before applying actives like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs. The ceramides actually help prepare and protect your skin barrier, making it more resilient to potential irritation from active ingredients. Just ensure you wait until your skin is fully dry before applying actives.
This cleanser is specifically formulated for oily and combination skin types. It excels at controlling excess sebum and shine while the ceramides prevent over-drying. It's also suitable for acne-prone skin due to its low comedogenic rating. Those with dry or very sensitive skin may find it too stripping and should consider the regular Ceramide Hydrating Cleanser instead.
You'll notice immediate results - skin feels clean and refreshed right away. Oil control improvements typically appear within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. For visible pore refinement from niacinamide, expect 4-6 weeks. Full skin barrier benefits from the ceramide complex develop over 8-12 weeks of regular use.
This cleanser should be used as the first step in your skincare routine (or second step if you double cleanse with an oil cleanser first). Use morning and evening on damp skin, then follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). It effectively removes oil, dirt, and light makeup.
This cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. The formula contains primarily non-comedogenic ingredients including ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. As a rinse-off product, it spends minimal time on your skin, further reducing any pore-clogging potential. It's generally suitable for acne-prone skin.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal effectiveness. The 200ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with twice daily use, while the 400ml bottle lasts 4-6 months. Store in a cool, dry place and keep the cap closed to preserve freshness.
Verdict: The Face Facts Ceramide Oil Control Foaming Cleanser delivers impressive results at an unbeatable price point. With 5 ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it rivals premium cleansers like CeraVe at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for oily and combination skin types seeking effective oil control without stripping. The vegan, fragrance-free, cruelty-free formula checks all the ethical boxes too. Minor drawbacks include SLES content and limited fungal acne compatibility, but for most oily skin types, this UK gem is an outstanding daily cleanser that proves great skincare doesn't need to be expensive.
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 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 0 |
Cocamide Mea
Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Chloride
Masking, Viscosity Controlling, Bulking Agent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Irritation
|






