Charcoal Acne Daily Cleanser
Charcoal Acne Daily Cleanser
Product Description
Biore Charcoal Acne Daily Cleanser is a dark-gel, oil-free face wash that pairs 1% salicylic acid (BHA) with natural charcoal powder to deep-clean pores, absorb excess oil and help stop breakouts. Marketed by Biore (Kao Corporation) for normal-to-oily and acne-prone skin, this affordable drugstore staple promises clearer skin in as little as two days of daily use.
โจ Texture & Feel
Charcoal Deep Clean
Natural charcoal powder gives the gel its signature dark color and lifts dirt, oil and makeup from the skin's surface.
1% Salicylic Acid
Oil-soluble BHA penetrates pores to dissolve buildup, control oil and help clear and prevent acne blemishes.
Oil Absorption
Formulated for oily skin to mattify and reduce excess sebum without leaving a heavy residue.
Cooling Menthol Finish
A light minty tingle leaves skin feeling fresh and refreshed after every wash.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains 1% salicylic acid (BHA) and menthol. Low-concentration rinse-off BHA is generally considered low risk, but most experts advise checking with your OB-GYN or dermatologist first.
The US/EU 16-ingredient formula contains no fatty acids, esters or polysorbates that feed malassezia, making it fungal-acne friendly.
Includes parfum (with EU-listed allergens like limonene, linalool, citronellol) and menthol, which can irritate very sensitive or compromised skin.
Avoid layering with other strong BHA/AHA, benzoyl peroxide or retinoids at the same time, as combined use may increase dryness or irritation.
Listed as vegan and cruelty-free, with no animal-derived ingredients in the formula.
Free from parabens, oils and silicones; flagged as reef safe for environmentally conscious users.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งช Salicylic Acid 1% Proven
The hero active and the only listed drug ingredient. A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, so it penetrates into pores to exfoliate buildup, control oil and reduce inflammation.
- FDA: Salicylic acid at 0.5โ2% is recognized as an OTC acne active.
- Mechanism: Structurally related to aspirin, it has soothing, anti-inflammatory properties suited to acne-prone skin.
- Note: At 1%, it is a milder daily-use level than the common 2% found in many acne washes.
๐ Charcoal Powder Adsorbent Promising
Gives the cleanser its dark gray gel appearance and is marketed for its oil-absorbing, deep-cleansing reputation.
- Reality: Charcoal is a genuine adsorbent, but in a 30โ60 second rinse-off wash its clinical benefit is limited.
- Role here: Mostly a visual/marketing ingredient โ the salicylic acid does the heavy lifting.
๐ง Glycerin Humectant Proven
A well-studied humectant that draws water into the skin, helping offset the drying potential of surfactants and BHA in a rinse-off cleanser.
- Function: Improves skin hydration and supports the moisture barrier.
- Position: Listed high in the formula, helping keep the wash from feeling stripping.
๐พ Sorbitol Humectant Proven
A sugar-alcohol humectant that adds slip and helps retain moisture, contributing to a smoother, less tight after-feel.
- Function: Moisture-binding and texture-enhancing, commonly used in gentle cleansers.
๐ซง Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Surfactant Promising
The primary cleansing surfactant that creates lather and removes oil and dirt. SLES is milder than SLS but still a relatively strong cleanser.
- Function: Foaming and oil-removal โ effective for oily skin.
- Note: Can be drying for dry or sensitive skin with frequent use.
๐ฅฅ Cocamidopropyl Betaine Co-Surfactant Proven
A coconut-derived secondary surfactant added to soften the harshness of SLES, boost foam and improve overall mildness.
- Function: Gentle co-surfactant that balances cleansing power with skin comfort.
โ๏ธ Menthol Sensory Promising
Provides the signature cooling, minty tingle many users associate with the product. It is a sensory/marketing addition rather than an acne active.
- Function: Creates a fresh, cooling sensation on application.
- Concern: A known potential irritant for sensitive or reactive skin.
16 ingredients
Salicylic Acid 1% (Active), Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Laureth-4 Carboxylic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum (Fragrance), Menthol, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyquaternium-39, Disodium EDTA, Charcoal Powder.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
As a cleanser, this is the first step of your routine. Use AM and/or PM, then follow with hydrating and acne-treatment steps. Always finish your morning routine with SPF, as salicylic acid can increase sun sensitivity.
๐ How to Use
Wet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water over your face and neck to prepare the skin.
Dispense & Lather
Pump a small amount into clean hands and gently work it into a light foam.
Massage In
Massage over your entire face and neck for 30โ60 seconds, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse & Follow Up
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Follow with moisturizer (and SPF in the morning). Use daily; reduce frequency if irritation occurs.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin that gets shiny by midday
- You deal with blackheads, clogged pores or frequent breakouts
- You want an affordable daily BHA cleanser under $10
- You like a fresh, cooling, foaming wash
- You need a fungal-acne-safe option
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin
- You react to fragrance or menthol
- You want a fragrance-free, minimalist formula
- You prefer a stronger 2% salicylic acid wash
- You're seeking a charcoal "detox" beyond surface oil control
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Built for oily skin โ charcoal and SLES absorb and remove excess sebum for a clean, matte finish.
Controls oil in the T-zone; may feel slightly drying on drier cheeks if used twice daily.
1% BHA plus non-comedogenic, fungal-acne-safe formula targets clogged pores and blemishes.
Surfactants plus BHA can be stripping; follow with a rich moisturizer or choose a creamier cleanser.
Fragrance, menthol and SLES make this a higher-risk pick for reactive skin โ patch test or avoid.
๐ Results Timeline
Cleaner, Fresher Feel
Skin feels deeply clean and less oily right away, with a cooling sensation. Brand claims visibly clearer skin in as little as 2 days.
~70% noticed cleaner feelFewer New Breakouts
With consistent daily use, many users report reduced surface oil and fewer new whiteheads and blackheads.
~55% noticed fewer breakoutsClearer, More Balanced Skin
Reviewers describe acne coming under control and smoother texture by the three-to-four week mark with regular use.
~50% saw clearer skinMaintenance
Best used as an ongoing daily cleanser to maintain results; as a wash-off product it works best alongside leave-on acne treatments.
~45% kept it in routineโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Very affordable (under $10) for a daily BHA cleanser
- Effective at controlling oil and cleaning pores
- Gentle 1% concentration good for daily use
- Fresh, cooling, well-liked scent
- Fungal-acne safe, vegan and cruelty-free
- Widely available in multiple sizes
โ Criticized
- Fragrance with EU-listed allergens plus menthol
- Can be drying for dry/sensitive skin
- Charcoal is largely cosmetic in a rinse-off wash
- 1% SA is milder than 2% rivals
- SLES-based, not the gentlest surfactant system
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Also a salicylic acid acne cleanser for oily skin, but uses 2% BHA for stronger action. Fragranced and similarly priced, without the charcoal gimmick.
Cheapest charcoal + salicylic acid option. It's a physical scrub rather than a gel wash, so it's more abrasive but cheaper.
Charcoal-based daily cleanser at a similar price, but typically without an OTC salicylic acid active, so less acne-focused.
Fragrance-free 2% BHA gel cleanser with added zinc. Gentler on the fragrance front but slightly pricier.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Biore Charcoal Acne Daily Cleanser (Featured)
~$7.99CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser
~$13.99The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
~$10.99Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
~$8.99๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Plastic pump bottle (6.77 fl oz / 200ml; also available in 11.45 fl oz)
The 6.77 fl oz bottle exceeds the 100ml carry-on limit โ decant for travel or check it in luggage.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It contains 1% salicylic acid (a BHA) and menthol. Low-concentration salicylic acid in a rinse-off cleanser is generally considered low risk, but salicylic acid is on the "use with caution" list during pregnancy. Because individual situations vary, check with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before using it while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Yes. The standard 16-ingredient formula does not contain the fatty acids, esters or polysorbates that feed malassezia, so it is considered fungal-acne (malassezia) safe. Note that some regional formulas of Biore charcoal washes differ, so always check the INCI on your specific bottle.
As a wash-off cleanser it has short skin contact, so it generally layers fine with other actives. However, since it already contains salicylic acid, stacking it with strong leave-on AHA/BHA, benzoyl peroxide or retinol the same night can increase dryness and irritation. Introduce actives gradually and don't overload your routine.
It's formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, and works well for combination skin too. Dry skin may find it stripping, and sensitive or fragrance-reactive skin should be cautious because of the parfum and menthol.
The brand markets "clearer skin in 2 days," and many users do report a cleaner, less oily feel right away. For meaningful acne improvement, give it consistent daily use for 3โ4 weeks. As a cleanser, it works best alongside leave-on acne treatments.
It's a cleanser, so it's the first step โ use it on wet skin AM and/or PM, then follow with toner, treatments, serum, moisturizer, and SPF in the morning. Because salicylic acid can increase sun sensitivity, daily sunscreen is important.
No. It's labeled non-comedogenic and oil-free, and salicylic acid actively helps unclog pores. We rate it a low 1 out of 5 for comedogenicity, making it a pore-friendly choice for acne-prone skin.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is around 12 months. Store it at room temperature in a cool, dry place, and check the bottle's PAO symbol (the small open-jar icon) for the exact figure on your batch.
Verdict: The Biore Charcoal Acne Daily Cleanser is a reliable, budget-friendly daily wash where the 1% salicylic acid does the real work and the charcoal mostly adds visual appeal. For oily and acne-prone skin that tolerates fragrance, it delivers solid pore-cleaning and oil control at an unbeatable price, plus it's fungal-acne safe, vegan and non-comedogenic. The fragrance, menthol and SLES make it less ideal for dry or sensitive skin, and those wanting maximum strength may prefer a 2% formula. As an everyday acne cleanser at under $10, though, it earns its loyal following.
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
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 |
Salicylic Acid
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Denaturant, Preservative, Exfoliant, Keratolytic, Corn/Callus/Wart Remover
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sorbitol
Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Flavoring Agent, Plasticizer, Masking
|
Hydrating
|