Clean Clean Cleanser
Clean Clean Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, fragrance-free gel-to-foam cleanser from Sofie Pavitt Face — the line by NYC’s celebrated “acne whisperer.” Designed to truly cleanse without stripping, it lathers into a soft, creamy foam and leaves skin feeling soft, balanced and hydrated. As Sofie puts it, “the gel cleanser that thinks it’s a cream.”
“Gel That Thinks It’s a Cream”
A lightweight, liquidy gel that whips into a soft, creamy foam — the deep clean of a gel with the comfort of a cream.
Texture & feel
SENSORY“Gel That Thinks It’s a Cream”
A lightweight, liquidy gel that whips into a soft, creamy foam — the deep clean of a gel with the comfort of a cream.
Cleans Without Stripping
Lifts dirt, oil and residual makeup while leaving no tight, squeaky or filmy feeling behind.
Hydrates As It Cleans
Glycerin, panthenol and allantoin support the skin barrier so your skin stays soft and comfortable.
Aesthetician-Formulated
Created by NYC acne specialist Sofie Pavitt for blemish-prone and sensitive skin, studio-tested and home-approved.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters. Generally considered safe — confirm with your doctor.
No esters, fatty acids, polysorbates or oils that feed malassezia. A rinse-off, surfactant-based formula.
Oil-free wash that rinses clean — the brand markets it as non-pore-clogging for blemish-prone skin.
As a basic cleanser it has no actives that clash — pair freely with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA and niacinamide.
No added fragrance or essential oils; rated free of the most common allergens, making it a friendly pick for reactive skin.
Foaming surfactants are well-buffered here, but a very compromised barrier may prefer to follow promptly with moisturizer.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSWater (Aqua) BaseSolvent
The first-listed ingredient and the solvent base that carries the surfactants and humectants, allowing the gel to spread and lather evenly across the skin.
- Role: Universal cosmetic solvent that dissolves water-soluble actives and dilutes surfactants to a skin-friendly level.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Primary surfactantCleansing
The main foaming agent. An anionic surfactant that generates a rich lather and effectively removes oil, sunscreen and grime — the engine behind the “clean clean” feel.
- Function: High-foaming anionic detergent commonly used as a gentler alternative to SLS in facial washes.
- Formulation note: Buffered with milder co-surfactants below to soften its cleansing strength.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine Co-surfactantCleansing
An amphoteric coconut-derived surfactant that boosts foam quality while reducing the irritation potential of the primary surfactant, making the wash feel creamier and milder.
- Function: Secondary surfactant widely used to lower irritation and improve lather in sensitive-skin cleansers.
Lauryl Glucoside Co-surfactantCleansing
A non-ionic, sugar-derived surfactant known for being especially gentle and biodegradable. It rounds out the cleansing system so it lifts impurities without disrupting the barrier.
- Function: Mild plant-based (glucose + fatty alcohol) surfactant favored in gentle and “clean” formulations.
Glycerin ~2-5%Proven
A key hydrating ingredient. This classic humectant draws and holds water in the skin, helping offset the drying tendency of any cleanser and leaving skin soft rather than tight.
- Evidence: One of the most studied humectants; reliably increases stratum-corneum hydration and supports barrier recovery.
Allantoin ≤0.5%Proven
A soothing, moisturizing emollient highlighted by the brand. It calms and softens skin while helping to prevent dryness and irritation — useful for sensitive and blemish-prone complexions.
- Evidence: Recognized skin-conditioning and soothing agent that promotes a smooth, comfortable surface.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~0.5-1%Proven
A calming skin protectant. Pro-vitamin B5 converts to pantothenic acid in skin, where it supports the moisture barrier and soothes — one of Sofie’s named hero ingredients.
- Evidence: Well-documented humectant and barrier-supporting agent with mild anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing properties.
Butylene Glycol HumectantPromising
A lightweight humectant and solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients, improves slip and contributes to the soft, non-tight after-feel of the wash.
- Function: Multi-tasking humectant/solvent that aids texture and light hydration without heaviness.
17 ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Sulfate, Allantoin, Panthenol, Glutaral, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Caramel.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as Step 1, morning and night. Sofie’s tip: for an elite double cleanse, remove makeup with Micellar Cleansing Pads first, then follow with Clean Clean.
How to use
HOW TO USERemove makeup & wet face
Take off makeup and SPF first (micellar pads or an oil cleanser work well), then dampen your face.
Lather a dime-size amount
Apply a dime-size amount to damp hands and rub together to build a soft, creamy lather.
Massage for 30 seconds
Massage over face and neck in circular motions for about 30 seconds, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse & continue
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then follow with the rest of your routine on freshly prepped skin.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have acne-prone, sensitive or combination skin
- You want a thorough clean that doesn’t leave skin tight or stripped
- You prefer fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formulas
- You need a fungal-acne-safe daily cleanser
- You like a foaming cleanser as the second step of a double cleanse
Consider alternatives if:
- You want a single product to dissolve heavy makeup (use an oil cleanser/pads first)
- You prefer a non-foaming, balm or milk-style cleanser
- You want exfoliating acids built into your cleanser
- You’re shopping strictly on price-per-ml versus drugstore options
- You enjoy a scented, spa-like cleansing experience
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESFoaming surfactants clear excess oil and grime without that over-stripped, squeaky finish.
Glycerin and panthenol cushion the wash; very dry skin should follow promptly with moisturizer.
Balances oily zones and drier cheeks — cleans the T-zone without dehydrating the rest.
Fragrance-free and allergen-conscious, developed with sensitive complexions in mind; patch test if very reactive.
Non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe; built by an acne-focused aesthetician for blemish-prone skin.
Results timeline
ONGOINGClean, comfortable skin
Skin feels genuinely clean but soft — no tight, dry or filmy after-feel that many cleansers leave.
~92% notice immediatelyBalanced, prepped canvas
A consistent, non-stripping cleanse helps skin feel less reactive and primed to absorb the rest of your routine.
~80% reportCalmer, less congestion
Paired with treatment steps, users often see fewer clogged-feeling pores and a smoother, more even surface.
~68% reportMaintained, healthy barrier
As a gentle daily mainstay it supports long-term barrier health without the dryness of harsher washes.
~74% reportRatings by platform
165+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Genuinely non-stripping — cleans without tightness
- Luxurious gel-to-cream foam texture
- Fragrance-free and sensitive-skin friendly
- Fungal-acne safe and non-comedogenic
- Hydrating humectants (glycerin, panthenol, allantoin)
- Aesthetician-formulated; vegan & cruelty-free
Criticized
- $34 for 109 ml is pricey vs. drugstore foaming cleansers
- Rich texture can be a little tricky to rinse off
- Not a standalone makeup remover — needs a first cleanse
- No exfoliating actives (a plain cleanser by design)
- Anionic surfactant base may be a touch much for very dry skin
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Similar gentle, fragrance-free foaming approach at a fraction of the cost. Lacks the panthenol/allantoin soothing focus and the elevated texture, but a solid daily wash.
A foaming gel for oily/combo skin with ceramides and niacinamide and a much larger 355 ml bottle. Slightly more clinical feel and a bit more stripping for some.
French-pharmacy foaming gel built for sensitive skin with niacinamide and prebiotic thermal water. Comparable gentleness in a far bigger 400 ml size.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEClean Clean Cleanser (Featured)
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHSApproximately 12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed
Signature green pump bottle for hygienic, mess-free dispensing
Yes — available in a 50 ml travel size, under the 100 ml carry-on limit
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters — the actives typically flagged during pregnancy. It’s a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, so it’s generally considered pregnancy- and breastfeeding-friendly. As always, run your full routine by your doctor or OB to be sure.
Yes. The formula is surfactant-based and rinses off, with no esters, fatty acids, polysorbates or oils that feed malassezia. Ingredient-analysis databases flag it as fungal-acne (malassezia) safe, making it a good cleanser choice if you’re managing fungal acne.
Absolutely. As a basic cleanser with no leave-on actives, it won’t conflict with anything. Cleanse first, then apply your retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA as usual. A clean, non-stripped surface actually helps those actives absorb evenly.
It’s designed for all skin types, with blemish-prone and sensitive skin specifically in mind. Oily, combination and acne-prone skin tend to love it most; very dry skin can use it too but should follow with a moisturizer right after.
The clean, comfortable, non-tight feel is immediate — from the very first wash. As a cleanser it sets the stage rather than treating skin directly, so barrier and clarity benefits build over a few weeks of consistent use alongside the rest of your routine.
It’s Step 1, used morning and night. For makeup or SPF, do a first cleanse (micellar pads or an oil cleanser), then use Clean Clean as your second cleanse before toner, treatments, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen.
No. It’s an oil-free, rinse-off wash that the brand markets as non-pore-clogging, with a low comedogenic rating of about 1/5. It was formulated by an acne-focused aesthetician specifically for blemish-prone skin.
Plan to use it within about 12 months of opening for best freshness and performance. Keep it stored in a cool, dry spot with the cap closed; if the color, scent or texture ever changes noticeably, replace it.
Verdict: Clean Clean Cleanser delivers exactly what it promises — a thorough, foaming clean that never feels stripping. Created by NYC’s “acne whisperer” Sofie Pavitt, it pairs an effective surfactant system with hydrating glycerin, panthenol and allantoin, and earns a near-perfect 4.9 rating from the brand’s own community. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe and pregnancy-friendly, making it a genuinely versatile daily wash for sensitive and blemish-prone skin. The main trade-offs are the premium price-per-ml versus drugstore options and the fact that it’s best used as a second cleanse rather than a one-step makeup remover. If you want a gentle, do-it-all cleanser that respects your barrier, this is an easy recommendation.
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 skin’s 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 «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.
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 4 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
|
|
|
| 0 |
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauryl Glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|