Cleanse Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Cleanse Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A fragrance-free, glycerin-based foaming cleanser formulated for sensitive skin. Removes 2x more dirt, oil, and makeup than the leading beauty bar while leaving skin feeling clean, refreshed, and never stripped. Hypoallergenic, oil-free, and soap-free for everyday gentle cleansing.
Gentle Foaming Action
Produces a rich, airy lather that lifts away dirt, oil, and makeup without harsh scrubbing or stripping the skin barrier.
Texture & feel
SENSORYGentle Foaming Action
Produces a rich, airy lather that lifts away dirt, oil, and makeup without harsh scrubbing or stripping the skin barrier.
Glycerin-Based Hydration
Built on a glycerin base that acts as a humectant, helping skin retain moisture even after cleansing for a comfortable, non-tight finish.
Aloe Vera Soothing
Contains aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder to calm and soothe sensitive or irritated skin during cleansing.
Mild Exfoliation
Includes salicylic acid at a low concentration to provide gentle surface exfoliation, helping to keep pores clear without irritation.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains salicylic acid, a BHA. While the concentration is very low and this is a wash-off product (minimal skin contact time), some healthcare providers advise caution with salicylic acid during pregnancy. Consult your doctor.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains glyceryl caprylate/caprate (fatty acid esters), PEG-200 hydrogenated glyceryl palmate, and PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, which may feed malassezia yeast.
Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. As a wash-off cleanser, ingredient contact time is minimal, greatly reducing pore-clogging risk. Oil-free formula.
100% fragrance-free formula. Dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic. Free from parabens, dyes, and common allergens including lanolin and nickel.
Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a milder sulfate. While gentler than SLS, those with extremely sensitive or eczema-prone skin may experience dryness with prolonged use.
Specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Soap-free and oil-free. Passed dermatologist testing for gentle daily use.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin ~5-10%Proven
A powerful humectant naturally found in the skin. Draws moisture into the skin, helps maintain the skin barrier, and prevents the tight, dry feeling often associated with foaming cleansers.
- Study: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Function: Its low molecular weight allows it to pull moisture into deeper layers of the skin.
Sodium Lauroamphoacetate ~3-5%Proven
An extremely mild amphoteric surfactant (cleansing agent). It is one of the gentlest surfactants available and is commonly used in baby shampoos and sensitive skin formulas.
- Type: Amphoteric surfactant — adapts to the pH of the formula, making it very skin-friendly.
- Benefit: Cleanses effectively without disrupting the skin barrier or causing irritation.
Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate ~2-4%Proven
A gentle amino acid-based surfactant derived from sarcosine (a natural amino acid). Provides mild cleansing and good foaming with excellent skin tolerability.
- Type: Anionic surfactant with good foaming properties and very low irritation potential.
- Safety: Has excellent thermal stability and works across a wide pH range (pH 3-10).
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder <1%Promising
A concentrated form of aloe vera known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties. Contains vitamins, amino acids, and natural polysaccharides.
- Benefits: Contains folic acid, choline, calcium, amino acids, fatty acids, and even Vitamin B12.
- Species: Aloe barbadensis is the most widely used of the 420+ aloe species for topical skincare products.
Salicylic Acid <0.5%Proven
A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) used here at a very low concentration for mild surface exfoliation. Helps keep pores clear by dissolving oil and dead skin cells.
- Type: Oil-soluble BHA that can penetrate into pores for a deeper clean.
- Concentration: At this low level in a wash-off product, it provides gentle exfoliation without irritation.
16 ingredients
Water, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Salicylic Acid, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Glycol Distearate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Laureth-10, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide MEA, Sodium Benzoate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step in both AM and PM routines. For heavy makeup, consider double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser first, then follow with this foaming cleanser.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash your face and hands with lukewarm water. Avoid very hot water, which can strip the skin barrier.
Dispense & Lather
Pump a small amount (about one pump) into your hands. Add a splash of water and work into a rich, foamy lather.
Massage Gently
Apply the lather to your face using gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Focus on the T-zone and any areas prone to oiliness or buildup.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off completely with warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel — do not rub. Follow immediately with toner, serum, or moisturizer.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive skin that reacts to most cleansers
- You want a fragrance-free, no-fuss daily cleanser
- You prefer a foaming texture that rinses clean
- You're on a budget and need a reliable drugstore cleanser
- You want a gentle prep step before applying active treatments
- You need a soap-free, oil-free formula
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne — this formula is not malassezia safe
- You need a heavy-duty makeup remover (won't remove waterproof makeup alone)
- You prefer a completely sulfate-free cleanser
- You want a cleanser with ceramides or barrier-repair ingredients
- You have very dry or eczema-prone skin that reacts to any surfactant
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESEffectively removes excess oil and leaves skin feeling clean without over-drying. The salicylic acid provides mild pore-clearing benefits.
Glycerin base helps prevent stripping, but foaming cleansers can still feel slightly drying for very dry skin. Follow with a hydrating moisturizer.
Balances well across oily and dry zones. Cleans the T-zone effectively without over-stripping drier cheek areas.
Specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested. A top choice in this category.
Low comedogenic rating and contains salicylic acid. However, not fungal acne safe. Good as a gentle daily cleanser alongside acne treatments.
Results timeline
MONTH 2-3Immediate Clean Feel
Skin feels clean, refreshed, and soft immediately after the first use. No tightness or dryness. The foamy lather feels gentle and rinses off easily.
95% noticed immediate comfortReduced Irritation & Balanced Skin
Skin begins to feel more balanced. Those switching from harsher cleansers may notice less redness, tightness, and irritation. The skin barrier starts to stabilize.
80% noticed calmer skinClearer, Smoother Complexion
With consistent daily use, mild exfoliation from salicylic acid helps refine skin texture. Pores may appear slightly cleaner and skin looks more even-toned.
70% noticed improved clarityMaintained Skin Health
Long-term users report consistently comfortable skin with fewer breakouts and less sensitivity. The cleanser works reliably as a foundational step in any routine.
85% would repurchaseRatings by platform
16K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely affordable — one of the cheapest gentle cleansers on the market
- Truly fragrance-free with no detectable scent
- Gentle enough for daily use on sensitive skin
- Glycerin base prevents post-wash tightness
- Convenient pump bottle dispenses just the right amount
- Widely available at drugstores, Walmart, Target, and Amazon
- Effectively removes everyday dirt, oil, and light makeup
- Dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic
Criticized
- Recent formula change has caused issues for some loyal users
- Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
- Contains SLES, which some may wish to avoid
- Doesn't remove heavy or waterproof makeup effectively
- Some users report a filmy residue after rinsing
- Lacks advanced ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid
- Packaging has been downsized in some versions while price remained similar
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Even gentler formula that is free from sulfates, dyes, fragrance, and parabens. Better suited for eczema-prone skin. Endorsed by the National Eczema Association. Fungal acne safe.
Contains ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid for added barrier support. More advanced formula but at a higher price point. Also foaming and fragrance-free.
Non-foaming, cream-based formula that is similarly fragrance-free and gentle. Better for dry skin types. Does not contain salicylic acid or sulfates.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme heat or freezing, which can alter product consistency.
Pump bottle (6.7 fl oz) or squeeze tube (5 oz). Pump version is more hygienic and dispenses a controlled amount.
Yes — the 6.7 fl oz (200ml) pump exceeds TSA carry-on limits, but the 5 oz tube version is travel-friendly. Decant into a smaller bottle for air travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. This cleanser contains salicylic acid (BHA), which some healthcare providers advise avoiding during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, the concentration is very low and it is a wash-off product, meaning skin contact time is minimal. Many dermatologists consider low-concentration salicylic acid in wash-off products to be low risk, but it is best to consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist for personalized advice. If you want a completely BHA-free alternative, consider Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.
No, this cleanser is not fungal acne safe. It contains glyceryl caprylate/caprate (fatty acid esters), PEG-200 hydrogenated glyceryl palmate, and PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate — all of which are esters that can potentially feed malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne, consider switching to Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, which is confirmed fungal acne safe, or check folliculitisscout.com for verified alternatives.
Yes. This is a gentle, rinse-off cleanser that pairs well with virtually all active treatments. Since it already contains a very low dose of salicylic acid (BHA), the additional exfoliation is negligible and will not conflict with your retinol, vitamin C serum, or AHA/BHA treatments. Use this cleanser first, then apply your actives on clean, dry skin. If your skin feels sensitive from strong actives, this cleanser's gentle formula is an excellent choice as it won't add extra irritation.
This cleanser is best suited for sensitive, combination, and oily skin types. It was specifically formulated for sensitive skin with its fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and soap-free formula. It also works excellently for combination and oily skin thanks to its foaming action that effectively removes excess oil. For very dry skin, it works well but should be followed by a rich moisturizer. Those with normal skin will also find it a reliable, no-fuss daily cleanser.
You will feel the benefits immediately — skin feels clean, soft, and refreshed right after the first wash. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, you may notice reduced irritation and more balanced skin, especially if you were previously using a harsher cleanser. After 3-4 weeks, the mild exfoliation from salicylic acid can help improve skin texture and clarity. As a basic cleanser, its main role is to keep skin clean without causing damage, so the most notable "result" is consistently comfortable, healthy skin over time.
This cleanser is always Step 1 in your skincare routine, both morning and evening. In the AM: Cleanser → Toner → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen. In the PM: (Oil cleanser, if double cleansing) → This Cleanser → Toner → Treatment/Serum → Night Cream. If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, consider double cleansing by using an oil-based cleanser or micellar water first, then follow with this foaming cleanser as your second cleanse.
This cleanser has a very low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it is highly unlikely to clog pores. Additionally, as a wash-off product, the ingredients are on your skin for only 30-60 seconds before being rinsed away, which dramatically reduces any comedogenic risk. The oil-free formula further minimizes the chance of pore congestion. Most users, including those with acne-prone skin, report no breakouts from this product.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Once opened, it should be used within one year. With twice-daily use, the 6.7 fl oz (200ml) pump bottle typically lasts 2-3 months. Store it at room temperature away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If you notice any changes in color, texture, or smell, discontinue use even if within the 12-month window.
Verdict: The Olay Cleanse Gentle Foaming Cleanser is one of the best value-for-money gentle cleansers on the market. At around $5-7 for a 6.7 oz bottle, it delivers a reliably gentle, fragrance-free clean that works for the vast majority of skin types — especially sensitive and combination skin. Its glycerin-based formula prevents the tight, stripped feeling common with other foaming cleansers. However, it falls short of newer competitors like CeraVe and La Roche-Posay that offer barrier-repair ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide. It's also not fungal acne safe, contains SLES, and its salicylic acid content means pregnant individuals should consult their doctor. If you want a no-nonsense, affordable daily cleanser that simply works, this is an excellent choice. If you want more from your cleanser, consider spending more on CeraVe or La Roche-Posay.
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 2 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
|
|
| 0 |
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Lauroamphoacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Foaming
|
|
|
| 0 |
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
Emulsifying
|
|