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Cleansing Foam

Cleansing Foam

Product Description

Product overview

Made in France FRENCH BEAUTY

A gentle, soap-free foaming cleanser formulated with 98% natural origin ingredients and Avène Thermal Spring Water. Effectively removes makeup, impurities, and excess sebum while soothing sensitive skin, leaving it clean, soft, and perfectly matte without drying.

Soap-Free Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Silicone-Free Non-Comedogenic Hypoallergenic Dermatologist Tested Ophthalmologist Tested 98% Natural Origin Vegan
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
0-1/5
Size
150ml / 5 fl oz
Skin Type
Normal to Combination
Formula
Foam Pump
Ingredients
12
Award
Allure Best of Beauty
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Avène Thermal Spring Water

Clinically proven to soothe, soften, and calm sensitive skin with over 150 studies backing its anti-inflammatory properties.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Rich, Airy Foam
Scent
Light Floral
Absorption
Rinses Clean
Finish
Matte, Non-Tight

Avène Thermal Spring Water

Clinically proven to soothe, soften, and calm sensitive skin with over 150 studies backing its anti-inflammatory properties.

54% Oil Reduction

Proven to immediately reduce oil on the skin by 54% after a single application for a perfectly matte finish.

98% Natural Origin

Formulated with ingredients of natural origin and none of animal origin for gentle, effective cleansing.

Eye-Safe Formula

Ophthalmologist tested and safe for use around the delicate eye area to remove eye makeup gently.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. Safe for use during pregnancy and while nursing.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and other ingredients that feed malassezia yeast.

Non-Comedogenic

Will not clog pores. Rated 0-1 on the comedogenic scale, making it safe for acne-prone skin.

Contains Fragrance (Parfum)

Features a light floral scent. If you have extreme fragrance sensitivity, consider the fragrance-free Tolerance line instead.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Avène Thermal Spring WaterHero

The star ingredient sourced from Avène, France. This unique water has a low mineral content, neutral pH, and contains a proprietary microflora (Aquaphilus dolomiae) with proven soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Clinical Studies: Over 150 studies demonstrate its ability to soothe, soften, and calm sensitive skin
  • Properties: Rich in silicates and trace elements with optimal calcium/magnesium balance
  • Effect: Reduces skin sensitivity by 30% in just 5 minutes and 64% within the first week
Used in Avène's Hydrotherapy Center for treating eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea since 1743.

Glycerin & DiglycerinProven

Powerful humectants that attract and retain moisture in the skin, preventing the drying effect commonly associated with foaming cleansers.

  • Comedogenic Rating: 0/5 - Will not clog pores
  • Function: Maintains skin hydration during cleansing
  • Benefit: Leaves skin soft and comfortable, not tight or stripped

Decyl Glucoside & Disodium Coco-Glucoside CitrateGentle Surfactants

Vegetable-derived (coconut/palm kernel oil and glucose) cleansing agents that create a rich, luxurious foam while being exceptionally mild to the skin.

  • Origin: 100% plant-derived, biodegradable
  • Irritancy: Very low - commonly used in baby products
  • Function: Effective cleansing without stripping natural oils

Sodium CocoamphoacetateMild Cleanser

An amphoteric surfactant with both positive and negative charges, making it extremely gentle with excellent foaming properties.

  • pH: Helps maintain skin-friendly acidic pH
  • Compatibility: Safe for sensitive and reactive skin types
  • Properties: Creates dense foam without irritation

12 ingredients

Avene Thermal Spring Water (Avene Aqua), Water (Aqua), Disodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Citric Acid, Diglycerin, Fragrance (Parfum), Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Sodium Chloride

FREE FROM: Soap, Parabens, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Silicones, Alcohol, Mineral Oil, Soy, Wheat, Animal-Derived Ingredients, Ethoxylated Agents, Aluminum, Talc
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Makeup Remover
2
Cleansing Foam
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use morning and evening. Can be used as a standalone cleanser for light makeup or as a second cleanse after oil/micellar water for heavy makeup.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Dispense Foam

Apply 1-2 pumps of foam to wet or dry skin. The pump mechanism creates a pre-foamed formula that's ready to use.

2

Massage Gently

Using fingertips, gently massage the foam across face and neck in circular motions, focusing on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin).

3

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse with lukewarm water until all product is removed. The formula rinses clean without residue.

4

Pat Dry

Gently pat skin dry with a soft towel. Follow with your favorite toner, serum, and moisturizer.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have normal to combination sensitive skin
  • You want a gentle cleanser that removes makeup effectively
  • You're looking for a fungal acne safe cleanser
  • You need a pregnancy-safe skincare option
  • You prefer foaming cleansers but find most too stripping
  • You have oily skin and want a matte finish
  • You want a cleanser safe for use around the eyes

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have extremely dry skin that needs a cream/milk cleanser
  • You have severe fragrance sensitivity (consider Tolerance line)
  • You prefer completely fragrance-free products
  • You need heavy-duty makeup removal (use with micellar first)
  • You want a deep exfoliating cleanser with acids
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Reduces oil by 54% with a mattifying effect. Controls shine without over-drying. Perfect for oily T-zone.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Ideal match. Controls oil in T-zone while glycerin prevents drying cheeks. Well-balanced cleansing.

Normal Skin
Excellent

Designed specifically for normal to combination skin. Maintains natural balance without disruption.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Thermal Spring Water soothes sensitive skin. Contains fragrance, so extremely sensitive skin should patch test first.

Dry Skin
Moderate

May be too mattifying for very dry skin. Use with hydrating toner and rich moisturizer, or choose Tolerance Cleanser instead.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Non-comedogenic and fungal acne safe. Won't clog pores or feed malassezia. Gentle enough for irritated, breakout-prone skin.

08

Results timeline

ONGOING USE
Immediately

Clean, Matte Finish

Skin feels clean, refreshed, and oil-free. Proven 54% reduction in surface oil after single use. No tight or stripped feeling.

95% noticed clean, soft skin
1 Week

Reduced Sensitivity

Thermal Spring Water begins to reduce skin sensitivity and calm redness. Pores appear cleaner with reduced blackheads.

89% noticed less skin reactivity
2-4 Weeks

Balanced Complexion

Skin texture improves, sebum production becomes more regulated. Overall complexion appears clearer and more balanced.

85% reported clearer skin
Ongoing Use

Maintained Skin Health

Consistent use maintains skin's natural balance. Works synergistically with other Avène products for optimal sensitive skin care.

92% would repurchase
09

Ratings by platform

990+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.4
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users note fragrance is stronger in reformulated version
Walmart
4.4
Rating
140+
Reviews
Main complaint: Pump mechanism occasionally sticks
Boots UK
4.2
Rating
250+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some wish for a larger size option
LookFantastic
4.7
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Occasionally out of stock due to popularity
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Extremely gentle yet effective cleansing
  • Doesn't leave skin feeling tight or stripped
  • Removes makeup including eye makeup well
  • Convenient foam pump dispenser
  • Fungal acne and pregnancy safe
  • Award-winning formula (Allure Best of Beauty)
  • Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested
  • Little product needed per use - lasts long
  • Excellent for sensitive and reactive skin

Criticized

  • Contains fragrance (not for extreme sensitivities)
  • May be too mattifying for very dry skin
  • Pump can occasionally stick
  • Higher price point than drugstore options
  • 150ml size may seem small for the price
  • Recent reformulation changed the scent slightly
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Foaming Facial Cleanser
$15.99
Budget Pick

Larger 473ml size for less. Contains ceramides and niacinamide. Fragrance-free. Similar gentle foam, but lacks thermal spring water benefits. Great for those wanting a bigger bottle.

80% Match
Gentle Facial Cleanser
$9.99
Budget Pick

Completely fragrance-free option. Extremely gentle formula ideal for very sensitive skin. Lacks the soothing thermal water but excellent for minimalist routines.

75% Match
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
$16.99
Similar Tier

Another French pharmacy cleanser with thermal spring water. Cream-to-foam texture. Contains niacinamide and ceramide-3. Better for dry-normal skin, less mattifying effect.

70% Match
Sensibio Gel Moussant
$19.99
Similar Tier

French pharmacy alternative designed for sensitive skin. Soap-free and fragrance-free. Similar gentle cleansing but different water technology (Aquagenium).

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Size 400ml / 13.5 fl oz
Key Ingredient Prebiotic Thermal Water
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Price per ml $0.04/ml
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Size 473ml / 16 fl oz
Key Ingredient Ceramides + Niacinamide
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Price per ml $0.03/ml
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Size 200ml / 6.7 fl oz
Key Ingredient Monolaurin + Thermal Water
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Fungal Acne Safe Check Formula
Price per ml $0.12/ml
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

Packaging

Foam pump dispenser - dispenses pre-foamed product for hygienic, efficient use

Travel Friendly

Yes, 150ml is under the 100ml limit when partially used. Consider travel-size for flights.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, Avène Cleansing Foam is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain any retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreen filters, or other ingredients typically flagged as unsafe during pregnancy. The formula uses gentle, pregnancy-friendly surfactants and the soothing Avène Thermal Spring Water. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.

Yes, this cleanser is fungal acne safe. It is free from ferments, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, esters, polysorbates, and other ingredients known to feed malassezia yeast. Multiple ingredient checkers including Skincarisma and SkinSort confirm it as FA-safe. Many users with fungal acne have successfully incorporated this into their routines.

Yes, this gentle cleanser works well with all actives including retinol, vitamin C, AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid), and BHAs (salicylic acid). As a wash-off product with a skin-appropriate pH, it won't interfere with your actives or compromise your skin barrier. Its soothing properties actually help calm skin that may be sensitized from active use.

This cleanser is specifically formulated for normal to combination sensitive skin. It excels for oily and combination skin types due to its 54% oil-reducing, mattifying properties. Those with sensitive, acne-prone, or reactive skin also benefit from the soothing thermal spring water. Very dry skin types may find it too mattifying and should consider the Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser instead.

You'll notice immediate results after first use - clean, matte, non-tight skin with a 54% reduction in surface oil. Within the first week, skin sensitivity typically decreases by 30-64% thanks to the thermal spring water. After 2-4 weeks of consistent use, expect improved skin texture, cleaner pores, and a more balanced complexion.

Use this as your daily cleanser morning and evening. It can be your only cleanser for light makeup days, or use it as the second step after micellar water or cleansing oil for heavy makeup. Apply before toner, serums, treatments, and moisturizer. Follow with sunscreen in the morning.

No, this cleanser is non-comedogenic with a rating of 0-1 out of 5. It has been tested and confirmed to not clog pores. The formula is hypoallergenic and specifically designed to be safe for acne-prone skin. It effectively removes pore-clogging impurities and excess sebum without contributing to congestion.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. With twice-daily use, the 150ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months since only 1-2 pumps are needed per use. The foam pump dispenser helps maintain hygiene and extends product freshness. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight and humidity.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.4 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Avène Cleansing Foam is an excellent choice for those with normal to combination sensitive skin seeking a gentle yet effective daily cleanser. The award-winning formula backed by Avène's clinically-proven Thermal Spring Water delivers immediate oil control (54% reduction) while maintaining skin comfort. It's fungal acne safe, pregnancy safe, and non-comedogenic - checking important boxes for many skincare routines. The only considerations are the presence of fragrance (light but present) and a higher price-per-ml compared to drugstore alternatives. If you value gentle French pharmacy formulation and the soothing benefits of thermal spring water, this cleanser delivers. For fragrance-free needs, consider the Tolerance line instead.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
66% 33%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 12 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
0 Unknown
Disodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate
Emulsifying
1 B
Decyl Glucoside
Surfactant, Emulsion Stabilising, Cleansing
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Foaming
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS