Clear Cell Salicylic Gel Cleanser
Clear Cell Salicylic Gel Cleanser
Product Description
IMAGE Skincare's CLEAR CELL Salicylic Gel Cleanser is a fresh, foaming gel-to-foam face wash powered by 2% salicylic acid (BHA). This oil-soluble exfoliant dives into pores to dissolve excess sebum, sweep away dead skin and reduce the look of blackheads, while a cooling blend of mint, eucalyptus and tea tree oil delivers an invigorating, spa-like cleanse. A botanical peptide complex with honey extract helps soothe, making it a clinic-favorite first step for oily and acne-prone skin.
β¨ Texture & Feel
2% Salicylic Acid (BHA)
An oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates inside pores to dissolve sebum and clear out the buildup behind blackheads and breakouts.
Botanical Peptide Complex
Oligopeptide-10, honey (Mel) extract and soothing botanicals like chamomile and horse chestnut help calm and support clearer-looking skin.
Cooling Mint & Eucalyptus
Spearmint, eucalyptus and tea tree oils deliver an invigorating tingle and a refreshed, deeply-cleansed feeling after every wash.
Foaming Gel Cleanse
A rich, low-residue lather lifts away excess oil, shine, makeup and impurities to leave skin feeling thoroughly purified, not slick.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains 2% salicylic acid. In a rinse-off cleanser absorption is minimal, but BHA carries a standard caution β check with your OB-GYN before use.
No esters, polysorbates or fatty acids that feed malassezia. Tea tree oil is even mildly anti-fungal, so it is considered fungal-acne friendly.
Mint, eucalyptus, tea tree and camphor oils give the cooling tingle but can irritate sensitive or reactive skin. Patch test first.
Ammonium laureth/lauryl sulfate make it a strong, foamy cleanser. Great for very oily skin, but can be drying if overused on dry types.
Salicylic acid does not increase photosensitivity, but daily SPF is still essential when using any exfoliating acne product.
Layers well with niacinamide and hydrators. Limit stacking with retinol, vitamin C or AHAs in the same routine to avoid over-exfoliation.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π― Salicylic Acid 2% Proven
The hero active. A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, so unlike water-loving AHAs it can penetrate into the pore lining to break down sebum, exfoliate dead cells and help clear blackheads, whiteheads and congestion.
- FDA: Concentrations of 0.5β2% are recognized as over-the-counter acne actives β this product sits at the maximum 2%.
- Mechanism: Structurally related to aspirin, it also has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm red, irritated blemishes.
π± Tea Tree Leaf Oil Botanical Promising
Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is one of the most-studied botanicals for blemish-prone skin.
- Research: Its terpinen compounds help reduce the activity of acne-associated bacteria (C. acnes).
- Bonus: Naturally mildly anti-fungal, supporting the formula's malassezia-safe profile.
π Neem Leaf Extract Botanical Promising
Melia azadirachta (neem) leaf extract is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, plant antioxidants traditionally valued for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial behaviour on clarifying skin.
- Pairing: Works alongside salicylic acid to support a clear, balanced complexion in this formula.
𧬠Oligopeptide-10 Peptide Promising
A small signalling peptide included in IMAGE's CLEAR CELL peptide complex. Peptides are studied for their soothing and skin-supporting properties, helping offset the strength of the cleansing system.
- Role: Part of the botanical-and-honey complex designed to keep skin feeling comfortable, not stripped.
π§ Glycerin Humectant Proven
Second on the ingredient list, glycerin is a powerhouse humectant that draws moisture toward the skin, helping the formula cleanse and exfoliate without leaving skin feeling tight and dry.
- Evidence: A widely-studied hydrator shown to be highly effective at supporting the skin's moisture barrier.
35 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Salicylic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Laureth-10, Ammonium Sulfate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Ammonium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Sodium Chloride, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Alcohol, Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil, Glyoxal, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum Extract, Maltodextrin, Syringa Vulgaris Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Mel Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Oligopeptide-10.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
This is your first step, used morning and/or evening. On sensitive days, alternate it with a gentle, non-active cleanser and always finish your daytime routine with sunscreen.
π How to Use
Wet Your Face
Splash your face with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can amplify dryness from the actives and essential oils.
Massage for One Minute
Apply a small amount to fingertips and massage into a light foam, focusing on the oily T-zone and breakout-prone areas.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Repeat for additional exfoliation only if your skin tolerates it well.
Start Slow, Then Build
Begin once daily. If no dryness or peeling occurs, increase to twice daily. Always follow with moisturizer and daytime SPF.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or acne-prone skin
- You battle blackheads, whiteheads and congestion
- You want a deep-cleansing, oil-controlling wash
- You enjoy a cooling, minty cleansing experience
- You want a salicylic active built into your first step
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have dry, dehydrated or very sensitive skin
- You react to essential oils, mint or fragrance
- You already use multiple strong exfoliating actives
- You have rosacea or a compromised moisture barrier
- You prefer a sulfate-free, fragrance-free cleanser
π― Skin Type Compatibility
The sulfate-and-BHA system cuts through excess oil and shine for a genuinely matte, purified finish.
2% salicylic acid plus tea tree targets clogged pores and breakouts at the source. Fungal-acne safe too.
Excellent on the oily T-zone; use lightly on drier cheeks and always follow with a moisturizer.
Can feel stripping due to sulfates and alcohol. Limit to a few times a week and pair with rich hydration.
Mint, eucalyptus, camphor and tea tree oils plus sulfates make this a high-risk pick for reactive skin.
π Results Timeline
Immediate Fresh, Clean Feel
Skin feels deeply cleansed, less oily and noticeably refreshed thanks to the cooling mint-and-eucalyptus lather.
88% noticedLess Shine, Smoother Texture
Oil and surface congestion begin to ease and skin starts to feel smoother as gentle daily exfoliation kicks in.
71% noticedFewer Breakouts & Clearer Pores
With consistent use, blackheads and active blemishes typically reduce as pores stay clearer of buildup.
64% noticedMaintained Clarity
Skin tone and texture look more even and balanced, with breakouts kept in check as part of a full routine.
59% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Maximum 2% salicylic acid for real acne-fighting power
- Controls oil and shine without feeling heavy
- A little goes a long way β bottle lasts months
- Cooling, refreshing, spa-like cleansing experience
- Fungal-acne safe and free of parabens & phthalates
- Physician-formulated, professional-grade reputation
β Criticized
- Premium price (~$41) vs cheaper drugstore options
- Sulfates and alcohol can be drying for some
- Essential oils may irritate sensitive skin
- Strong mint scent isn't for everyone
- Not suitable for dry or compromised barriers
- Contains honey, so not vegan
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Includes salicylic acid plus zinc and allantoin in a gentler base. No essential-oil tingle and far cheaper, but less of a deep-cleansing, oil-stripping feel.
Also a 2% salicylic acid gel, but adds niacinamide and ceramides and skips harsh oils β a more barrier-friendly, fragrance-light alternative.
A milder SA cleanser with ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Much gentler and hydrating, but less foamy and less aggressively oil-controlling.
π Comparison with Competitors
IMAGE CLEAR CELL Salicylic Gel Cleanser
$41.00La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel
$16.99Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Cleanser
$19.00CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
$16.99π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat
Flip-cap squeeze bottle (6 fl oz / 177ml)
Yes β a 1.7 oz Discovery travel size is also available
β Frequently Asked Questions
It contains 2% salicylic acid. In a rinse-off cleanser, very little is absorbed, and many clinicians consider low-percentage wash-off BHA acceptable. However, salicylic acid carries a standard pregnancy caution, and the formula also includes essential oils β so we recommend checking with your OB-GYN or doctor before adding it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Yes. It does not contain the fatty acids, esters or polysorbates that typically feed malassezia, and ingredient databases flag it as fungal-acne safe. Tea tree oil is also mildly anti-fungal. As a rinse-off product, contact time is short, making it a low-risk option for those managing fungal acne.
Because it already delivers 2% salicylic acid (a BHA), stacking it with retinol, vitamin C or additional AHAs/BHAs in the same routine can over-exfoliate and irritate skin. It pairs best with calming, hydrating ingredients like niacinamide. If you use strong actives, alternate them on different days or use a gentler cleanser on active days.
It's formulated for oily, combination and acne-prone skin, especially those dealing with excess shine, blackheads and congestion. Dry and sensitive skin types may find the sulfates, alcohol and essential oils too stripping or irritating and should consider a gentler salicylic cleanser instead.
Most people notice an immediate fresher, less-oily feel from day one. Smoother texture and reduced shine usually appear within 1β2 weeks, and clearer pores with fewer breakouts typically develop over 4β8 weeks of consistent use as part of a complete routine. Give it at least a few weeks before judging results.
It's your first step. Use it on wet skin morning and/or evening before toner, treatments, serums and moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with SPF. On sensitive or dry days, you can alternate it with a milder, non-active cleanser.
No. It earns a low comedogenic rating of about 1/5. As a rinse-off salicylic acid cleanser, it's actively designed to unclog pores and clear buildup rather than block them, making it a strong choice for blackhead- and breakout-prone skin.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Because only a small amount is needed per wash, a 6 fl oz bottle commonly lasts two to three months or longer with twice-daily use.
Verdict: IMAGE Skincare's CLEAR CELL Salicylic Gel Cleanser is a hard-working, professional-grade BHA wash that delivers exactly what oily and acne-prone skin needs β a full 2% salicylic acid, real oil and shine control, and a refreshing minty cleanse, all backed by a fungal-acne-safe, paraben-free formula. The trade-offs are a premium price and a strong, essential-oil-and-sulfate base that can be drying or irritating for dry and sensitive skin. If your skin is oily and breakout-prone and tolerates actives well, it's an excellent, long-lasting cornerstone cleanser; if you're sensitive or dry, a gentler salicylic alternative will serve you better.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|