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Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser

Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A gentle, oil-free foaming cleanser formulated with 0.5% salicylic acid and soy extracts to help clear breakouts and improve skin tone and texture without over-drying. Dermatologist recommended for over 70 years.

Dermatologist Recommended Oil-Free Sulfate-Free Paraben-Free Soap-Free Dye-Free Hypoallergenic Non-Comedogenic FSA/HSA Eligible
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Active
0.5% Salicylic Acid
Size
6 fl oz / 177 mL
Price
$9-14
Type
Foaming Cleanser
Target
Acne-Prone Skin
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment

0.5% BHA penetrates pores to clear and prevent breakouts without over-drying sensitive skin.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Light Foam
Scent
Light Fresh
Absorption
Rinse-Off
Finish
Clean, Soft

Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment

0.5% BHA penetrates pores to clear and prevent breakouts without over-drying sensitive skin.

Soy Extract Complex

Moisture-rich soy helps even out skin tone and improve texture for brighter, healthier-looking skin.

Gentle Formula

Free from sulfates, oils, soaps, parabens, and dyes. Hypoallergenic for sensitive skin types.

Tone & Texture Improvement

Helps reveal more radiant, even-looking skin while removing dirt, oil, and bacteria.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy Safe

0.5% topical salicylic acid in a rinse-off product is considered safe during pregnancy by ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists).

Breastfeeding Safe

Topical salicylic acid is unlikely to be absorbed or appear in breastmilk. Safe to use, but avoid application near breast area.

Not Fungal Acne Safe

Contains Polysorbate 20 and PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides which may feed malassezia yeast.

Non-Comedogenic

Formulated to not clog pores. Low comedogenic rating of 1/5 makes it suitable for acne-prone skin.

Contains Fragrance

Light fragrance included. Those with very sensitive or reactive skin may want to patch test first.

Soy Allergy Warning

Contains soy protein extract. If you have a soy allergy, consult your dermatologist before use.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Salicylic Acid 0.5%Proven

Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates oil to exfoliate inside pores. Helps clear existing breakouts and prevent new ones from forming.

  • Mechanism: Oil-soluble, penetrates sebum-filled pores to dissolve dead skin cells
  • FDA Status: OTC approved acne treatment at 0.5-2%
  • Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, exfoliating
Lower 0.5% concentration is gentler than typical 2% formulas, making it suitable for daily use and sensitive skin.

Glycine Soja (Soybean) ProteinPromising

Aveeno's signature ingredient containing proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates that boost radiance and help even skin tone.

  • Benefits: Brightening, tone-evening, texture improvement
  • Compounds: Contains isoflavones with antioxidant properties
  • Hydration: Provides moisture while cleansing

GlycerinProven

Classic humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping prevent the drying effects commonly associated with acne cleansers.

  • Function: Draws water to the skin's surface
  • Safety: Well-tolerated, non-irritating
  • Studies: Found to be more effective than AHAs and hyaluronic acid as a humectant (2016 study)

Cocamidopropyl BetaineMild Surfactant

Gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that creates foam and helps cleanse without stripping the skin.

  • Properties: Mild, biodegradable, good foam stabilizer
  • Function: Works with other surfactants to balance cleansing power

15 ingredients

Active: Salicylic Acid 0.5%

Inactive: Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate, Polysorbate 20, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, PEG-16 Soy Sterol, Butylene Glycol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein

FREE FROM: Sulfates, Parabens, Oils, Soap, Dyes, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Silicones, Alcohol
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
This Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Use morning and/or evening as the first step in your skincare routine. If using other acne treatments, start with once daily to avoid irritation.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Moisten face with lukewarm water to prepare skin for cleansing.

2

Pump Cleanser

Dispense 1-2 pumps of cleanser into your hand or a soft cloth.

3

Massage & Lather

Gently massage the foam over your entire face in circular motions for 30-60 seconds, avoiding eye area.

4

Rinse & Pat Dry

Rinse thoroughly with water and pat dry with a clean towel. Follow with your regular skincare routine.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have mild to moderate acne or occasional breakouts
  • You want a gentle daily cleanser with acne-fighting benefits
  • You have sensitive skin but still need acne treatment
  • You want to improve uneven skin tone and texture
  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe acne cleanser
  • You prefer fragrance-light, drugstore-accessible products

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
  • You have severe cystic acne (may need stronger treatment)
  • You're allergic to soy or any listed ingredients
  • You want a completely fragrance-free formula
  • You need a higher concentration of salicylic acid (2%)
  • You have extremely dry skin that reacts to all foaming cleansers
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Ideal choice. Foaming formula effectively removes excess oil and helps control shine without over-stripping.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances well across T-zone and cheeks. Gentle enough for drier areas while controlling oiliness.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Hypoallergenic formula is gentler than most acne cleansers. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Designed specifically for breakout-prone skin. Non-comedogenic formula with proven acne-fighting salicylic acid.

Dry Skin
Moderate

May feel slightly drying for very dry skin types. Follow with a rich moisturizer and limit use to once daily.

Mature Skin
Good

Gentle exfoliation helps with adult acne and texture. Pair with hydrating products for best results.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 4-6
Week 1-2

Initial Cleansing Benefits

Skin feels cleaner and less oily after each use. Some users notice skin looks brighter. Possible initial purging for some.

85% noticed cleaner-feeling skin
Week 3-4

Breakout Reduction

Fewer new breakouts forming. Existing pimples start to clear. Skin texture begins to smooth out.

70% saw fewer new breakouts
Month 2-3

Visible Improvement

Noticeable improvement in skin tone and texture. More even complexion. Blackheads and whiteheads significantly reduced.

65% reported clearer complexion
Month 4-6

Long-Term Maintenance

Consistent clear skin with regular use. Best results when used as part of complete skincare routine.

60% maintained clear skin long-term
09

Ratings by platform

19K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.6
Rating
18,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Pump mechanism sometimes sticks or stops working after a few uses
Target
4.5
Rating
800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some find it not strong enough for severe acne
Walmart
4.5
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Price fluctuations make it inconsistently affordable
MakeupAlley
4.2
Rating
150+
Reviews
Main complaint: May stop working after prolonged use for some
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Gentle enough for daily use and sensitive skin
  • Effectively removes makeup and dirt
  • Doesn't over-dry or strip the skin
  • Pleasant light scent, not overpowering
  • Affordable drugstore price point
  • One bottle lasts 3-6 months
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
  • Noticeable improvement in skin texture
  • FSA/HSA eligible

Criticized

  • Pump can malfunction or stick
  • 0.5% SA may be too mild for severe acne
  • Not fungal acne safe
  • Contains fragrance (though light)
  • Some experience it "stops working" over time
  • Can be slightly drying for very dry skin
  • Not effective for cystic acne alone
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash
$7.99
Budget Pick

Classic salicylic acid cleanser with 2% SA - stronger formula but potentially more drying. No soy benefits.

80% Match
Renewing SA Cleanser
$14.99
Similar Price

Adds ceramides and niacinamide for barrier support. Fragrance-free. Better for those who want skin barrier protection.

75% Match
Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
$15.99

Contains 2% SA plus zinc and LHA. More potent but also more drying. Better for oilier skin types.

70% Match
Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser
$12.99
Similar Price

Focuses on gentle exfoliation with micro-fine granules. Good alternative for those who want physical + chemical exfoliation.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Renewing SA Cleanser
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Key Benefit Ceramides + Niacinamide
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No
Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Salicylic Acid 2%
Key Benefit Zinc + LHA Technology
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No
Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash
Salicylic Acid 2%
Key Benefit Aloe + Chamomile
Fragrance Scented
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store at room temperature. Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.

Packaging

Plastic bottle with pump dispenser (pump may require occasional adjustment)

Travel Friendly

No - 6 fl oz exceeds TSA 3.4 oz limit. Transfer to smaller container for carry-on.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, this cleanser is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The 0.5% salicylic acid concentration is low enough, and as a rinse-off product, very little is absorbed into the skin. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers topical salicylic acid in low concentrations safe for use during pregnancy. When breastfeeding, just avoid applying to the breast area.

No, this cleanser is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Polysorbate 20 and PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, which are known to potentially feed malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like the Vanicream Gentle Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.

Yes, but introduce slowly and monitor for irritation. Since this cleanser contains 0.5% salicylic acid (a BHA), using additional BHA products may cause over-exfoliation. When starting retinol, use the cleanser in the morning and retinol at night. Vitamin C can be used in the morning after cleansing. If using AHA products, alternate nights to prevent irritation.

This cleanser works best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. Its gentle formula with 0.5% salicylic acid is mild enough for sensitive skin that still experiences breakouts. Those with very dry skin may find it slightly drying and should follow with a rich moisturizer. It's not ideal for those with fungal acne.

Most users notice cleaner-feeling skin immediately after use. Visible reduction in breakouts typically occurs within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. Significant improvement in skin tone and texture may take 2-3 months. For best results, use twice daily (morning and evening) as part of a complete skincare routine.

This cleanser should be the FIRST step in your skincare routine, both morning and evening. If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, you may want to double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser first, then follow with this foaming cleanser. After cleansing, apply toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only) in that order.

No, this cleanser is non-comedogenic with a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. It's specifically formulated to not clog pores and contains salicylic acid which actually helps unclog existing blocked pores. The formula is oil-free and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.

The cleanser has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. However, many users report that one 6 oz bottle lasts 3-6 months with twice-daily use, so you'll likely use it up well before expiration. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. If you notice any changes in color, smell, or texture, discard the product.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser is an excellent daily cleanser for those with mild to moderate acne who want effective but gentle treatment. The 0.5% salicylic acid concentration makes it suitable for sensitive skin and safe during pregnancy/breastfeeding. The soy extract provides additional tone-evening benefits not found in most acne cleansers. However, it's not the best choice for fungal acne sufferers or those needing stronger acne-fighting power. At its affordable drugstore price point, it offers solid value for a dermatologist-recommended formula.

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.

Awesome, I Understand!

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

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Salicylic Acid Citric Acid Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid Glycerin
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Salicylic 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
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1 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
47% 29% 23%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 17 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
4 B
Salicylic Acid
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Denaturant, Preservative, Exfoliant, Keratolytic, Corn/Callus/Wart Remover
brightening Brightening
ache Ache-fighting
Pores
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
2 A
Citric Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Chelating Agent, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent
brightening Brightening
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Texture
Pores
4 B
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
1 A
Disodium EDTA
Viscosity Controlling, Chelating Agent
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS