Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser
Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
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.
Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment
0.5% BHA penetrates pores to clear and prevent breakouts without over-drying sensitive skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYSalicylic 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.
Safety & compatibility
SAFE0.5% topical salicylic acid in a rinse-off product is considered safe during pregnancy by ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists).
Topical salicylic acid is unlikely to be absorbed or appear in breastmilk. Safe to use, but avoid application near breast area.
Contains Polysorbate 20 and PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides which may feed malassezia yeast.
Formulated to not clog pores. Low comedogenic rating of 1/5 makes it suitable for acne-prone skin.
Light fragrance included. Those with very sensitive or reactive skin may want to patch test first.
Contains soy protein extract. If you have a soy allergy, consult your dermatologist before use.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSalicylic 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
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
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and/or evening as the first step in your skincare routine. If using other acne treatments, start with once daily to avoid irritation.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Moisten face with lukewarm water to prepare skin for cleansing.
Pump Cleanser
Dispense 1-2 pumps of cleanser into your hand or a soft cloth.
Massage & Lather
Gently massage the foam over your entire face in circular motions for 30-60 seconds, avoiding eye area.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with water and pat dry with a clean towel. Follow with your regular skincare routine.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect 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
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal choice. Foaming formula effectively removes excess oil and helps control shine without over-stripping.
Balances well across T-zone and cheeks. Gentle enough for drier areas while controlling oiliness.
Hypoallergenic formula is gentler than most acne cleansers. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Designed specifically for breakout-prone skin. Non-comedogenic formula with proven acne-fighting salicylic acid.
May feel slightly drying for very dry skin types. Follow with a rich moisturizer and limit use to once daily.
Gentle exfoliation helps with adult acne and texture. Pair with hydrating products for best results.
Results timeline
MONTH 4-6Initial 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 skinBreakout Reduction
Fewer new breakouts forming. Existing pimples start to clear. Skin texture begins to smooth out.
70% saw fewer new breakoutsVisible Improvement
Noticeable improvement in skin tone and texture. More even complexion. Blackheads and whiteheads significantly reduced.
65% reported clearer complexionLong-Term Maintenance
Consistent clear skin with regular use. Best results when used as part of complete skincare routine.
60% maintained clear skin long-termRatings by platform
19K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- 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
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESClassic salicylic acid cleanser with 2% SA - stronger formula but potentially more drying. No soy benefits.
Adds ceramides and niacinamide for barrier support. Fragrance-free. Better for those who want skin barrier protection.
Contains 2% SA plus zinc and LHA. More potent but also more drying. Better for oilier skin types.
Focuses on gentle exfoliation with micro-fine granules. Good alternative for those who want physical + chemical exfoliation.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEAveeno Clear Complexion
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store at room temperature. Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
Plastic bottle with pump dispenser (pump may require occasional adjustment)
No - 6 fl oz exceeds TSA 3.4 oz limit. Transfer to smaller container for carry-on.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 |
Salicylic Acid
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Denaturant, Preservative, Exfoliant, Keratolytic, Corn/Callus/Wart Remover
|
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Citric Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Chelating Agent, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium EDTA
Viscosity Controlling, Chelating Agent
|
|





