Clear Face Cleansing Foam
Clear Face Cleansing Foam
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, pH 5.5 balanced foaming cleanser with antibacterial Montaline C40 that deeply cleanses pores, fights acne-causing bacteria, and soothes skin with Panthenol (Vitamin B5). Soap-free and ultra-mild for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin.
Antibacterial Action
Montaline C40 reduces bacteria count from 100,000 to 0 within 5 minutes when left on skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAntibacterial Action
Montaline C40 reduces bacteria count from 100,000 to 0 within 5 minutes when left on skin.
Soap & Alkali Free
Gentle syndets cleanse without disrupting the skin's acid mantle or causing dryness.
Hydrating Formula
Panthenol (Vitamin B5) soothes, moisturizes, and supports skin regeneration.
pH 5.5 Balanced
Matches skin's natural pH to protect the acid mantle and minimize bacterial growth.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEConfirmed safe by Sebamed. No retinoids, salicylic acid, or harmful chemicals. Gentle enough for expectant mothers.
Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, and polysorbates that feed fungal acne. Verified by Skincarisma and SkinSort.
Oil-free formula will not clog pores. Clinically tested on acne-prone skin with proven reduction in comedones.
Ultra-mild, soap-free formulation tested across 120+ clinical studies. Safe for reactive and allergy-prone skin.
Contains a mild clinical fragrance. Those with extreme fragrance sensitivity should patch test first.
Sebamed does not test on animals. Product packaging is environmentally friendly.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSMontaline C40 (Cocamidopropyl Betainamide MEA Chloride) 9-14%Proven
A coconut oil-derived antibacterial surfactant that provides gentle yet effective cleansing. The star ingredient of the Clear Face line.
- Antibacterial: Reduces acne-causing bacteria from 100,000 to 0 in just 5 minutes
- Gentle Cleansing: Removes sebum and impurities without stripping natural oils
- Lipid Protection: Protects against barrier damage during cleansing
Panthenol (Vitamin B5) 2.5-3.7%Proven
A provitamin that converts to pantothenic acid in the skin. Known for its exceptional soothing and healing properties.
- Clinical Evidence: 67% reduction in acne lesions after 12 weeks (NIH study)
- Wound Healing: Accelerates skin regeneration and reduces scarring
- Hydration: Acts as humectant, attracting and retaining moisture
- Anti-Inflammatory: Soothes redness and irritation from breakouts
Hydroxypropyl Oxidized Starch PG-Trimonium Chloride 1-3%Promising
A modified starch that acts as a conditioning agent and humectant, leaving skin soft and smooth after cleansing.
- Function: Moisturizing and conditioning agent
- Benefits: Leaves skin soft without residue
- Safety: Gentle, non-irritating ingredient
8 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Cocamidopropyl Betainamide MEA Chloride, Hydroxypropyl Oxidized Starch PG-Trimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum (Fragrance), Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as a first step in your skincare routine. Can be used as a single cleanser or as the second step in double cleansing.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash your face with lukewarm water. Can be used on wet or dry skin.
Dispense Foam
Pump 1-2 applications of foam into your palm. The pump dispenses ready-to-use foam.
Massage Gently
Apply to face avoiding the eye area. Massage gently in circular motions.
Leave On (Optional)
For antibacterial action, leave foam on skin for up to 3-5 minutes. Skip if skin is sensitive.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Use morning and evening.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or acne-prone skin
- You struggle with pimples, blackheads, or breakouts
- You want a gentle cleanser that won't strip skin
- You have sensitive skin that reacts to harsh cleansers
- You're looking for a fungal acne safe option
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You want a pH-balanced, soap-free formula
- You prefer minimal, effective ingredient lists
Consider alternatives if:
- You need heavy makeup removal (use oil cleanser first)
- You have very dry skin that needs rich cleansers
- You want a squeaky-clean, tight feeling after washing
- You prefer completely fragrance-free products
- You want exfoliating acids (BHA/AHA) in your cleanser
- You prefer natural/organic-only products
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESPerfect match. Controls excess sebum without over-drying. Leaves a matte, clean finish without stripping skin.
Designed for this skin type. Antibacterial Montaline C40 fights pimple-causing bacteria. Non-comedogenic and fungal acne safe.
Balances oily T-zone while not drying cheeks. Versatile formula works across different face zones.
Ultra-mild, soap-free formula. Contains fragrance - patch test first. Most sensitive skin tolerates it well.
Won't strip skin but may not provide enough hydration. Follow with rich moisturizer. Better options exist for very dry skin.
Results timeline
WEEK 8-12Initial Cleansing & Comfort
Skin feels clean without tightness. Immediate reduction in daily oiliness. Existing pimples may start to dry out.
85% notice cleaner skinReduced Breakouts
Fewer new pimples forming. Existing acne lesions healing faster. Skin texture begins to improve.
70% report fewer breakoutsClearer Complexion
Noticeable reduction in blackheads and whiteheads. Skin appears brighter and more balanced. Inflammation reduced.
65% see clearer skinLong-Term Improvement
Consistent acne control. Healthier skin barrier. Clinical studies show up to 67% reduction in total facial lesions with consistent use.
67% reduction in lesionsRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Gentle yet effective cleansing
- Doesn't dry out or strip skin
- Helps reduce pimples and breakouts
- Minimal, safe ingredient list (8 ingredients)
- pH 5.5 balanced for skin health
- Fungal acne and pregnancy safe
- Convenient pump dispenser
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Backed by 120+ clinical studies
- Leaves skin soft and hydrated
Criticized
- Contains fragrance (parfum)
- 5-minute leave-on time inconvenient
- Doesn't remove heavy makeup well
- May not feel "clean enough" for some
- Can't see product level (opaque bottle)
- Higher price than drugstore options
- No BHA/AHA for exfoliation
- Some find it slightly drying on cheeks
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar gentle foaming action with ceramides and niacinamide. Contains more ingredients but widely available. Not specifically pH 5.5 balanced.
Contains Zinc PCA for oil control. Slightly more aggressive cleansing. Good for very oily skin but may be drying for some.
Zinc technology for oil control. Affordable option but contains more synthetic ingredients. May not be as gentle.
K-beauty option with tea tree oil and BHA. pH balanced but contains different actives. Good for those wanting mild exfoliation.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Unopened products have 3-year shelf life from manufacturing date.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperature is ideal. Keep cap closed when not in use.
Opaque white plastic bottle with foam pump dispenser. Leak-proof and sturdy design.
Yes, 150ml is above 100ml limit. Available in 50ml travel size. Leak-proof pump is ideal for travel bags.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Sebamed UK confirms all their products are safe for use during pregnancy. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or other ingredients of concern. The gentle, pH 5.5 balanced formula is mild enough for expectant mothers.
Yes, this cleanser is fungal acne safe. It has been verified by Skincarisma and SkinSort as free from ingredients that feed malassezia, including ferments, fatty acids (like oleic acid), esters, and polysorbates. The minimal 8-ingredient formula avoids common fungal acne triggers, making it an excellent choice for those with pityrosporum folliculitis.
Yes, this cleanser works well with all common actives. Since it's a gentle, rinse-off product without active ingredients, it won't interfere with your retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA treatments. The pH 5.5 balance helps prepare skin for subsequent products. Use the cleanser first, then apply your actives to clean skin.
This cleanser is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It's particularly excellent for those with sensitive skin who experience breakouts, as it's ultra-mild yet antibacterial. While it works for all skin types, those with very dry skin may prefer a more hydrating cream cleanser.
Results vary by individual, but most users notice cleaner, less oily skin within the first week. Reduction in new breakouts typically occurs within 2-3 weeks of consistent use. For significant improvement in acne and skin clarity, expect 4-8 weeks. Clinical studies show up to 67% reduction in facial lesions after 12 weeks of consistent use.
Use this cleanser as the first step in your skincare routine, both morning and evening. If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, use an oil cleanser first, then follow with this foam as your second cleanse. After cleansing, proceed with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only).
No, this cleanser has a comedogenic rating of 0/5 and is completely non-comedogenic. It will not clog pores. The formula is oil-free and has been dermatologically tested on acne-prone skin, demonstrating a reduction in comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). It's specifically designed to cleanse pores without causing congestion.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal freshness and efficacy. Unopened products have a shelf life of 3 years from the manufacturing date. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain product integrity.
Verdict: Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam is an excellent choice for those with oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin seeking a gentle yet effective cleanser. Its minimal 8-ingredient formula, backed by 120+ clinical studies and pH 5.5 balance, makes it stand out from conventional cleansers. The antibacterial Montaline C40 and soothing Panthenol work together to fight acne while keeping skin hydrated. Particularly impressive is its fungal acne and pregnancy safety. The main drawbacks are the included fragrance and the recommendation to leave it on for 5 minutes. Overall, a solid dermatologist-grade cleanser that delivers on its promises for most acne-prone individuals.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Cocamidopropyl Betainamide Mea Chloride
Cleansing
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hydroxypropyl Oxidized Starch Pg-Trimonium Chloride
Humectant, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Hydroxide
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Denaturant, Buffering
|
|
|
| 0 |
Parfum
Masking, Perfuming
|
|







