Clear Face Facial Toner
Clear Face Facial Toner
Product Description
Product overview
A pH 5.5 deep cleansing toner formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. Enriched with Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Witch Hazel, Allantoin, Silk Proteins, and Cucumber Extract to gently remove excess sebum and dirt while soothing and moisturizing the skin. Dermatologist-tested German pharmacy skincare backed by over 120 clinical studies.
pH 5.5 Acid Mantle Support
Matches the natural pH of healthy skin, supporting the protective acid mantle barrier against acne-causing bacteria.
Texture & feel
SENSORYpH 5.5 Acid Mantle Support
Matches the natural pH of healthy skin, supporting the protective acid mantle barrier against acne-causing bacteria.
Deep Pore Cleansing
Effectively removes excess sebum, oil, and dirt particles left behind after cleansing to prevent clogged pores.
Soothing Care Complex
Panthenol, Allantoin, and Cucumber Extract calm irritated skin while Witch Hazel tones and tightens pores.
Hydrating Despite Cleansing
Silk Proteins, Glycerin, and Sodium Lactate replenish moisture, preventing the tight, stripped feeling common with acne toners.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids or salicylic acid, but contains alcohol (ethanol) as the 2nd ingredient and fragrance (parfum). Consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Contains Polysorbate 20, a known potential trigger for fungal acne as it can serve as a food source for Malassezia yeast. Not recommended for fungal acne sufferers.
Comedogenic rating of 0/5. No pore-clogging oils or waxes detected. Zero comedogenic risk ingredients identified.
Alcohol (ethanol) is the 2nd ingredient (~8–12%). May cause dryness or irritation for sensitive or dry skin types. Introduce gradually.
Backed by over 120 scientific studies confirming skin compatibility. Formulated by Sebapharma GmbH, a pharmaceutical-grade German skincare company.
Contains Parfum (fragrance). While generally well tolerated, those with fragrance sensitivities should patch test first.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSPanthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~2–4%Proven
A powerful skin-soothing humectant that supports natural skin regeneration. Converts to Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) when absorbed, strengthening the skin barrier and reducing inflammation.
- Function: Moisturizer, humectant, anti-inflammatory, skin barrier repair
- Comedogenicity: 0 — will not clog pores
- Research: Proven to accelerate wound healing and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) <1%Proven
A natural botanical astringent derived from the bark, leaves, and twigs of the witch hazel plant. Tightens pores, reduces excess oil, and soothes irritated skin.
- Function: Astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
- Benefit: Tannins help contract pores and reduce sebum production
- Research: Traditionally used for centuries; studies confirm anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties
Allantoin ~1–1.5%Proven
A powerful skin-softening and protecting agent that promotes wound healing and cell regeneration. Naturally found in comfrey root, though typically produced synthetically for cosmetics.
- Function: Soothing, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-blemish
- Comedogenicity: 0 — completely non-comedogenic
- Research: Proven to help calm inflammation and reduce redness while promoting smooth, supple skin
Cucumber Extract (Cucumis Sativus) <1%Promising
A cooling, soothing botanical extract that provides hydration and helps calm irritated skin. Known for its emollient properties without causing irritation.
- Function: Soothing, cooling, moisturizing
- Benefit: Rich in vitamins and minerals; helps protect skin against dehydration
Hydrolyzed Silk <1%Promising
Silk proteins broken down into smaller peptides for better skin absorption. Acts as a moisture-binding agent that gives skin a smooth, supple feel while helping to seal in hydration.
- Function: Moisturizer, film-forming, skin-conditioning
- Benefit: Improves skin elasticity and firmness; forms a protective moisture barrier
Alcohol (Ethanol) ~8–12%Functional
Acts as a solvent, penetration enhancer, and antibacterial agent. Creates a lightweight, quick-drying formula ideal for oily skin. Listed as the 2nd ingredient.
- Function: Solvent, antibacterial, astringent, penetration enhancer
- Benefit: Helps dissolve excess sebum and provides antimicrobial action against acne-causing bacteria
19 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Alcohol, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lactate, Allantoin, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Hydroxypropyl Oxidized Starch PG-Trimonium Chloride, Urea, Caramel, Fragrance (Parfum), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Levulinic Acid, p-Anisic Acid, CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake)
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse after cleansing, morning and/or evening. Best paired with the Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam and Clear Face Care Gel for a complete acne-care routine.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser (e.g., Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam or Bar). Pat dry with a clean towel.
Apply to Cotton Pad
Pour a small amount of the toner onto a clean cotton wool pad. You only need enough to lightly saturate the pad.
Gently Wipe Face
Smooth the pad evenly over your face in gentle circular motions toward the hairline. Focus on oily or acne-prone areas (forehead, nose, chin). Avoid the eye area.
Follow with Moisturizer
Allow the toner to absorb for a few seconds, then follow with your serum and/or moisturizer to lock in hydration.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin that feels greasy after cleansing
- You struggle with recurring pimples, blackheads, or clogged pores
- You want a toner that removes leftover dirt and sebum after washing
- You prefer dermatologist-tested, pharmacy-grade skincare
- You need a pH-balanced toner that supports the acid mantle
- You value a simple, no-nonsense skincare approach
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin (alcohol content may over-dry)
- You have fungal acne / Malassezia folliculitis (contains Polysorbate 20)
- You are extremely sensitive to alcohol or fragrance
- You want an exfoliating toner with AHA/BHA actives at effective concentrations
- You prefer fragrance-free products only
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThis toner was specifically formulated for oily skin. The alcohol and witch hazel effectively cut through excess sebum, leaving skin feeling clean and matte without heaviness.
The pH 5.5 formula supports the skin's natural defense against acne-causing bacteria. Panthenol and Allantoin soothe active breakouts while preventing new ones.
Works well on the oily T-zone. Consider applying only to oily areas and avoiding dry patches, as the alcohol may cause tightness on drier zones.
Contains Panthenol and Allantoin for soothing, but alcohol and fragrance may irritate very reactive skin. Start with 2–3 times per week and patch test first.
Not recommended for dry skin types. The alcohol content can strip natural oils and worsen dryness. If used, always follow immediately with a rich moisturizer.
Results timeline
MONTH 2–3Immediate Cleansing & Freshness
Skin feels noticeably cleaner and less oily after each use. Cotton pad visibly picks up residual dirt and sebum missed by cleansing. Slight tingling may occur initially.
90% noticed cleaner-feeling skinOil Control & Pore Refinement
Excess oiliness noticeably reduced throughout the day. Pores appear tighter and less visible. Some users may experience initial adjustment period with mild irritation that subsides.
75% noticed reduced oilinessFewer Breakouts & Smoother Skin
Frequency of new pimples and blackheads decreases. Skin texture feels smoother and more refined. Existing blemishes begin to heal faster with the Panthenol and Allantoin support.
65% noticed fewer breakoutsClearer, Balanced Complexion
Significant improvement in overall skin clarity with consistent use. Skin's natural acid mantle is better supported. Complexion looks more balanced and even-toned.
55% reported clearer skin overallRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Effectively removes excess oil and residual dirt after cleansing
- pH 5.5 supports the skin's natural acid mantle
- Panthenol and Allantoin soothe and calm irritated skin
- Noticeably reduces breakout frequency with consistent use
- Dermatologist-tested with over 120 clinical studies backing the brand
- Paraben-free, soap-free, vegan formula
- Travel-friendly, sturdy packaging
- Good value for a pharmaceutical-grade skincare product
Criticized
- Alcohol is the 2nd ingredient — may be drying or irritating for some
- Contains fragrance (Parfum) which can trigger sensitivities
- Not suitable for fungal acne (contains Polysorbate 20)
- Small 150ml bottle runs out quickly with daily use
- Strong alcohol-like scent that some users find unpleasant
- May leave a slight sticky film on certain skin types
- Takes 2–3 weeks before visible acne reduction
- Not ideal for dry or very sensitive skin
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESAlso features witch hazel as a key astringent for oily/acne-prone skin. Alcohol-free formula is gentler but less antibacterial. Much larger 355ml bottle. Lacks Panthenol and Silk Proteins.
Targets pore refinement and oil control with AHA/BHA. More exfoliating power but lacks the soothing care complex (Panthenol, Allantoin, Silk). Not pH 5.5 balanced.
Another French pharmacy toner for oily/acne-prone skin with pore-tightening action. Contains zinc and fluidactiv complex. Gentler formula without high alcohol content but also less immediately mattifying.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed after use to prevent evaporation of alcohol content.
Sturdy white plastic bottle with screw cap. Simple, no-frills pharmaceutical packaging typical of the Sebamed brand.
Yes — 150ml is over the 100ml carry-on limit, but the bottle is compact and sturdy for checked luggage. Note: cannot ship by air in some regions due to alcohol content.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. The toner does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone — the most commonly flagged ingredients during pregnancy. However, it does contain alcohol (ethanol) as the 2nd ingredient and fragrance (Parfum), which some healthcare providers recommend avoiding. The Lactic Acid and Urea are present at very low concentrations unlikely to pose risk, but always consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before adding any new product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No, this toner is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains Polysorbate 20, which is a known potential trigger for Malassezia yeast overgrowth. Polysorbate 20 has a lipid structure that Malassezia can use as a food source, potentially worsening fungal acne. If you suspect you have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis), consider alternatives like the Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel (which is fungal acne safe) or other toners without polysorbates, fatty acids, or esters.
Yes, but with care. This toner contains alcohol which can increase skin sensitivity. If using with retinol, apply the toner first and allow it to fully absorb before applying retinol. With Vitamin C serums, use the toner as a cleanser step before applying the serum. With AHA/BHA products, be cautious about over-exfoliation — the toner already contains trace amounts of Lactic Acid. Consider alternating days or using the toner in the AM and actives in the PM to reduce irritation risk.
This toner is specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. It excels at removing excess sebum and controlling oil production while fighting breakout-causing bacteria with its pH 5.5 formula. It also works well for combination skin when applied mainly to the oily T-zone. It is not ideal for dry or very sensitive skin due to its alcohol content. Those with sensitive skin should introduce it gradually, starting with 2–3 times per week.
Most users report feeling cleaner and less oily immediately from the first use. Visible oil control and pore refinement typically appear within 1–2 weeks. Reduced breakout frequency is usually noticed around weeks 3–4 with consistent daily use. Full results for clearer, more balanced skin generally develop over 2–3 months. Note that some users experience a brief adjustment period (1–2 weeks) where skin may feel slightly irritated before settling.
Apply the toner as Step 2, immediately after cleansing. After washing your face with a cleanser and patting dry, saturate a cotton pad with the toner and gently wipe over your face. Follow with any serums, then moisturizer. In the morning, finish with sunscreen. This toner acts as a deep-cleansing step that removes residual impurities missed by your cleanser and preps your skin for better absorption of subsequent products.
No, this toner has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. No comedogenic or pore-clogging ingredients have been identified in the formula. It contains no oils, waxes, or heavy emollients that would typically clog pores. In fact, the toner is designed to help clear pores by removing excess sebum and dirt. The alcohol and witch hazel provide additional astringent action to tighten pores.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The 150ml bottle typically lasts 6–8 weeks with twice-daily use (morning and evening), or up to 3 months with once-daily use. Store in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed to prevent evaporation. The alcohol content and preservatives (Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate) help maintain product stability and freshness throughout its shelf life.
Verdict: The Sebamed Clear Face Facial Toner is a reliable, dermatologist-backed deep cleansing toner that delivers on its promise for oily and acne-prone skin. The pH 5.5 formula, combined with soothing Panthenol, Allantoin, and Witch Hazel, provides effective oil control and breakout prevention without completely stripping the skin. However, the high alcohol content (2nd ingredient) and presence of fragrance are legitimate drawbacks that may not suit everyone. It's not fungal acne safe due to Polysorbate 20, and dry/sensitive skin types should proceed with caution. For its target audience — oily, acne-prone skin seeking a no-nonsense, pharmaceutical-grade toner — it's a solid, well-researched choice from a trusted German dermo-cosmetic brand.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Alcohol
Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 0 |
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Succinate
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|








