Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser
Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle daily exfoliating gel cleanser with salicylic acid and jojoba beads that deep-cleans pores, removes oil and impurities, and leaves oily or blemish-prone skin feeling refreshed and balanced without stripping moisture. Formulated with the SkinBalance Complex, aloe vera, and an energizing citrus scent.
Gentle Deep Cleansing
Mild surfactants remove oil, makeup, and impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Texture & feel
SENSORYGentle Deep Cleansing
Mild surfactants remove oil, makeup, and impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Dual Exfoliation
Combines chemical exfoliation from salicylic acid (BHA) with gentle physical exfoliation from biodegradable jojoba beads.
SkinBalance Complex
Proprietary blend of fireweed and wintergreen extracts to reduce the appearance of redness and pores while keeping skin balanced.
Clean Beauty Standards
Formulated without 1,800+ harmful or questionable ingredients on the Never List. No parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains salicylic acid at a low concentration (<2%). ACOG considers topical SA up to 2% generally safe during pregnancy, but consult your doctor before use. Avoid high-concentration peels.
Low-concentration topical salicylic acid is unlikely to be absorbed into breastmilk at significant levels. Avoid applying near areas in contact with baby.
No fermented ingredients, fatty acid esters, or polysorbates. Jojoba esters are wax esters, not triglycerides, and do not feed Malassezia yeast.
Rated 1/5. No known pore-clogging ingredients detected. Gel formula is lightweight and non-greasy.
Contains orange, grapefruit, and eucalyptus essential oils for fragrance. May irritate very sensitive or reactive skin. Patch test recommended.
Jojoba beads provide gentle physical exfoliation. Those with inflamed acne or very sensitive skin may want to limit use to a few times per week.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSalicylic Acid ~0.5%Proven
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into pores to dissolve sebum buildup, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce inflammation. FDA-recognized OTC acne treatment at 0.5–2%.
- Mechanism: Dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells inside pores, helping to clear blackheads and prevent future breakouts.
- Research: Concentrations of 0.5–2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as effective for topical acne treatment.
- Note: In a rinse-off cleanser, contact time is brief, so the effective concentration delivered to skin may be lower than leave-on products.
Jojoba Esters ~1–2%Proven
Biodegradable spherical beads derived from jojoba wax that provide gentle physical exfoliation, buffing away dead skin cells without micro-tears. Eco-friendly alternative to plastic microbeads.
- Benefit: Smooth, round shape is gentler than irregular scrub particles like walnut shell.
- Eco note: Fully biodegradable and ocean-safe, unlike synthetic polyethylene microbeads.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice ~1–3%Promising
A soothing botanical juice rich in polysaccharides and glycoproteins that calm irritation, provide light hydration, and support skin healing after exfoliation.
- Traditional use: Long history of use for skin soothing, sunburn relief, and wound healing.
- Humectant: Contains natural sugars that attract and hold moisture in the skin.
Epilobium Angustifolium Extract (Fireweed) ~0.5–1.2%Promising
Part of the SkinBalance Complex. Fireweed is an antioxidant-rich plant extract with anti-inflammatory properties that helps calm redness and balance oil production.
- Antioxidant: Contains polyphenols that protect skin from oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally used to soothe irritated skin and reduce visible redness.
Wintergreen Leaf Extract ~0.4–0.9%Promising
Part of the SkinBalance Complex. Contains methyl salicylate, a natural relative of salicylic acid, which provides additional anti-inflammatory and mild keratolytic benefits.
- Source: Natural source of salicylate compounds that complement the salicylic acid in the formula.
- Soothing: Anti-inflammatory properties help calm acne-related redness.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~0.05–0.2%Proven
A humectant and skin-conditioning agent that attracts moisture, supports barrier repair, and reduces irritation from exfoliation.
- Barrier support: Converts to vitamin B5 on the skin, aiding in tissue repair and moisture retention.
- Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce redness and irritation associated with acne and exfoliation.
24 ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Lauryl Glucoside, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Glycerin, Jojoba Esters, Sodium Citrate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Leaf Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Salicylic Acid, Acacia Senegal Gum, Phytic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Canarium Luzonicum Gum Nonvolatiles, Panthenol, Citric Acid.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your first step in both AM and PM routines. If double cleansing in the evening, use an oil cleanser first, then follow with this cleanser as your second cleanse.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water onto your face. Avoid hot water, which can strip the skin barrier and increase sensitivity.
Apply & Massage
Dispense a small amount onto wet hands and massage gently onto skin in circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Let the jojoba beads do the work — no need to scrub hard.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until all product and residue are removed. Pat dry with a clean towel — avoid rubbing.
Follow Up
Apply your favorite toner or essence immediately, followed by serum and moisturizer. Always use SPF in the morning when using any BHA product.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin with enlarged pores
- You experience mild to moderate breakouts or blackheads
- You want a clean beauty cleanser free from harsh chemicals
- You prefer gentle physical + chemical exfoliation in one step
- You enjoy a refreshing citrus scent in your cleanser
- You want a sulfate-free formula that won't strip your skin
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin that needs cream cleansers
- You have severely inflamed cystic acne (need prescription treatment)
- You are sensitive to essential oils (contains orange, grapefruit, eucalyptus oils)
- You prefer fragrance-free skincare products
- You need a high-strength BHA treatment (2% salicylic acid)
- You dislike any form of physical exfoliation
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically formulated for oily skin. BHA and gentle surfactants effectively remove excess sebum without over-drying. Leaves skin matte and balanced.
Works well across T-zone and cheeks. Clears congested areas while the gentle surfactants and aloe prevent dry patches from worsening.
Salicylic acid helps unclog pores and prevent breakouts. Best for mild acne maintenance. For moderate-to-severe acne, supplement with a leave-on BHA treatment.
Contains essential oils that may irritate reactive skin. Physical beads add mechanical stimulation. Patch test first and start with every-other-day use.
Not designed for dry skin. The exfoliating formula may increase dryness or flaking. If used, follow with a rich hydrating moisturizer and limit to once daily.
Results timeline
MONTH 2–3Immediate Freshness
Skin feels noticeably cleaner and refreshed after each wash. Excess oil and surface impurities are visibly reduced. The citrus scent provides an invigorating sensory experience.
90% noticed cleaner feelSmoother Texture
Jojoba bead exfoliation and salicylic acid begin to smooth rough, bumpy texture. Skin surface feels softer and pores appear less congested. Some users may experience mild purging.
70% noticed smoother skinVisible Pore Improvement
Consistent use helps minimize the appearance of pores. Blackheads and whiteheads begin to decrease as BHA keeps pores clear. Skin looks more balanced with less midday shine.
60% noticed fewer breakoutsClearer Complexion
With sustained daily use, overall complexion looks calmer and more even. Breakout frequency is reduced and skin maintains a balanced, healthy appearance. Best results when used as part of a complete skincare routine.
55% reported clearer skinRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Clean beauty formula free from 1,800+ questionable ingredients
- Gentle enough for daily use on most skin types
- Refreshing citrus scent that users love
- Effectively removes oil and makeup without stripping
- Jojoba beads provide satisfying but non-abrasive exfoliation
- Sulfate-free surfactants are gentle on the skin barrier
- Suitable for teens and adults of all ages
- Cruelty-free and gluten-free formula
Criticized
- Salicylic acid concentration may be too low for clinical efficacy
- Contains essential oils — not truly fragrance-free
- Physical beads may be too harsh for inflamed or very sensitive skin
- Higher price point compared to drugstore alternatives
- 150 ml bottle size may run out quickly with twice-daily use
- Won't remove waterproof or heavy makeup on its own
- Limited availability outside of the brand website
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Higher salicylic acid concentration (2%) for stronger acne-fighting action. Includes ceramides and niacinamide for barrier support. No physical exfoliating beads. Fragrance-free but contains some ingredients not on Beautycounter's clean standards.
French pharmacy brand with 2% salicylic acid. Stronger exfoliation but may be more drying. Contains LHA (lipo-hydroxy acid) patented by L'Oreal. No jojoba beads. Contains fragrance and sodium laureth sulfate.
Contains 0.5% salicylic acid in a gentle gel formula. Completely fragrance-free with no essential oils or physical beads. Better for sensitive skin but without the clean beauty positioning and exfoliating texture.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed between uses to preserve freshness.
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Easy to dispense controlled amounts. Recyclable packaging.
Yes — 150 ml / 5 fl oz is over the TSA 100 ml carry-on limit. Transfer to a smaller container for air travel or check in luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThis cleanser contains salicylic acid at a low concentration (estimated under 1%). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers topical salicylic acid up to 2% generally safe during pregnancy. However, as a precaution, consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy. For breastfeeding, topical salicylic acid in low concentrations is considered safe as it is unlikely to be absorbed into breastmilk in significant amounts. Avoid applying near areas that may contact the baby's skin.
Yes. This cleanser does not contain fermented ingredients, fatty acid esters, polysorbates, or other common triggers for fungal acne. The jojoba esters are wax esters (not fatty acid esters) and do not feed Malassezia yeast. Salicylic acid may actually help manage fungal acne by keeping pores clear. The product is considered safe for those prone to fungal acne.
Since this is a rinse-off cleanser, the active ingredients have minimal contact time and are washed away. It is generally safe to use alongside leave-on retinol, vitamin C, or AHA products. However, if you are using multiple exfoliating products (like a leave-on BHA or AHA), introduce them gradually to avoid over-exfoliation. If you experience irritation, redness, or dryness, reduce frequency or alternate between products on different days.
This cleanser is specifically designed for oily and combination skin types, particularly those prone to breakouts, clogged pores, and blackheads. It works well for teens and adults. Those with dry or very sensitive skin may find it too exfoliating for daily use and should consider using it only a few times per week or choosing a gentler cleanser.
You should notice a cleaner, refreshed feeling immediately after the first use. Smoother skin texture typically develops within 1–2 weeks of consistent use. Visible improvement in pore appearance and reduction in breakouts usually takes 3–4 weeks. For best results, use consistently twice daily as part of a complete skincare routine for at least 8 weeks.
This cleanser is always the first step in your skincare routine (or the second step if you double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser first). Use it on wet skin, massage gently, and rinse off. Follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). It can be used both morning and evening.
No. This cleanser has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it has a very low risk of clogging pores. No known comedogenic ingredients were detected in the formula. In fact, the salicylic acid actively works to unclog pores, making this product anti-comedogenic in function. The gel formulation is lightweight and rinses off cleanly.
The estimated Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The 150 ml tube typically lasts 6–8 weeks with twice-daily use (using about a dime-sized amount each time). Store in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed to maintain product integrity throughout its shelf life.
Verdict: The Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser is a solid choice for anyone prioritizing clean beauty without sacrificing pore-clearing performance. Its gentle surfactants, soothing botanicals, and dual exfoliation approach (salicylic acid + jojoba beads) make it a pleasant daily cleanser for oily and combination skin. The main trade-off is a lower salicylic acid concentration compared to drugstore alternatives, and a higher price point per milliliter. If clean beauty credentials and gentle formulation are your priorities, this cleanser delivers. If maximum BHA potency is what you need, consider pairing it with a leave-on BHA treatment or opting for a higher-concentration alternative.
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 skin’s 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 «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.
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
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 4 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 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
|
|
|
| 1 |
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate
Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Surfactant, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauryl Glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing
|
|