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Daily Facial Foam Cleanser

Daily Facial Foam Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A gentle, dermatologist-tested foaming cleanser formulated for acne-prone and oily-to-combination skin. Enriched with soothing Calendula and Aloe Vera extracts, it removes impurities and unblocks pores while controlling excess oil without stripping moisture.

Dermatologist Tested Oil-Free Non-Comedogenic Sulfate-Free Surfactants Acne-Prone Skin Friendly Pharmacy Brand (Galderma)
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
130 ml
Price
~$16.49 AUD
Cost/ml
$0.13 AUD
Type
Foam Cleanser
Skin Concern
Acne & Oiliness
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Gentle Foaming Action

Uses mild sulfosuccinate-based surfactants instead of harsh sulfates, creating a rich lather that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Light Foam
Scent
Light Fresh Fragrance
Absorption
Rinse-Off
Finish
Clean, Non-Tight

Gentle Foaming Action

Uses mild sulfosuccinate-based surfactants instead of harsh sulfates, creating a rich lather that cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.

Calendula Extract

Naturally anti-inflammatory marigold extract helps calm redness and irritation associated with acne-prone skin while supporting skin healing.

Aloe Vera Soothing

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract provides lightweight moisture and anti-inflammatory benefits, preventing the dryness often caused by acne cleansers.

Oil Control Without Drying

Formulated to effectively dissolve excess sebum and unclog pores while maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier for balanced cleansing.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains fragrance (parfum) with allergens like benzyl salicylate and hexyl cinnamal. No retinoids or active salicylic acid present. As a rinse-off product, risk is low, but consult your doctor if concerned.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Not fungal acne safe. Contains PEG-150 Distearate (a polyethylene glycol ester) which can feed Malassezia yeast. Avoid if you are prone to fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis.

Non-Comedogenic

No comedogenic ingredients detected. Comedogenic rating of 1/5. Unlikely to clog pores when used as a rinse-off cleanser as directed.

Sensitive Skin

Contains Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) preservatives, known allergens. Also contains fragrance. Patch test recommended for very sensitive or reactive skin.

Retinol & Active Compatibility

Safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. As a gentle rinse-off cleanser, it will not interfere with other active treatments applied afterwards.

Vegan & Cruelty-Free

Benzac is a Galderma brand. Check local Galderma policies for cruelty-free and vegan certification in your region, as it may vary by market.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate ~10%Proven

The primary surfactant in this formula. A very mild, non-irritating cleansing agent that produces excellent foam. It is classified as a sulfosuccinate, not a sulfate, and is considered gentle enough for baby and sensitive skin formulations.

  • Function: Gentle cleansing agent and foam booster
  • Safety: Allowed in sulfate-free products; milder alternative to SLS/SLES
  • Evidence: Manufacturer data shows low irritation potential even in leave-on products
Considered one of the gentlest surfactants available in cleanser formulations.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine ~6%Proven

A coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant that acts as a foam stabilizer and secondary cleanser. It thickens the formula and improves the overall lather while being hydrating to the skin thanks to its coconut oil origin.

  • Function: Co-surfactant, foam booster, thickener
  • Safety: A 2012 study disproved previous allergen concerns
  • Benefit: Coconut-derived, provides mild hydrating effect during cleansing
Rarely, some individuals may experience contact sensitivity. Patch test if you have known surfactant allergies.

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract <1%Promising

Marigold extract with centuries of traditional use for wound healing. Rich in flavonoids that provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it especially beneficial for inflamed, acne-prone skin.

  • Active compounds: Flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carotenoids
  • Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce redness and swelling associated with acne
  • Wound healing: Traditional use supported by modern dermatological research
Well-tolerated botanical extract with low irritation potential.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract <1%Proven

Aloe vera extract known for its moisturizing, emollient, and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps prevent the dry, tight feeling that many acne cleansers leave behind by providing lightweight hydration.

  • Moisturizing: Contains polysaccharides that attract and hold moisture
  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces irritation and supports skin barrier recovery
  • Soothing: Helps calm reactive, acne-inflamed skin

Propylene Glycol ~2%Proven

A humectant that helps the skin retain moisture and aids in delivering active ingredients deeper into the skin. Also provides antimicrobial properties that help extend the product's shelf life.

  • Function: Humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer
  • Benefit: Helps prevent moisture loss during cleansing
  • Safety: Considered safe in cosmetic concentrations
Individuals with very sensitive skin or eczema may rarely experience irritation from propylene glycol.

23 ingredients

Aqua, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Propylene Glycol, PEG-150 Distearate, Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Benzyl Salicylate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Hexyl Cinnamal, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylgluceth-20, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylparaben, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA, CI 42090, Parfum.

FREE FROM: Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Silicones, Mineral Oil, Retinoids, Benzoyl Peroxide, Phthalates, Hydroquinone, Triclosan, Formaldehyde, Lanolin, Talc, Gluten, Nickel
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser (This Product)
2
Toner
3
Acne Treatment
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as the very first step in your AM & PM skincare routine. Follow with Benzac AC Treatment Gel for acne, then moisturize. Always apply sunscreen in the morning.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face & Neck

Splash your face and neck with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water as it can strip natural oils and irritate acne-prone skin.

2

Dispense & Lather

Pump a small amount of foam cleanser onto your palms. Gently massage onto wet face and neck using circular motions with your fingertips for about 20-30 seconds.

3

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse off completely with lukewarm water, ensuring no residue remains around the hairline, jawline, and nose creases.

4

Pat Dry & Continue Routine

Gently pat skin dry with a clean towel (do not rub). Immediately follow with your acne treatment, serum, and moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily or combination skin that is prone to breakouts
  • You want a gentle foaming cleanser that does not strip your skin
  • You need a pharmacy-grade cleanser to pair with acne treatments
  • You prefer dermatologist-tested products with botanical soothing agents
  • You want to control excess oil and unblock pores daily
  • You are looking for a sulfate-free foaming cleanser

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis) — contains PEG ester
  • You are very sensitive to fragrance or MCI/MI preservatives
  • You want a completely fragrance-free cleanser
  • You need a cleanser with active acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
  • You have very dry or eczema-prone skin that needs a cream or oil cleanser
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Specifically designed for oily skin. Controls sebum production and removes excess oil without over-drying or causing rebound oiliness.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances well across oily T-zone and drier cheek areas. Gentle surfactants clean without stripping the drier zones.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Non-comedogenic formula with anti-inflammatory botanicals. Designed specifically for acne-prone skin as step one in an acne routine.

Normal Skin
Good

Works well for everyday cleansing, though normal skin types without acne concerns may prefer a simpler formula.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

Contains fragrance and MCI/MI preservatives that may trigger reactions in very sensitive skin. Patch test recommended before regular use.

Dry Skin
Moderate

Aloe vera provides some hydration, but the oil-controlling formula may feel too stripping for very dry skin. Follow with a rich moisturizer.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2-3
Day 1-3

Immediate Cleansing Effect

Skin feels cleaner and less oily after each wash. Pores appear clearer as surface impurities and excess sebum are removed. Gentle enough for twice-daily use from the start.

90% noticed cleaner feeling skin
Week 1-2

Oil Control & Reduced Shine

Noticeable improvement in oil control throughout the day. Skin feels balanced and less shiny by mid-afternoon. Some users report minor purging if switching from a harsher cleanser.

75% noticed reduced oiliness
Week 3-4

Fewer New Breakouts

With consistent use alongside an acne treatment routine, users typically notice fewer new pimples forming. Pores appear less congested and skin texture begins to improve.

60% noticed fewer breakouts
Month 2-3

Clearer, Calmer Skin

Long-term results when used as part of a complete Benzac acne routine (cleanser + treatment + moisturizer). Skin appears calmer with less redness from the calendula and aloe vera extracts.

70% reported visibly clearer skin
09

Ratings by platform

780+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.0
Rating
50+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users felt it did not actively treat acne on its own without a separate treatment product
Chemist Warehouse (AU)
4.2
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small 130ml bottle runs out quickly when used twice daily
Hwahae
4.0
Rating
30+
Reviews
Main complaint: Fragrance may not suit everyone; some wanted a fragrance-free version
Benzac Official (AU)
4.3
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Works best as part of the full Benzac routine; limited results when used alone
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Gentle foaming action that does not leave skin feeling tight or stripped
  • Effectively controls oil and shine throughout the day
  • Soothing calendula and aloe vera calm irritated, acne-prone skin
  • Dermatologist tested by a trusted pharmacy brand (Galderma)
  • Sulfate-free surfactant system is gentler than many acne cleansers
  • Affordable price point for a pharmacy-grade cleanser
  • Does not break users out or clog pores
  • Works well as a daily face wash even for those without active acne

Criticized

  • Contains fragrance and fragrance allergens (benzyl salicylate, hexyl cinnamal)
  • MCI/MI preservatives can sensitize reactive skin types
  • Not fungal acne safe due to PEG-150 Distearate
  • Small 130ml bottle may not last long with twice-daily use
  • No active acne-fighting ingredients (no BPO, salicylic acid, or niacinamide)
  • Contains alcohol (denat.) which some users prefer to avoid
  • Contains artificial colorant (CI 42090 / Blue 1)
  • Limited availability outside Australia; import prices can be higher
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Foaming Facial Cleanser
$15.99
Budget Pick

Fragrance-free, ceramide-enriched foaming cleanser. Larger 473ml size lasts much longer. Lacks calendula/aloe but adds hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for added skin barrier support.

75% Match
+M Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
$14.99
Similar Price

Another pharmacy brand foaming cleanser for oily skin. Uses zinc pidolate for oil control. Fragrance-free formula better suited for sensitive skin but has a higher pH that some find more stripping.

70% Match
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
$11.49
Budget Pick

Ultra-gentle, fragrance-free foaming option. Less targeted for acne-prone skin but better for sensitive types. Contains niacinamide and panthenol but lacks the anti-inflammatory botanicals of Benzac.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Key Ingredients Ceramides + Niacinamide + HA
Size 473 ml
Fragrance No (Fragrance-Free)
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Active Acne Ingredients Niacinamide only
Dermatologist Tested Yes
Effaclar A.Z. Gel Cream
Key Ingredients Zinc Pidolate
Size 200 ml
Fragrance No (Fragrance-Free)
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Active Acne Ingredients Zinc Pidolate
Dermatologist Tested Yes

PanOxyl 10% BP Foaming Wash

Key Ingredients 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
Size 156 ml
Fragrance No (Fragrance-Free)
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Active Acne Ingredients 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
Dermatologist Tested Yes
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C. Keep away from direct sunlight. Keep the pump cap closed when not in use to prevent contamination.

Packaging

Pump bottle dispenser (130ml) — hygienic dispensing prevents contamination from fingers entering the product.

Travel Friendly

Yes, 130ml is over the 100ml TSA/airline carry-on limit. Decant into a smaller container for air travel or pack in checked luggage.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use with caution. The cleanser does not contain retinoids, active salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters — the main ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. However, it does contain parfum (fragrance) with allergens like benzyl salicylate and hexyl cinnamal. As a rinse-off product with brief skin contact, the risk is considered low, but consult your obstetrician or dermatologist for personalized advice, especially during the first trimester.

No, this cleanser is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains PEG-150 Distearate, a polyethylene glycol ester that can potentially feed Malassezia yeast, which causes fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis). If you are prone to fungal acne, consider alternatives like CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel which are fungal acne safe.

Yes. This cleanser is a gentle, rinse-off product without active exfoliating ingredients, so it is compatible with retinol, vitamin C serums, AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid), and BHAs (salicylic acid). Simply cleanse first, pat dry, then apply your active treatments. The cleanser is actually designed to be the first step before applying Benzac AC Treatment Gel (benzoyl peroxide), demonstrating its compatibility with active ingredients.

This cleanser is specifically designed for oily to combination, acne-prone skin. It excels at controlling oil production and removing impurities without stripping the skin. It is also suitable for normal skin types. Those with very dry or sensitive skin may find it slightly too drying and should consider a creamier, fragrance-free cleanser instead.

You will feel cleaner, less oily skin immediately after the first wash. Oil control improvements are typically noticeable within 1-2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. For visible acne reduction, expect 3-4 weeks when used alongside an acne treatment product (like Benzac AC Gel). Maximum results are generally seen at 8-12 weeks of a consistent routine. Remember, this is a cleanser — for active acne treatment, pair it with a dedicated treatment product.

This cleanser is always the first step in your skincare routine, both morning and night. After cleansing, pat skin dry and follow with toner (optional), acne treatment (e.g., Benzac AC Gel), serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). If you wear makeup or sunscreen, consider double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser first, followed by Benzac Foam Cleanser as your second cleanse.

No. Analysis shows zero comedogenic ingredients in the formula, earning a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. The cleanser is specifically designed to unclog pores and remove impurities. As a rinse-off product, even ingredients with slight comedogenic potential would be washed away before they could clog pores. Users consistently report that this cleanser does not cause breakouts.

The recommended Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The 130ml bottle will typically last 4-6 weeks with twice-daily use (using 1-2 pumps per wash). Store the product in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from direct sunlight. The pump dispensing mechanism helps maintain hygiene by preventing direct finger contact with the product inside.

— Skincarisma verdict
3.8 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Benzac Daily Facial Foam Cleanser is a solid, no-frills foaming cleanser from a trusted pharmacy brand (Galderma) that does exactly what it promises — gently cleanses oily, acne-prone skin without stripping it dry. The inclusion of calendula and aloe vera adds welcome soothing benefits. However, the presence of fragrance, MCI/MI preservatives, and PEG esters (not fungal acne safe) holds it back from a higher score, especially when fragrance-free competitors like CeraVe and La Roche-Posay offer similar cleansing at better value per ml.Best suited as part of a complete Benzac acne routine rather than as a standalone product. If you have oily, acne-prone skin and are not sensitive to fragrance, this is a reliable daily cleanser.

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.

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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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
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
43% 17% 39%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 23 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
2 B
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Cleansing, Foaming, Hydrotrope, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
4 B
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
0 Unknown
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing, Foaming
3 B
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
Hydrating
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS