Daily Pore Cleanser
Daily Pore Cleanser
Product Description
Clean & Clear Daily Pore Cleanser is an affordable, oil-free daily gel face wash with gentle micro-scrubbers and a touch of lactic acid (AHA). It lifts away pore-blocking dirt, oil, and dead surface skin, builds a rich lather, and rinses clean without over-drying β leaving skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed. A long-running drugstore staple for normal, oily, and combination skin.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Gentle Micro-Scrubbers
Smooth, round jojoba-based beads physically buff away dead surface skin and debris without harsh, scratchy edges.
100% Oil-Free
An oil-free lathering formula that cleans deep down to the pores and rinses away without leaving a greasy film.
Touch of Lactic Acid
A small amount of lactic acid (AHA) adds light chemical exfoliation to help keep skin looking smooth and refreshed.
Drugstore Value
One of the most affordable daily cleansers on the market, widely available and an easy add to any routine.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains a low level of lactic acid (AHA). As a rinse-off wash the absorption is minimal, so it is generally considered low-risk, but check with your OB/GYN if you prefer to avoid all acids.
Not fungal-acne safe. It contains jojoba esters, glycol distearate, polysorbate 20, and PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate, which can feed malassezia.
The product carries an AHA sunburn alert. Daily sunscreen of SPF 30+ is recommended while using it and for about a week afterward.
Contains sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Milder than SLS, but it can feel stripping or drying on very dry or compromised skin.
Contains parfum (fragrance). Fine for most users, but those with very sensitive or fragrance-reactive skin should patch test first.
Preserved with methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone. Generally tolerated in rinse-off products, but a known sensitizer for some.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π Lactic Acid Low % Proven
A gentle alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that loosens the bonds between dead skin cells for smoother, brighter-looking skin. It also doubles as a humectant that helps draw water into the skin.
- Source: AHAs are well-documented to support surface exfoliation and improved texture.
- Note: Larger molecule than glycolic acid, so it tends to be gentler and less stinging.
𫧠Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Surfactant Proven
The main foaming and cleansing agent. It creates the rich lather that lifts oil, dirt, and makeup so they can be rinsed away.
- Source: Derived from coconut or palm kernel oil; not the same as harsher sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
- Note: Considered safe in cosmetics, though it can be drying for some skin types.
𧽠Jojoba Esters (Micro-Scrubbers) Exfoliant Promising
Smooth, biodegradable beads that provide gentle physical exfoliation, replacing the plastic microbeads used in older formulas. As a wax, jojoba esters also condition the skin surface.
- Source: Made from jojoba oil; chemically similar to skin's natural sebum.
- Note: Round bead shape is designed to buff without scratching.
π₯₯ Cocamidopropyl Betaine Co-Surfactant Proven
A mild secondary surfactant that boosts foam and softens the cleansing action of the SLES, making the overall wash gentler and creamier.
- Source: Derived from coconut oil; widely used in gentle and baby cleansers.
- Note: Pure, high-grade material is well tolerated; impurities are the usual irritant.
18 ingredients
Water, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Jojoba Esters, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate, Lauryl Methyl Gluceth-10 Hydroxypropyldimonium Chloride, Sodium Carbomer, Glycol Distearate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Laureth-4, Lactic Acid, Parfum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as the very first step of your morning and/or evening routine. Because it contains a mild AHA, always finish your daytime routine with SPF 30+.
π How to Use
Wet your face
Splash your face with lukewarm water to prep the skin.
Dispense
Squeeze a dime-sized amount into wet hands.
Massage into a lather
Work into a rich lather using gentle circular and figure-8 motions for 20β30 seconds, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse & follow up
Rinse thoroughly, pat dry, then apply moisturizer (and SPF in the morning).
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin and want an affordable daily wash
- You like a foaming gel that leaves skin feeling thoroughly clean
- You want light physical and chemical exfoliation in a single step
- You're shopping on a drugstore budget
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry, eczema-prone, or reactive skin
- You are avoiding fragrance or sulfates
- You need a fungal-acne (malassezia) safe cleanser
- You prefer a fragrance-free, ultra-gentle creamy cleanser
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Oil-free lather cuts through excess sebum and leaves a clean, fresh feel.
Balances oilier zones while the mild AHA keeps texture smooth.
A solid everyday cleanser; follow with a moisturizer to maintain balance.
SLES can feel stripping; some users find it drying without a rich moisturizer on top.
Fragrance, sulfates, and MCI/MI preservatives make it less ideal for reactive skin.
π Results Timeline
Clean, fresh, matte feel
Skin feels deeply cleansed and smooth right after the first wash, with makeup, oil, and grime removed.
90% noticedSmoother surface texture
Regular use with the gentle scrubbers and mild AHA can leave skin feeling softer with fewer rough patches.
65% noticedMore refined-looking skin
With consistent daily cleansing, many users report clearer, more even-looking skin and fewer clogged-looking pores.
50% noticedMaintenance & cautions
A small number of users report skin feeling "used to it" or slightly dry over time; alternate with a hydrating cleanser if needed.
Varies by skinβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Very affordable and widely available
- Effectively removes oil, dirt, and makeup
- Gentle micro-scrubbers leave skin feeling smooth
- Pleasant light scent and rich lather
- Oil-free formula that rinses clean
β Criticized
- Contains fragrance and SLES (can dry or irritate)
- MCI/MI preservatives β sensitizing for some
- Not fungal-acne safe
- Some find it drying or feel it "stops working"
- Not strong enough for moderateβsevere acne
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Also pairs gentle physical exfoliation with a daily wash. Oat-based and a touch more soothing, but no added AHA.
A gentle, fragrance-free gel wash. Milder and better for sensitive skin, but lacks scrubbers and lactic acid.
Same oil-free, deep-clean positioning but uses salicylic acid (BHA) instead of an AHA, so it targets acne more directly.
π Comparison with Competitors
Clean & Clear Daily Pore Cleanser (Featured)
~$6.32CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
~$16Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
~$14La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Cleanser
~$16π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the cap closed tightly.
Squeeze tube / bottle
The 5.5 oz (163ml) size is over the carry-on limit β decant into a travel bottle under 100ml for flights.
β Frequently Asked Questions
It contains a low level of lactic acid (an AHA), which is the only ingredient that prompts a caution. Because the product is a rinse-off cleanser, skin absorption is minimal, so it is generally considered low-risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There are no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. If you prefer to avoid all acids, check with your OB/GYN or choose a fragrance-free, acid-free cleanser.
No. It contains jojoba esters, glycol distearate, polysorbate 20, and PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate β ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast. If you are actively managing fungal acne, opt for a cleanser free of esters, polysorbates, and fatty acid derivatives.
Yes. As a rinse-off cleanser it washes away before your actives go on, so it layers fine with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Just be aware it already contains a small amount of lactic acid, so if your skin is sensitive, avoid stacking too many strong exfoliating acids in the same routine.
It works best for oily and combination skin, and is suitable for normal skin too. Those with very dry or sensitive skin may find the sulfates and fragrance too stripping or irritating and should consider a gentler, fragrance-free option.
Skin feels clean and smooth immediately after the first wash. Texture improvements from the scrubbers and mild AHA typically show over 1β2 weeks, with clearer, more refined-looking skin after 4β6 weeks of consistent daily use.
It is the first step in your routine, used morning and/or evening before toner, treatments, serums, and moisturizer. Because it contains an AHA, always finish your daytime routine with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+.
It rates around 2 out of 5. Although a couple of ingredients (like Laureth-4) score higher on comedogenicity charts, this is a rinse-off product, so contact time is short and the clogging risk is low for most people. A minority of acne-prone users do report breakouts, so patch test if you are very reactive.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. After that, discard any remaining product and replace it to ensure it stays effective and hygienic.
Verdict: The Clean & Clear Daily Pore Cleanser is a reliable, budget-friendly daily wash that genuinely shines for oily and combination skin. Gentle micro-scrubbers, an oil-free lather, and a touch of lactic acid deliver a satisfyingly clean, smooth finish at a drugstore price. Its main drawbacks are the fragrance, sulfates, and MCI/MI preservatives, which make it less suitable for dry, sensitive, or fungal-acne-prone skin. If your skin tolerates a foaming wash and you want effective everyday cleansing without breaking the bank, it's an easy recommendation β just follow with moisturizer and daily SPF.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening 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
|
|
|
| 3 |
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 0 |
Jojoba Esters
Emollient, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
|
|