Deep Cleansing Lotion
Deep Cleansing Lotion
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight toning lotion from Clean & Clear that uses Salicylic Acid to deeply cleanse pores, remove excess oil, dirt, and grease, and help prevent breakouts — all without rinsing. Formulated for sensitive, acne-prone skin, it doubles as a daily toner and single-step cleanser applied via cotton pad.
BHA Pore Exfoliation
Salicylic Acid penetrates oil-filled pores to dissolve dead skin cells, blackheads, and sebum build-up from within, helping to prevent new breakouts from forming.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBHA Pore Exfoliation
Salicylic Acid penetrates oil-filled pores to dissolve dead skin cells, blackheads, and sebum build-up from within, helping to prevent new breakouts from forming.
Eucalyptus Antibacterial Action
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil delivers natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm active blemishes and reduce surface bacteria on oily skin.
Menthol Cooling & Toning
Menthol and Menthyl Lactate provide an immediate cooling, refreshing sensation while acting as a mild astringent to visibly tighten the appearance of pores.
No-Rinse Convenience
Simply apply to a cotton pad and wipe over the face and neck — no water, no rinsing needed. Ideal for on-the-go cleansing, post-gym refresh, or makeup removal.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEThis product contains Salicylic Acid (BHA). Topical salicylic acid, especially in rinse-off cleansers and toners at concentrations above 2%, is generally advised against during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor or midwife before use.
The formula does not contain ferments, fatty acids, oils, esters, or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast. It is considered safe for those prone to fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis).
The formula is oil-free and does not contain pore-clogging oils or silicones. Salicylic Acid actively helps prevent blockages, making it non-comedogenic for most skin types.
Parfum and Limonene are known fragrance allergens. Those with very reactive or sensitized skin, rosacea, or eczema should patch test before full application. Oxidized Limonene can trigger contact dermatitis.
Alcohol Denat. appears second on the ingredient list, meaning it is present in a significant amount. While it aids quick absorption and oil control, it may disrupt the skin barrier with prolonged daily use on very dry or sensitive skin.
Free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), phthalates, triclosan, and other commonly avoided preservatives and surfactants — confirmed by multiple safety databases.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSWater (Aqua) ~50%+Base
The primary solvent and base of this formula. Purified and deionized water dissolves water-soluble actives and ensures a lightweight, non-greasy texture that spreads easily across the face.
- Function: Universal solvent, formula stability, delivery medium for actives
- Position: #1 on INCI list — highest concentration ingredient
Alcohol Denat. ~20–30%Proven
Denatured alcohol is the second ingredient, contributing to the fast-drying, non-greasy finish and functioning as a powerful solvent and astringent. It temporarily tightens pores and removes excess surface oil with each application.
- Benefits: Rapid absorption, oil-cutting, astringent, preservative booster
- Concern: High concentrations may impair skin barrier function over time with daily use
Salicylic Acid 0.5–2%Proven
The star active ingredient. Salicylic Acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into pores to exfoliate dead skin cells, dissolve blackheads, reduce inflammation, and prevent new breakouts from forming. Recognized by the US FDA as an OTC acne treatment at 0.5–2%.
- Mechanism: Lipophilic BHA — penetrates sebum-filled pores directly
- Anti-inflammatory: Structurally similar to aspirin; calms redness around blemishes
- Efficacy range: 0.5–2% effective for acne; optimal pH 3–4
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil ~1–3%Promising
The essential oil of the Eucalyptus tree, rich in eucalyptol (1,8-cineole at 80–91%). It provides recognizable antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to a fresh, camphoraceous scent and supporting reduction of surface acne bacteria.
- Antibacterial: Eucalyptol shown to inhibit Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus
- Sensitization potential: Relatively low among essential oils (EU sensitizer total ~5%)
Menthyl Lactate <1%Promising
A derivative of menthol combined with lactic acid. Provides a sustained, gentler cooling sensation than pure menthol — activating TRPM8 cold receptors in the skin for a refreshing feel without the strong irritation potential of menthol alone.
- Function: Cooling agent, mild astringent, sensory enhancer
- Tolerance: Better tolerated than pure menthol on sensitive skin
Menthol <1%Promising
A naturally occurring compound from mint plants delivering the characteristic cooling and tingling sensation. Also exhibits mild antimicrobial properties that support the overall antibacterial action of this formula.
- Cooling mechanism: Activates TRPM8 thermoreceptors — not actual temperature change
- Antimicrobial: Mild activity against common skin bacteria
Sodium Citrate <1%Proven
The sodium salt of citric acid, acting as a pH buffer in this formula. It helps maintain the optimal acidic pH range (3–4) for Salicylic Acid to function at maximum efficacy as a BHA exfoliant.
- Function: pH adjuster, buffering agent, chelating agent
- Importance: Critical for Salicylic Acid activity — BHA requires acidic pH to exfoliate effectively
Parfum (Fragrance) <1%Caution
A blend of fragrance components providing the product's distinctive clean, minty-herbal scent. In the EU, listed as "Parfum" — this collective term may contain 30–200 individual chemical components not individually disclosed.
- Risk: Potential skin sensitizer, especially for reactive or allergy-prone skin
Limonene <1%Caution
A naturally derived fragrance component found in citrus peel oils and many plants including eucalyptus and lavender. Present here as a secondary fragrance contributor. Also acts as a penetration enhancer for oil-soluble ingredients.
- Function: Fragrance, penetration enhancer
- Risk: Oxidizes on air exposure; oxidized Limonene is a frequent contact allergen
CI 42090 (Blue 1) <0.1%Cosmetic
A synthetic petroleum-derived colorant (FD&C Blue #1) that gives this lotion its recognizable turquoise-blue tint. Used purely for visual appeal and brand identity — provides no skincare benefit.
- Function: Cosmetic colorant only — provides the iconic blue-green color
- Safety: Approved for cosmetic use in EU and US; generally considered inert on skin
10 ingredients · Source: Clean & Clear Official UK (PR-013496)
Aqua, Alcohol Denat., Salicylic Acid, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Menthyl Lactate, Menthol, Sodium Citrate, Parfum, Limonene, CI 42090
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse after cleansing as a toner, or alone as a no-rinse single-step cleanser. Apply AM and/or PM. Always follow with moisturizer to prevent over-drying from Alcohol Denat. and Salicylic Acid. If using other BHA/AHA products, adjust frequency to avoid over-exfoliation.
How to use
HOW TO USESaturate a Cotton Pad
Pour a small amount of the Deep Cleansing Lotion onto a clean cotton pad until lightly saturated. Avoid soaking to prevent product waste.
Wipe Over Face & Neck
Gently swipe the cotton pad over your face and neck in upward strokes. Pay extra attention to the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). Avoid the delicate eye area entirely.
No Rinse Required
Leave on — do not rinse off. The active Salicylic Acid needs to remain on the skin to effectively exfoliate pores and prevent breakouts.
Follow With Moisturizer
Apply your regular moisturizer immediately after to seal in hydration and prevent dryness caused by Alcohol Denat. This step is especially important if you have combination or sensitive skin.
Frequency: Once or Twice Daily
Beginners should start with once daily (evening). Once skin is adjusted and tolerating well, can be used morning and evening as part of your regular routine.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin prone to breakouts and blackheads
- You want a budget-friendly, no-fuss daily toner with active BHA
- You prefer a no-rinse routine for quick morning or post-gym cleansing
- You are dealing with occasional spots and congested pores
- You want to combine cleansing and toning in a single cotton-pad step
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (Salicylic Acid not recommended)
- You have very dry, dehydrated, or eczema-prone skin (high alcohol content)
- You have rosacea or severe sensitivity (menthol and fragrance may aggravate)
- You have known fragrance or Limonene allergies
- You are already using a high-strength BHA product daily
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESAlcohol Denat. and Salicylic Acid work together to cut through excess sebum, decongest pores, and control shine — ideal for highly oily, acne-prone complexions.
Targets oily T-zone areas effectively while remaining light enough for drier cheek zones when followed by an appropriate moisturizer.
Salicylic Acid BHA plus antibacterial eucalyptus oil creates a dual-action formula that tackles both blackheads and inflammatory blemishes. Non-comedogenic.
Despite the "Sensitive" labelling, the combination of Alcohol Denat., menthol, and fragrance may irritate very reactive skin. Patch test and start with low frequency.
The high alcohol content and BHA actives can exacerbate dryness and barrier disruption on already dehydrated skin. A hydrating BHA toner would be a better fit.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Freshness & Oil Control
Skin feels visibly cleaner, less greasy, and refreshed immediately after each application. Pores appear temporarily tightened. The cooling sensation from menthol is noticeable from the first use.
95% noticedReduced Blackheads & Surface Congestion
Regular BHA exfoliation begins to loosen and clear out blackheads and clogged pores. Skin texture starts to feel smoother. Some users may experience an initial purging phase as trapped debris surfaces.
70% noticedFewer Active Breakouts
New spot formation noticeably reduces with consistent use. Existing blemishes heal more quickly. Skin tone begins to even out as inflammatory acne is kept in check by the combined BHA + antibacterial action.
60% noticedMaintained Clear Skin & Refined Pores
With continued daily or twice-daily use, skin maintains a clearer appearance with visibly less congestion. The T-zone remains controlled and pores look refined. Long-term users often describe this as a "holy grail" maintenance product.
50% noticedRatings by platform
3K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely affordable and widely available
- No-rinse formula — fast and convenient daily use
- Controls oiliness and shine effectively
- Immediate cooling, refreshing sensation
- Removes residual makeup and grime after cleansing
- Long-lasting bottle at 200 ml
- Paraben-free, SLS-free, oil-free formula
- Fungal acne safe — no oils or esters
Criticized
- Strong eucalyptus/menthol scent not universally liked
- High alcohol content can be drying over time
- Contains fragrance (Parfum) — not suitable for fragrance-sensitive skin
- Salicylic Acid may be at low concentration — not potent enough for severe acne
- Not pregnancy or breastfeeding safe
- Not suitable for dry or very sensitive skin types
- Menthol can aggravate rosacea
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSingle-use BHA pads with 2% Salicylic Acid — a higher and more effective concentration. Alcohol-free formula in later versions is gentler on the skin barrier. A US cult classic with decades of loyal users for oily, acne-prone skin.
Straightforward 2% Salicylic Acid toner without fragrance, alcohol, or dyes. Fragrance-free formula makes it more suitable for sensitive skin. Less astringent feel but may require a separate toner for full cleansing effect.
A fragrance-free, alcohol-free no-rinse cleansing water for sensitive skin. Similar no-rinse cotton pad application but without BHA actives — better for those wanting gentle daily cleansing without exfoliation. No spot-prevention benefit.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDENeutrogena Rapid Clear Toner (Salicylic Acid)
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Check the open jar symbol on packaging for the stated PAO period. Discard if the scent changes significantly or colour shifts.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep lid tightly closed when not in use to prevent oxidation of Limonene and evaporation of alcohol.
Opaque flip-top plastic bottle (200 ml). Wide-mouth opening facilitates easy cotton pad application. Bottle is not airless — minimize exposure to air after opening.
Not travel-friendly in standard 200 ml size — exceeds the 100 ml carry-on liquid limit for air travel. Decant into a smaller travel bottle for short trips.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo — this product is not considered safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It contains Salicylic Acid (a beta-hydroxy acid / BHA), which dermatologists and obstetricians generally advise against during pregnancy. While topical salicylic acid in low concentrations is sometimes considered lower risk than oral aspirin, the cautious medical consensus recommends avoiding BHA products during pregnancy, especially on large skin surface areas or in leave-on formulations. Always consult your doctor or midwife before using any active skincare product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Yes — this product is considered fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) safe. The formula does not contain any ingredients known to feed Malassezia yeast, including fatty acids, fermented ingredients, oils, polysorbates, or triglycerides. Salicylic Acid itself may even help with fungal-related congestion by clearing dead skin cells from follicles. If you are prone to fungal acne, this is a compatible toning lotion for daily use.
Use with caution when combining with other exfoliating actives. Since this product already contains Salicylic Acid (BHA), layering it with AHA toners (glycolic acid, lactic acid) on the same day can cause over-exfoliation, increased dryness, and irritation. If using retinol or retinoids, avoid applying both in the same routine — alternate evenings instead. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is generally compatible if used at a different time of day (e.g., vitamin C in the morning, this product at night). Always introduce new actives gradually and monitor your skin's response.
This product is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. The combination of Alcohol Denat. (a powerful astringent) and Salicylic Acid (BHA) makes it highly effective at controlling excess sebum, decongesting pores, and preventing breakouts on oily skin. It is moderate for sensitive skin — the "sensitive" label refers more to the absence of harsh surfactants than an absence of potentially reactive ingredients. Dry skin types should avoid this product or use it sparingly, as the high alcohol content can exacerbate dryness and weaken the skin barrier.
Most users notice reduced oiliness and a cleaner, fresher feeling immediately from the first use. Visible improvements in blackheads and surface congestion typically appear within 1–2 weeks of consistent daily use. A meaningful reduction in breakouts and new spot formation is usually observed after 3–4 weeks. Full results — including refined pores and maintained clarity — develop over 1–2 months of regular use. Some users may experience a brief "purging" phase in the first 1–2 weeks as Salicylic Acid brings congestion to the surface; this is normal and should resolve with continued use.
This product fits at Step 3 — after makeup removal and cleansing, before serums and moisturizer. It functions as a leave-on BHA toner or exfoliating step. It can also be used as a standalone single-step no-rinse cleanser on its own applied directly to dry skin via cotton pad, skipping a separate cleanser entirely. Always follow with a moisturizer to prevent over-drying, especially if using twice daily. In the AM routine, follow with SPF sunscreen as Salicylic Acid can increase photosensitivity.
No — this product has a comedogenic rating of 1/5 and is not expected to clog pores. The formula is entirely oil-free and silicone-free, and contains no known pore-clogging ingredients. In fact, Salicylic Acid actively works to unclog pores and prevent new blockages by exfoliating inside the pore lining. It is suitable for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin. The only caveat is that Alcohol Denat., if it disrupts the skin barrier excessively, may trigger a compensatory increase in sebum production in some individuals over time.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Check the open jar symbol printed on the packaging for the specific PAO stated by Clean & Clear. At typical usage of once or twice daily on a cotton pad, a single 200 ml bottle generally lasts 3–5 months for one person, well within the PAO window. Store with the lid tightly closed in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight to preserve formula stability and prevent Limonene oxidation.
Verdict: The Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion is a tried-and-tested budget classic for oily and acne-prone skin. Its no-rinse cotton pad formula with Salicylic Acid delivers reliable daily oil control and pore cleansing at an unbeatable price point. However, the high Alcohol Denat. content and fragrance ingredients (Parfum, Limonene, menthol) are legitimate concerns for anyone with a compromised skin barrier or fragrance sensitivity. For those it suits — oily, combination, acne-prone skin seeking affordable BHA maintenance — it is a dependable, long-loved staple. For more sensitive profiles or those seeking a higher-potency, fragrance-free BHA treatment, Paula's Choice 2% BHA or The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution offer more targeted alternatives.
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 |
Alcohol Denat.
|
|
|
| 4 |
Salicylic Acid
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Denaturant, Preservative, Exfoliant, Keratolytic, Corn/Callus/Wart Remover
|
Pores
|
|
| 2 |
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Skin Conditioning, Perfuming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Menthyl Lactate
Flavoring Agent, Fragrance, Masking, Refreshing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Menthol
Masking, Fragrance, Flavoring Agent, Soothing, Refreshing, Denaturant, External Analgesic
|
|







