E.X.F.O Cleanse
E.X.F.O Cleanse
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, triple-action exfoliating cleanser by the Spanish pharma-cosmeceutical brand pHformula. It works as a daily cleanser, an enzyme exfoliator and a 10-minute hydrating mask in one. Lactobionic acid (a mild PHA) teams up with the brand's Resumoist complex of urea and papain enzyme to dissolve makeup and lift dull, keratinized cells, while rooibos, niacinamide and pro-vitamin B5 soothe and protect the moisture barrier. Originally developed to support pHformula's in-clinic skin resurfacing treatments.
Triple-Action Formula
One product that cleanses, exfoliates daily and doubles as a 10-minute hydrating mask, simplifying your routine.
Texture & feel
SENSORYTriple-Action Formula
One product that cleanses, exfoliates daily and doubles as a 10-minute hydrating mask, simplifying your routine.
Gentle PHA Resurfacing
Lactobionic acid loosens dull, keratinized cells for a brighter, smoother look with far less sting than glycolic AHAs.
Resumoist Complex
Urea draws moisture into the skin while the papain enzyme softens dead cells, so exfoliation never feels stripping.
Antioxidant Shield
Rooibos extract, niacinamide and vitamin E help defend against free radicals and support the barrier.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, BHA/salicylic acid or hydroquinone. PHA, urea, papain and niacinamide are generally considered low-risk, but confirm with your doctor.
Not malassezia-safe. Fatty-alcohol emulsifiers such as glyceryl stearate, steareth-2/21 and cetyl alcohol can feed the yeast.
Fragrance-free, soap-free and gentle, but a patch test is wise since the papain enzyme can sensitize reactive skin.
Papain is a papaya-derived enzyme and a known allergen. Avoid if you react to papaya or have a latex allergy.
As a rinse-off it pairs with most routines. If using strong leave-on AHA/BHA or retinoids, introduce gradually to avoid over-exfoliation.
Free from added oils, parabens, silicones and sulfates, and rated reef-safe by independent ingredient databases.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSLactobionic Acid PHAProven
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and the headline exfoliant. It lifts dead surface cells for a brighter, more even texture while its large molecular size means it works slowly and gently, with much less irritation than AHAs.
- Mechanism: Weakens the bonds between dead corneocytes to speed cell turnover.
- Bonus: Acts as a humectant and antioxidant, drawing in water and helping calm the barrier.
Urea HumectantProven
Part of pHformula's Resumoist complex. At low levels urea is a powerful humectant that hydrates dry, rough skin; at higher levels it also has a keratolytic (exfoliating) effect.
- Evidence: A well-studied moisturizer used in dermatology for dry and keratinized skin conditions.
- Role here: Boosts hydration so exfoliation does not leave skin tight.
Papain (Papaya Enzyme) EnzymePromising
A proteolytic enzyme extracted from papaya that digests the protein "glue" holding dead cells together, giving a soft, non-abrasive exfoliation that complements the PHA.
- Action: Breaks down keratin and surface debris for a smoother finish.
- Soothing: Shown to help calm acne-related inflammation in some studies.
Niacinamide Vitamin B3Proven
A multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, helps regulate oil, refines the look of pores and gradually evens tone, all while being well tolerated by most skin types.
- Barrier: Supports ceramide production and a healthier moisture barrier.
- Tone: Helps fade the look of dark spots over time.
Pro-Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantothenate) PanthenolProven
A soothing, moisturizing vitamin B5 derivative that calms the skin and supports comfort, an important counterbalance in any exfoliating formula.
- Comfort: Helps reduce the feeling of tightness after cleansing.
- Antioxidant: Helps neutralise free radicals.
Rooibos Extract (Aspalathus Linearis) AntioxidantPromising
A caffeine-free botanical rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that helps protect the skin against free radicals and environmental stress.
- Protection: Supplies natural free-radical scavengers.
- Soothing: Traditionally valued for its calming properties.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) AntioxidantProven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin lipids from free-radical damage and helps reinforce the barrier, working synergistically with the other antioxidants.
- Barrier: Supports healthy lipids, ceramides and fatty acids.
- Synergy: Stabilises and boosts other antioxidants.
30 ingredients
Water, Acrylates Copolymer, Steareth-2, Sorbitol, Cocamide, Papain, Calcium Pantothenate, Xanthan Gum, Urea, Caprylyl Glycol, Magnesium Lactate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Lactate, Serine, Alanine, Proline, Magnesium Chloride, Steareth-21, Glyceryl Stearate, Triethanolamine, Cetyl Alcohol, Lactobionic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Pvp, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Niacinamide, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Tocopherol.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your first step, morning and evening. For a deeper treatment, leave it on as a mask for 10 minutes once or twice a week, then follow with your usual products and daily SPF.
How to use
HOW TO USEApply to Dry Skin
Dispense a small amount onto clean, dry hands and spread evenly over your dry face, neck and décolleté.
Massage Gently
Work over the skin in light, circular motions to loosen makeup, impurities and dead cells.
Add Water
If the skin starts to feel dry while massaging, dampen your fingertips with a little water and continue.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and gently pat dry. Repeat if needed for a double cleanse.
Optional Mask
1–2× weekly, apply a thin layer to dry skin, leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse with room-temperature water.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a gentle, low-irritation exfoliating cleanser
- Your skin looks dull, uneven or feels rough and congested
- You like multi-use products (cleanser, exfoliant and mask in one)
- You are doing or recovering from a professional resurfacing treatment
- You prefer fragrance-free, soap-free, vegan formulas
Consider alternatives if:
- You follow a strict fungal-acne (malassezia) safe routine
- You are allergic to papaya/papain or have a latex allergy
- You want a fully disclosed percentage of each active
- You only want a basic, non-exfoliating daily cleanser
- You dislike products sold mainly through clinics/specialists
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESHumectants like urea and sorbitol cleanse without stripping, and gentle exfoliation helps keep texture smooth.
More hydrating than most exfoliating cleansers; follow with a richer moisturizer for very dry skin.
Balances oily zones and drier areas well thanks to the mix of exfoliating acid and humectants.
Fragrance-free with a gentle PHA, but patch test first as the papain enzyme can sensitize reactive skin.
Low comedogenic risk as a rinse-off, but it is not fungal-acne safe if your breakouts are malassezia-related.
Results timeline
8+ WEEKSClean, Soft, Comfortable
Skin feels thoroughly cleansed and noticeably smooth, without the tight, stripped feeling of a soap cleanser.
~85% notice instantlyBrighter & Smoother
Gentle daily PHA and enzyme exfoliation begins to refine surface texture and add a subtle glow.
~60% noticeMore Even Tone
With consistent use, dullness and uneven texture look reduced and makeup tends to sit more smoothly.
~50% noticeMaintained Resurfacing
Used as the cleansing step in a full pHformula routine, it helps sustain a clearer, more refined complexion.
~45% noticeRatings by platform
REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Cleanses, exfoliates and masks in one step
- Gentle PHA + enzyme exfoliation, low irritation for most
- Hydrating, never tight or stripping
- Fragrance-free, soap-free, vegan and reef-safe
- A little goes a long way; bottle lasts a long time
Criticized
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Contains papain, a potential allergen
- Active percentages not publicly disclosed
- Limited retail availability (clinics/specialists)
- Higher price than basic drugstore cleansers
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Delivers similar gentle PHA exfoliation at a fraction of the price, but it is a leave-on toner rather than a cleanser and lacks the papain enzyme and rooibos.
An exfoliating daily cleanser with ceramides, but it uses salicylic acid (BHA) instead of PHA and has no enzyme or mask function.
A cheap leave-on exfoliant for texture and tone, but it is an AHA serum (stronger, potentially more irritating) and does not cleanse.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEpHformula E.X.F.O. Cleanse (Featured)
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store between 5°C and 25°C, away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed.
Squeeze tube (100ml & 200ml); a limited-edition version adds a detachable cleansing brush.
Yes — the 100ml tube is within the standard carry-on liquid limit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQIt is generally considered low-risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid (BHA) or hydroquinone — the actives usually flagged in pregnancy. Its exfoliation comes from lactobionic acid (a PHA), papain enzyme and urea, which are widely viewed as gentle. As always, run any product past your doctor or midwife before use during pregnancy.
No. Independent ingredient databases flag it as not fungal-acne safe because it contains fatty-alcohol emulsifiers such as glyceryl stearate, steareth-2, steareth-21 and cetyl alcohol, which can feed malassezia yeast. As a rinse-off cleanser the contact time is short, but if you manage malassezia-related breakouts you may prefer a stricter formula.
Yes, in most routines. Because it rinses off, it leaves little active behind to clash with leave-on treatments. It already provides gentle daily exfoliation, so if you also use strong leave-on AHAs, BHAs or retinoids, introduce everything gradually and watch for over-exfoliation (redness, stinging, flaking). Niacinamide and vitamin C layer well afterward.
It is marketed for all skin types and performs especially well on combination, oily and dull or uneven skin thanks to its balance of gentle exfoliation and humectants. Dry skin can use it but should follow with a richer moisturizer, and very sensitive skin should patch test first because of the papain enzyme.
Skin usually feels clean, soft and smooth from the first use. Visible improvements in brightness and texture typically appear within 1–2 weeks of consistent use, with more even tone developing around the 4-week mark. Used regularly as part of a full routine, the resurfacing benefits are maintained over time.
It is your first step, used morning and evening before toner, treatments and moisturizer. Apply it to dry skin, massage, then rinse. Once or twice a week you can leave it on as a 10-minute mask for a deeper treatment. Always finish your morning routine with SPF, since exfoliation can increase sun sensitivity.
The risk is low. We rate it around 2/5 and the brand markets it as non-comedogenic. A few ingredients such as cetyl alcohol and triethanolamine can be mildly comedogenic in leave-on products, but because this is a rinse-off cleanser they have little time to sit on the skin.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is approximately 12 months — check the small open-jar symbol on the packaging to confirm. Store it between 5°C and 25°C, away from direct sunlight, and keep the cap closed to preserve the formula.
Verdict: pHformula E.X.F.O. Cleanse is a smart, multi-tasking cleanser that punches above a basic face wash. By combining lactobionic acid (PHA), papain enzyme and a hydrating urea complex, it exfoliates gently while protecting the barrier, and the optional 10-minute mask mode adds versatility. Fragrance-free, soap-free, vegan and reef-safe, it suits most skin types and is especially good for dull, uneven or combination skin. The main drawbacks are that it is not fungal-acne safe, contains the potential allergen papain, keeps its active percentages private, and is sold mostly through clinics and specialists at a premium over drugstore options. For anyone wanting a gentle daily resurfacing cleanse — particularly alongside professional treatments — it is a strong, well-formulated choice.
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 3 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 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
|
|
|
| 0 |
Acrylates Copolymer
|
|
|
| 0 |
Steareth-2
Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sorbitol
Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Flavoring Agent, Plasticizer, Masking
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Papain
Skin Conditioning
|
|