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Face Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Face Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A gentle, soap-free foaming cleanser enriched with Safflower Oil, Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) and Vitamin E (Tocopherol). Developed by Australian dermatological experts at Ego Pharmaceuticals, this pH-balanced formula removes makeup and impurities while leaving skin feeling fresh, soft and moisturised — without stripping natural oils.

Soap Free Fragrance Free Colour Free pH Balanced Dermatologist Tested Ophthalmologist Tested Non-Comedogenic Lanolin Free Vegan Friendly
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
0/5
Size
150 mL
Type
Foaming Cleanser
Target
Dry & Sensitive
pH
~5.5 (Balanced)
Brand
QV (Ego Pharma)
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Triple Gentle Surfactants

Uses three mild, plant-derived cleansing agents (Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Decyl Glucoside) for effective yet non-stripping cleansing.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Light foam
Scent
Fragrance-free
Absorption
Rinse-off
Finish
Clean, hydrated

Triple Gentle Surfactants

Uses three mild, plant-derived cleansing agents (Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Decyl Glucoside) for effective yet non-stripping cleansing.

Safflower Oil Enriched

Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil provides lightweight emollient benefits, helping maintain skin moisture during cleansing.

Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol)

Helps improve skin hydration, reduce water loss and maintain softness and elasticity. Soothes and calms irritated skin.

Vitamin E Antioxidant Protection

Tocopherol (Vitamin E) acts as a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps repair, protect and smooth sensitive skin while you cleanse.

Glycerin Hydration Base

Glycerin is featured high in the formula as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin and preventing the drying effects of cleansing.

Removes Makeup Gently

The foaming formula effectively lifts away light to moderate makeup and daily impurities without harsh rubbing or tugging on delicate facial skin.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Free from ferments, problematic fatty acids, esters and polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. Safe for fungal acne-prone skin.

Non-Comedogenic (0/5)

No comedogenic ingredients detected. Dermatologist tested and confirmed non-comedogenic — will not clog pores.

Ophthalmologist Tested

Tested for safety around the eye area. Suitable for removing eye makeup, though avoid direct contact with eyes.

Contains Diazolidinyl Urea

A formaldehyde-releasing preservative. Generally safe at low concentrations (0.1–0.35%), but may cause sensitivity in individuals with formaldehyde allergies. Patch test if concerned.

SLS / SLES Free

Does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Uses gentle, plant-derived surfactants instead.

Accutane / Tretinoin Compatible

Gentle enough for use alongside prescription retinoids like isotretinoin (Accutane) or tretinoin, when skin is sensitised and needs a mild cleanser.

Eczema & Rosacea Friendly

Fragrance-free, soap-free and pH-balanced formula minimises irritation. Suitable for use on eczema-prone and rosacea-affected skin.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

GlycerinProven

A powerful humectant placed second in the ingredient list, indicating a high concentration. Glycerin draws water to the skin's surface and helps maintain hydration levels even during the cleansing process, preventing that tight, dry feeling.

  • Function: Humectant, skin-conditioning agent
  • Research: Extensively studied; proven to improve skin barrier function and hydration at concentrations above 2%
  • Comedogenic Rating: 0 — will not clog pores
Safe for all skin types including sensitive, eczema-prone and acne-prone skin. No known irritation potential.

Disodium CocoamphodiacetateProven

A mild amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil. Its molecular structure contains both positive and negative charges, making it exceptionally gentle. Commonly recommended for baby products and sensitive skin cleansers.

  • Function: Primary cleansing agent, foam booster
  • Origin: Coconut-derived
  • Irritation: Very low — suitable for baby and sensitive formulations

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~1–1.5%Proven

Also known as Pro-Vitamin B5, Panthenol converts to Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) in the skin. It improves hydration, reduces transepidermal water loss and supports skin barrier repair. Widely used in wound-healing and sensitive-skin formulations.

  • Function: Skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, moisturising
  • Research: Clinically shown to improve skin hydration, reduce redness and accelerate wound healing
  • Irritation: 0 — extremely well tolerated
One of the most gentle and effective hydrating actives. Safe for all skin types, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil ~0.1–0.45%Proven

A lightweight, linoleic acid-rich plant oil that softens skin and may help calm inflammation. It acts as an emollient in this formula, helping counteract the drying effects of cleansing agents.

  • Function: Emollient, antioxidant, skin conditioning
  • Comedogenic Rating: 0–2 — generally non-comedogenic
  • Key Fatty Acid: High in linoleic acid (omega-6), beneficial for acne-prone skin

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Proven

A fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from free radical damage. In cleansers, it provides conditioning benefits and helps repair and smooth sensitive skin during the cleansing process.

  • Function: Antioxidant, skin conditioning
  • Research: Well-established antioxidant properties; supports skin barrier health
  • Synergy: Works alongside Safflower Oil and Panthenol for enhanced moisturising benefits

Decyl Glucoside ~2.1–3.1%Proven

A vegetable-origin cleansing agent derived from coconut/palm kernel oil and glucose. Known for its excellent foaming ability and skin mildness. Readily biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

  • Function: Surfactant, foam booster
  • Origin: Plant-derived (coconut/palm kernel oil + glucose)
  • Irritation: Low, though may cause sensitivity in rare cases
Although mild, Decyl Glucoside can occasionally trigger contact allergy in very sensitive individuals. Patch test if you have highly reactive skin.

13 ingredients

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Decyl Glucoside, PVP, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Citric Acid, Sodium Methylparaben, PEG-14M, Diazolidinyl Urea, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

FREE FROM: Soap, Fragrance, SLS/SLES, Colour/Dyes, Lanolin, Propylene Glycol, Silicones, Parabens (contains Sodium Methylparaben only), Alcohol (Ethanol), Mineral Oil, Sulfates, Gluten, Coconut Oil (direct), Petroleum-based ingredients
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Foaming Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Moisturiser
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Use morning and night as the first step in your routine. If wearing heavy makeup, consider an oil cleanser or micellar water as a first cleanse, followed by this foaming cleanser as a second cleanse.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Moisten your face and neck with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water as it can strip the skin's natural moisture barrier.

2

Dispense Foam

Press the pump to dispense a walnut-sized amount of foam onto your hands. One to two pumps is usually sufficient for the full face and neck.

3

Massage Gently

Using upward and outward circular motions, gently massage the foam onto your face and neck for 30–60 seconds. No need to rub aggressively.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse off completely with clean water. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel — do not rub. Follow with your toner, serum and moisturiser.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have dry, sensitive or easily irritated skin
  • You want a soap-free, fragrance-free daily cleanser
  • You are using Accutane, tretinoin or prescription retinoids
  • You need a pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe cleanser
  • You have eczema, rosacea or a compromised skin barrier
  • You want an affordable, no-frills pharmacy cleanser
  • You prefer a foaming texture that rinses clean

Consider alternatives if:

  • You need deep cleansing for very oily or acne-prone skin (consider a BHA cleanser)
  • You wear heavy, waterproof makeup daily (use an oil cleanser first)
  • You prefer a rich, creamy non-foaming cleanser texture
  • You are sensitive to formaldehyde releasers (contains Diazolidinyl Urea)
  • You want active ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide or salicylic acid in your cleanser
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Dry Skin
Excellent

Specifically designed for dry skin. Glycerin, Panthenol and Safflower Oil help maintain hydration during cleansing. Leaves skin soft, not tight.

Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Fragrance-free, soap-free, pH-balanced formula. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. Ideal for reactive, rosacea-prone and post-procedure skin.

Combination Skin
Good

Cleanses effectively without stripping. Some users with oily T-zones find it slightly too gentle — may not fully control excess oil throughout the day.

Oily Skin
Moderate

May feel too gentle for very oily skin. Does not contain oil-controlling actives like niacinamide or salicylic acid. Better suited as a morning cleanser for oily types.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Non-comedogenic and fungal acne safe. Great as a gentle cleanser while on acne medication (Accutane, benzoyl peroxide). Does not treat acne directly.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2–3
Day 1

Immediate Comfort

Skin feels clean, soft and hydrated after first wash. No tightness or dryness. Fine foam texture is pleasant to use and rinses off easily.

95% noticed
Week 1–2

Reduced Irritation

Redness and sensitivity begin to calm if previously using a harsh cleanser. Skin barrier starts to recover. Less post-wash dryness and flaking.

80% noticed
Week 3–4

Balanced & Healthier Skin

Skin feels consistently more comfortable and balanced. Improved hydration levels and softer texture. Makes a noticeable difference for those transitioning from stripping cleansers.

70% noticed
Month 2–3

Long-Term Barrier Support

Skin barrier is stronger and more resilient. Fewer reactive episodes. Complexion appears healthier and more even. Other skincare products absorb and perform better on a healthy barrier.

65% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

101+ REVIEWS
Chemist Direct AU
4.6
Rating
56+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small 150ml bottle — runs out quickly with twice-daily use
MakeupAlley
4.2
Rating
30+
Reviews
Main complaint: May not feel "clean enough" for oily skin types who prefer a deeper cleanse
BEAUTY/crew AU
4.3
Rating
15+
Reviews
Main complaint: Struggles with heavy or waterproof makeup — best as a second cleanse
Amazon
4.0
Rating
Limited
Reviews
Main complaint: Limited availability and higher pricing outside Australia
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Extremely gentle — does not strip or dry out skin
  • Convenient pump dispenses ready-to-use foam
  • Fragrance-free and soap-free — ideal for reactive skin
  • Works well alongside prescription retinoids and acne treatments
  • Affordable pharmacy price point for the quality
  • Short, minimal ingredient list reduces irritation risk
  • Ophthalmologist tested — safe around eyes
  • Leaves skin feeling soft and comfortable, not tight

Criticized

  • Small 150ml bottle — may not last long with twice-daily use
  • May not feel "clean enough" for very oily skin
  • Struggles with heavy, waterproof makeup removal
  • Contains Diazolidinyl Urea (formaldehyde releaser) — concern for some
  • Limited availability outside Australia and the Middle East
  • No active ingredients (no ceramides, niacinamide, or acids)
  • Pump mechanism can sometimes malfunction
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Gentle Skin Cleanser
$11.33
Budget Pick

Similarly gentle and fragrance-free formula with panthenol and niacinamide. Non-foaming lotion texture instead of foam. Widely available globally. Does not contain Vitamin E or Safflower Oil.

82% Match
Gentle Facial Cleanser
$9.99
Budget Pick

Ultra-minimal formula free from dyes, fragrance, parabens and formaldehyde releasers. Gel-to-foam texture. Preferred by eczema associations. Lacks the moisturising oils and vitamins of QV.

75% Match
Simple Kind to Skin Foaming Cleanser
$7.99
Budget Pick

Budget foaming cleanser with similar gentle surfactants and no fragrance. Contains Vitamin B5 and E. Slightly more ingredients but similarly gentle. Widely available at drugstores.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Key Ingredients Ceramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid
Size 236 mL
Texture Gel-to-foam
Fragrance None
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe Check formula
Total Ingredients 20+
Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Cleanser
Key Ingredients Ceramides, Niacinamide, Thermal Water, Zinc PCA
Size 200 mL
Texture Cream-to-foam
Fragrance None
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe Check formula
Total Ingredients 18+
Gentle Skin Cleanser
Key Ingredients Panthenol, Niacinamide, Vitamin B5
Size 236 mL
Texture Lotion (non-foaming)
Fragrance None
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe Check formula
Total Ingredients 10
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze.

Packaging

Foaming pump bottle — dispenses ready-to-use foam directly. Hygienic, easy to control amount used.

Travel Friendly

Yes — 150mL is over the 100mL carry-on limit. Decant into a smaller travel container for flights, or check in luggage.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes. QV Face Gentle Foaming Cleanser contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. All 13 ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is one of the most commonly recommended cleansers by dermatologists for expectant and nursing mothers who need a gentle, fragrance-free option.

Yes. The formula is free from ferments, problematic fatty acids (like oleic acid), esters, polysorbates and other ingredients known to feed Malassezia yeast. Independent ingredient analysis tools confirm this cleanser as fungal acne safe. Safe to use if you are prone to pityrosporum folliculitis.

Absolutely. As a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser without active exfoliating acids, QV Face Gentle Foaming Cleanser pairs well with all actives including retinol, tretinoin, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid). It is specifically recommended by dermatologists for patients on Accutane or prescription retinoids because it will not further sensitise the skin.

This cleanser is best suited for normal, dry and sensitive skin types. It is particularly excellent for those with reactive, eczema-prone, rosacea-affected or post-procedure skin. Combination skin types can use it as a morning cleanser. Very oily skin types may find it too gentle for thorough oil removal and may prefer a cleanser with niacinamide or salicylic acid.

Immediate comfort is noticeable from the first use — skin feels soft, clean and hydrated without tightness. Within 1–2 weeks, you should see reduced redness and irritation if switching from a harsher cleanser. After 3–4 weeks of consistent use, skin barrier health improves noticeably, with fewer reactive episodes and better overall skin texture. As a cleanser, it supports your routine rather than delivering dramatic transformative results on its own.

It goes as the first step in your routine (or the second cleanse if you double-cleanse with an oil/balm first). Use morning and night before toner, serum, moisturiser and sunscreen. For the morning, one cleanse is sufficient. In the evening, consider using a micellar water or oil cleanser first to remove heavy makeup, then follow with QV as your second cleanse.

No. QV Face Gentle Foaming Cleanser has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. Independent analysis has detected zero comedogenic ingredients in the formula. It is officially labelled as non-comedogenic by the manufacturer and has been dermatologist tested. It is safe for acne-prone skin and will not contribute to breakouts or clogged pores.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal efficacy and safety. Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The 150mL pump bottle typically lasts 2–3 months with twice-daily use (1–2 pumps per wash).

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: QV Face Gentle Foaming Cleanser is an excellent, no-nonsense daily cleanser for anyone with dry, sensitive or compromised skin. Its minimal 13-ingredient formula — free from soap, fragrance, SLS and common irritants — makes it one of the safest choices for pregnant women, Accutane users and those with eczema or rosacea. The foaming pump is convenient and hygienic, and the glycerin-rich formula leaves skin feeling soft rather than stripped. It loses a point for the small bottle size, lack of advanced actives (no ceramides or niacinamide), and the inclusion of a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. But for pure, gentle cleansing backed by 70+ years of Australian pharmaceutical expertise, the QV Foaming Cleanser is hard to beat at its price point.

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 2 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid Tocopherol
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Panthenol Citric Acid Tocopherol
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
3
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
61% 38%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 13 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Hydrotrope, Skin Conditioning
0 Unknown
Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate
Cleansing, Emulsifying
1 B
Decyl Glucoside
Surfactant, Emulsion Stabilising, Cleansing
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS