Face Oil Free Foaming Cleanser
Face Oil Free Foaming Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, oil-free foaming cleanser scientifically formulated for oily, combination, blemish and acne-prone skin. Its non-comedogenic, anti-shine formula with Pro-Vitamin B5 and Glycerin removes excess oil and impurities without over-drying or stripping the skin barrier.
Oil-Free Anti-Shine Formula
Specifically designed to significantly reduce excess skin oils and remove pore-clogging impurities without stripping moisture from the skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYOil-Free Anti-Shine Formula
Specifically designed to significantly reduce excess skin oils and remove pore-clogging impurities without stripping moisture from the skin.
Glycerin Hydration
Acts as a powerful humectant, drawing water into the skin to maintain hydration even while cleansing, preventing that tight dry feeling.
Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol)
Soothes inflammation, supports wound healing, and improves skin hydration while reducing water loss to maintain softness and elasticity.
Ultra-Gentle Surfactants
Uses mild, plant-derived cleansing agents (Decyl Glucoside and Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate) that are gentle enough for baby products.
Minimalist 11-Ingredient Formula
A streamlined ingredient list means fewer potential irritants, making it ideal for reactive and sensitive skin types prone to breakouts.
Ophthalmologist Tested
Tested safe for use around the delicate eye area. Won't sting or irritate eyes during cleansing, even when removing eye makeup.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a rinse-off product, minimal skin absorption occurs.
Oil-free formula contains no ferments, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, or polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. Confirmed fungal acne safe by SkinSort analysis.
Oil-free formulation with a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5. Dermatologically tested to confirm it will not clog pores or cause breakouts.
Free from fragrance, colour, soap, lanolin, and propylene glycol. Uses only ultra-gentle surfactants suitable for even reactive skin. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.
Does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). Uses gentler plant-derived surfactants that won't compromise the skin barrier.
Formula includes Sodium Methylparaben and Diazolidinyl Urea (a formaldehyde releaser) as preservatives. These are considered safe in rinse-off products at low concentrations but may be a concern for those strictly avoiding parabens or formaldehyde donors.
This gentle cleanser is safe to use alongside active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs and BHAs. Its mild formula won't over-strip skin, making it an ideal companion to potent actives.
PEG-14M is a thickening agent used in small amounts. PEGs are generally considered safe in cosmetics, but individuals with severely compromised skin barriers may prefer PEG-free options.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin ~5-10%Proven
One of the most effective and well-studied humectants in skincare. Glycerin draws water from the environment and deeper skin layers to hydrate the outer skin, strengthening the skin barrier and protecting against dryness even in a rinse-off cleanser.
- Function: Humectant and skin-identical moisturizer that plays a critical role in maintaining skin hydration
- Research: Decades of clinical evidence confirm glycerin's ability to improve skin barrier function, hydration and elasticity
- Comedogenic Rating: 0 — will not clog pores
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~1-2%Proven
A provitamin that converts to Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) in the skin. Known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. It improves hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss.
- Function: Soothing, moisturizing, and skin-barrier repair
- Research: Clinical studies show panthenol accelerates wound healing, reduces skin inflammation, and improves stratum corneum hydration
- Irritancy: 0 — extremely well-tolerated even on compromised skin
Disodium CocoamphodiacetateProven
An ultra-mild amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut. Its unique molecular structure (both positive and negative charge) makes it exceptionally gentle. Commonly recommended for baby products and non-irritating cleansers.
- Function: Primary mild cleansing agent with excellent foaming ability
- Gentleness: Among the mildest surfactants available — suitable for even baby skin
- Biodegradable: Environmentally friendly, readily biodegradable
Decyl GlucosideProven
A plant-derived (coconut/palm kernel oil and glucose) cleansing agent known for its gentle yet effective foaming. It is biodegradable and one of the mildest surfactants used in skincare formulations.
- Function: Secondary cleansing agent and foam booster
- Origin: 100% vegetable-derived from coconut or palm kernel oil and glucose
- Irritancy: Very low — one of the gentlest surfactants on the market
PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone)Supporting
A film-forming polymer that helps stabilize the foam and control viscosity. In this cleanser, it contributes to the smooth, even foam texture and helps the product spread evenly across the skin.
- Function: Film former, viscosity controller, and emulsion stabilizer
- Comedogenic Rating: 0 — completely non-pore-clogging
- Safety: Extensively used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals with an excellent safety profile
11 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Decyl Glucoside, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), PVP, Citric Acid, Sodium Methylparaben, PEG-14M, Diazolidinyl Urea
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and night as the first step in your skincare routine. If double cleansing, use as your second (water-based) cleanser after an oil-based makeup remover. Follow with QV Face Oil-Free Moisturiser for best results.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash your face with lukewarm water to dampen the skin. Avoid hot water as it can strip natural oils and irritate the skin.
Pump & Lather
Dispense 1-2 pumps of foam onto clean hands. Gently massage onto face and neck in circular motions for 30-60 seconds.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water ensuring no residue remains. Pay attention to the hairline and jawline areas.
Pat Dry & Follow Up
Gently pat skin dry with a clean towel — don't rub. Follow immediately with your toner, serum, or moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
- You want a gentle cleanser that controls shine without over-drying
- You're on prescription acne treatments (Accutane, Differin) and need a mild cleanser
- You have sensitive skin that reacts to fragranced products
- You suffer from fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe cleanser
- You want a minimalist, short ingredient list
- You prefer Australian pharmacy-grade skincare
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin (consider QV Face Gentle Foaming Cleanser instead)
- You need heavy-duty makeup removal (use an oil cleanser first)
- You want active exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid in your cleanser
- You strictly avoid all parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
- You prefer a cream or balm-type cleanser texture
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically formulated for oily skin. Anti-shine formula reduces excess sebum and removes pore-clogging impurities without over-drying. Oil-free so it adds zero greasiness.
Balances oil control in the T-zone while glycerin and panthenol prevent drier areas from feeling stripped or tight. Excellent for maintaining balance across different face zones.
Non-comedogenic (0/5), oil-free, and fungal acne safe. Helps prevent new breakouts by removing excess oil and impurities. Panthenol supports healing of existing blemishes.
Fragrance-free, soap-free, and dermatologist tested. Uses ultra-gentle surfactants. The short ingredient list minimises irritation risk. Contains Diazolidinyl Urea which very sensitive individuals may want to patch test first.
While glycerin and panthenol provide some hydration, this cleanser is specifically formulated for oily skin. Dry skin types may find it slightly stripping — consider the QV Face Gentle Foaming Cleanser (with Safflower Oil) instead.
Works well for normal skin, especially in warmer/humid climates or when skin leans oily. Gentle enough for daily use morning and night without disrupting a healthy skin barrier.
Results timeline
MONTH 2-3Immediate Clean & Freshness
Skin feels clean, refreshed, and matte without any tight or stripped sensation. Visible reduction in surface oil and shine immediately after use.
95% noticedReduced Oiliness & Fewer Breakouts
Consistent use leads to noticeably less midday shine. Fewer new blemishes appear as pores stay cleaner. Skin begins to feel more balanced throughout the day.
80% noticedClearer, More Balanced Skin
Skin texture improves with a more even, refined appearance. Post-acne redness begins to fade with the help of panthenol. Overall complexion looks healthier and more mattified.
70% noticedLong-Term Skin Health
Maintained oil balance without over-drying. Skin barrier remains intact and resilient. Fewer breakout cycles when used consistently as part of a complete routine.
65% noticedRatings by platform
530+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle yet effectively removes oil and impurities
- Doesn't leave skin feeling tight, dry, or stripped
- Fragrance-free and great for sensitive, reactive skin
- Minimalist 11-ingredient formula with low irritation risk
- Perfect companion for prescription acne treatments (Accutane, Differin)
- Affordable pharmacy-grade quality
- Convenient pump bottle is hygienic and easy to use
- Fungal acne safe and non-comedogenic
- Suitable for use around the eye area
Criticized
- Only 150ml — runs out fast with twice-daily use
- Not strong enough for heavy or waterproof makeup removal
- Contains Diazolidinyl Urea (formaldehyde releaser) — a concern for some
- Contains Sodium Methylparaben — not fully paraben-free
- May not feel cleansing enough for those with very oily skin
- Limited international availability outside Australia and Middle East
- No active acne-fighting ingredients (no salicylic acid, niacinamide, etc.)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESVery similar gentle, soap-free approach for oily skin. Contains SLS (unlike QV) which may be slightly more stripping. Widely available globally. No panthenol but effective oil control at a lower price point.
Another fragrance-free, gentle foaming cleanser for sensitive skin. Contains Vitamin B5 like QV. More widely available internationally. Slightly different surfactant blend but similar gentle philosophy.
Free from dyes, fragrance, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers — even cleaner ingredient profile than QV. Gel-to-foam texture. No panthenol. Excellent for extremely sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Pump bottle dispenser — hygienic, easy to use, dispenses foam directly
Yes, 150ml is over the 100ml carry-on limit — check in luggage or decant for flights
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cleanser is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the main ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. The formula uses only mild surfactants, glycerin, and panthenol. As a rinse-off product, minimal ingredient absorption occurs. However, it does contain Diazolidinyl Urea (a preservative), which is generally considered safe at the low concentrations used in cosmetic products, especially in rinse-off formulations. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes, this cleanser is fungal acne safe. The oil-free formula contains no fermented ingredients, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, polysorbates, or oils that feed the Malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis). This has been verified by ingredient analysis on SkinSort and other fungal acne checking databases. It is one of the best cleanser options for those dealing with fungal acne.
Absolutely. This is one of the best cleansers to pair with active ingredients because of its ultra-gentle, non-stripping formula. It won't add additional irritation when used alongside retinol (tretinoin, adapalene), vitamin C serums, AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid), or BHAs (salicylic acid). Many users on Accutane (isotretinoin) and Differin specifically choose QV cleansers because they cleanse effectively without aggravating already-sensitised skin.
This cleanser is specifically formulated for oily, combination, blemish-prone, and acne-prone skin. It excels at controlling excess sebum and preventing new breakouts. It's also suitable for sensitive skin due to its fragrance-free, soap-free formula. However, those with very dry skin may find it slightly too mattifying and should consider the QV Face Gentle Foaming Cleanser (enriched with Safflower Oil) instead.
You'll notice an immediate difference in how clean and fresh your skin feels after the first use, with visible oil reduction right away. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use, expect noticeably reduced midday shine and fewer new breakouts. By 3-4 weeks, overall skin texture and clarity should improve. Remember that a cleanser is the foundation of your routine — pair it with appropriate treatments and moisturiser for the best long-term results.
This cleanser is Step 1 in both your morning and evening routine. Use it on wet skin before applying toner, serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen (AM only). If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, consider double cleansing — use an oil-based cleanser or micellar water first, then follow with the QV Foaming Cleanser as your second cleanse. QV recommends following with their Oil-Free Moisturiser for best results.
No. This cleanser has a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5, meaning it has essentially zero chance of clogging pores. It is officially labelled non-comedogenic by the manufacturer and has been dermatologically tested to confirm this. The oil-free formula contains no ingredients known to cause pore congestion. In fact, it actively helps remove pore-clogging impurities and excess oil.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. The 150ml pump bottle typically lasts 6-8 weeks with twice-daily use (1-2 pumps per wash). Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place for optimal shelf life. The pump dispenser helps maintain hygiene by preventing contamination from dipping fingers into the product.
Verdict: The QV Face Oil Free Foaming Cleanser is a solid, no-nonsense daily cleanser that does exactly what it promises — gently removes oil and impurities without over-drying or irritating the skin. Its minimalist 11-ingredient formula, fungal acne safety, and pregnancy-safe profile make it an excellent choice for those who want a reliable, gentle cleanser as the foundation of their routine. It particularly shines for acne-prone individuals using prescription treatments like tretinoin or isotretinoin. While it won't wow you with trendy active ingredients or luxurious textures, its quiet effectiveness and dermatological pedigree from Australian pharmacy brand QV (Ego Pharmaceuticals) make it a trustworthy everyday staple. The small 150ml size and availability mainly in Australia/Middle East are the main drawbacks.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Hydrotrope, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate
Cleansing, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Decyl Glucoside
Surfactant, Emulsion Stabilising, Cleansing
|
|







