Facial Soap
Facial Soap
Product Description
Product overview
A dermatologist-developed liquid facial cleanser with a soft, non-drying lather that gently removes dirt, debris, and excess oil while protecting your skin's natural moisture balance. Formulated with sucrose, sodium hyaluronate, and aloe for a clean, comfortable, refreshed feel — never taut or dry. Step 1 of Clinique's iconic 3-Step Skin Care System.
Gentle Yet Effective Cleansing
Soft, non-drying lather loosens surface flakes and removes dirt, debris, and excess oil without stripping the skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYGentle Yet Effective Cleansing
Soft, non-drying lather loosens surface flakes and removes dirt, debris, and excess oil without stripping the skin.
Moisture Barrier Protection
Formulated with sucrose and sodium hyaluronate to protect skin's natural moisture balance — no taut or dry feeling after wash.
Aloe Vera Soothing
Contains aloe barbadensis leaf juice to calm and soothe skin during the cleansing process, reducing potential irritation.
Dermatologist-Developed Formula
Created by dermatologists as Step 1 of the iconic 3-Step system. Allergy tested, ophthalmologist tested, 100% fragrance free.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate (a PEG ester) and Sucrose, which some fungal acne communities flag as potential triggers. As a rinse-off product, risk is lower than leave-on products.
Non-acnegenic formula. Does not contain heavy oils or pore-clogging waxes. Suitable for acne-prone skin when used correctly.
100% fragrance free, paraben free, phthalate free. Free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes. Ophthalmologist tested safe around the eye area.
While milder than SLS, SLES may cause irritation for very sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Those with extremely reactive skin should patch test first.
Safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHA, and BHA treatments. As a gentle cleanser, it won't interfere with active ingredient efficacy.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSodium Hyaluronate TraceProven
The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. Even at low concentrations in a cleanser, it helps offset the drying effects of surfactants.
- Function: Humectant — draws water to the skin surface during cleansing
- Benefit: Helps prevent the tight, dry feeling common with foaming cleansers
- Comedogenicity: 0 — will not clog pores
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Low %Proven
A natural plant extract with documented moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Clinique includes it in the Mild formula to soothe skin during the cleansing process.
- Function: Anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and skin-soothing
- Contains: Salicylates, polysaccharides, and magnesium lactate for calming irritation
- Research: Shown to support wound healing and skin regeneration
Sucrose Low %Proven
A natural sugar with humectant properties that helps the skin retain moisture. In Clinique's formula, it calms and soothes while helping the cleanser feel less stripping.
- Function: Humectant — binds water to keep skin hydrated
- Benefit: Softens the cleansing experience and contributes to the non-drying feel
- Comedogenicity: 0 — non-comedogenic
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Primary SurfactantFunctional
The primary cleansing agent responsible for the gentle lather. SLES is significantly milder than SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and is widely used in gentle cleansing formulations.
- Function: Anionic surfactant — creates lather and removes oil and dirt
- Compared to SLS: Larger molecular head makes it much less irritating and less penetrative
- Note: Clinique balances this with co-surfactants for an extra-gentle wash
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) TraceProven
A stable form of Vitamin E that provides antioxidant protection. It helps protect the skin from free radical damage during the cleansing process.
- Function: Antioxidant — neutralizes free radicals on the skin's surface
- Benefit: Adds a conditioning, skin-protective element to the cleanser
23 ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, TEA-Cocoyl Glutamate, Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sucrose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetyl Triethylmonium Dimethicone PEG-8 Succinate, Butylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria), Hexylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-7, Laureth-2, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Sulfate, EDTA, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse twice daily — AM & PM. Remove makeup first with a dedicated remover (e.g., Clinique Take The Day Off), then cleanse with this Liquid Facial Soap. Follow with Clarifying Lotion and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+.
How to use
HOW TO USEDampen Your Face
Splash lukewarm water onto your face and neck. If wearing makeup, remove it first with a makeup remover or cleansing balm.
Lather Between Palms
Dispense a dime-sized amount of Liquid Facial Soap into your hands. Rub palms together with a bit of water to create a soft lather.
Massage Gently
Apply the lather to your damp face and neck using gentle, circular motions. Avoid the eye area. Massage for 30–60 seconds.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until all product is removed. Pat skin dry with a clean towel. Follow immediately with your next skincare step.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry combination skin and need a gentle daily cleanser
- You want a fragrance-free, allergy-tested formula
- You prefer a no-frills, dermatologist-developed approach to cleansing
- You use the Clinique 3-Step System and need the matching Step 1
- You want a cleanser that won't interfere with active treatments (retinol, AHA, vitamin C)
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe facial cleanser
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or eczema-prone skin (try the Extra Mild formula instead)
- You need heavy-duty makeup removal (this is a second cleanser, not a makeup remover)
- You are strictly avoiding all sulfates and SLES in your routine
- You have severe fungal acne and need a 100% FA-safe cleanser
- You prefer a rich, creamy or oil-based cleansing experience
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThis is the target skin type. Formulated specifically for dry combination skin (Clinique Skin Types 1 & 2). Cleanses without stripping the drier zones.
Balanced formula works perfectly for normal skin. Gentle enough for twice-daily use without disrupting natural moisture levels.
May not feel cleansing enough for very oily skin. Consider the Clinique Oily Skin Formula instead for a deeper, more thorough cleanse.
Fragrance-free and allergy tested. However, contains SLES which may irritate very reactive or eczema-prone skin. Patch test first.
Non-acnegenic and low comedogenic rating (1/5). Good as a basic cleanser for acne-prone skin, but won't actively treat breakouts on its own.
Results timeline
MONTH 3+Immediate Comfort
Skin feels clean, refreshed, and comfortable right after the first wash. No tightness or dryness. Noticeable soft, smooth feel.
95% noticed immediate comfortBalanced Cleansing Routine
Skin adjusts to the gentle formula. Surface flakes begin to reduce with consistent twice-daily use. Skin texture starts to feel smoother and more even.
80% noticed smoother textureImproved Skin Clarity
With consistent use as part of a full routine, skin appears cleaner and more balanced. Pores look less congested. The gentle approach prevents over-stripping that can lead to rebound oiliness.
70% noticed improved skin clarityLong-Term Skin Health
Maintained moisture barrier integrity over time. Skin remains consistently balanced. Many long-term users report this as their "forever cleanser" with no desire to switch.
65% became long-term repurchasersRatings by platform
13K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Gentle cleansing without stripping or leaving skin feeling tight
- 100% fragrance free — no detectable scent at all
- Dermatologist developed with decades of trusted formulation
- Allergy tested, ophthalmologist tested, non-acnegenic
- Convenient pump bottle makes dispensing easy and hygienic
- Pairs perfectly with the rest of Clinique's 3-Step System
- Free from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes
- Available in jumbo 400ml size for better value
Criticized
- Contains SLES — may irritate very sensitive or eczema-prone skin
- Doesn't produce much lather — some users need more product
- Not effective as a makeup remover on its own
- Pricier than drugstore alternatives like CeraVe or Cetaphil
- 200ml bottle may not last long with twice-daily use
- "Mild" name can be misleading for those with truly dry skin
- Contains PEG-based ingredients — concern for strict fungal acne sufferers
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Non-foaming, cream-to-gel texture with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Even gentler than Clinique (no SLES). Better for very dry skin but less effective at removing excess oil. 16 oz bottle offers significantly more product for less money.
A classic drugstore cleanser with a minimalist formula. Non-foaming and extremely gentle. Doesn't contain hyaluronic acid or aloe like Clinique, but very effective at basic cleansing without irritation. Available in large sizes.
Cream cleanser with ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin. No sulfates at all — even gentler than Clinique. Slightly milky texture with no lather. Preferred by dermatologists for very sensitive and dry skin types.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Keep cap closed when not in use. Avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap (200ml) or pump bottle (400ml). Transparent packaging allows you to see remaining product level.
The 200ml size exceeds the 100ml carry-on limit. A 30ml travel size is available separately. The tube format makes it easy to pack.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild does not contain any ingredients known to be harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There are no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens in the formula. It is fragrance-free, allergy tested, and considered safe to use throughout pregnancy and while nursing. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Use with caution. The formula contains PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate (a PEG ester) and Sucrose, which some fungal acne databases flag as potential triggers. However, since this is a rinse-off product that stays on the skin for less than a minute, the risk is significantly lower compared to leave-on products. Many fungal acne sufferers use it without issues, but if you are highly reactive, consider a strictly FA-safe cleanser like Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser.
Absolutely. This is a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser with no active exfoliants or treatment ingredients that would conflict with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA products. In fact, its gentle formulation makes it an ideal cleanser for routines that include strong actives, because it won't add extra irritation or stripping to an already active-heavy regimen. Simply cleanse, pat dry, and apply your actives as directed.
The Mild formula is specifically designed for dry combination skin (Clinique Skin Types 1 and 2). It also works well for normal skin types. If you have very dry to dry skin, Clinique recommends the Extra Mild version instead. If you have combination oily to oily skin, the Oily Skin Formula would be a better match. The Mild sits right in the middle — gentle enough for drier areas but effective enough to clean combination zones.
As a cleanser, results are immediate — your skin will feel clean, comfortable, and refreshed after the very first use. For longer-term improvements like smoother texture and reduced surface flaking, most users report visible changes within 1–2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. For overall skin clarity and balance as part of a complete routine, allow 4–6 weeks.
This is Step 1 (Cleanse) in your routine. Use it after removing makeup with a dedicated makeup remover if needed. Follow with your exfoliating toner (Clinique Clarifying Lotion or similar), then serums, treatments, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). Use twice daily — morning and night — for best results.
No. This product has a comedogenic rating of 1/5, which is very low. Clinique labels it as "non-acnegenic," meaning it has been tested and shown not to cause acne. It does not contain heavy oils, waxes, or other common pore-clogging ingredients. The formula is designed to cleanse without leaving residue that could block pores.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. A 200ml bottle typically lasts 2–3 months with twice-daily use, depending on how much product you dispense each time. The 400ml jumbo size can last 4–6 months. Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and keep the cap closed when not in use to maintain freshness.
Verdict: Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild is a reliable, time-tested cleanser that does exactly what it promises — cleanse gently without stripping your skin. Its dermatologist-developed, fragrance-free formula with hyaluronic acid, aloe, and sucrose provides a comfortable, non-drying cleanse ideal for dry combination skin. While it's pricier per ounce than drugstore competitors like CeraVe and Cetaphil, and the inclusion of SLES may concern some sensitive skin types, its decades-long track record, allergy-tested credentials, and seamless integration with the Clinique 3-Step System make it a trusted choice. Best suited for those who value a proven, no-fuss approach to daily cleansing.
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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing 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 |
Sodium Palmate
Surfactant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsifying, Sufactant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 4 |
Petrolatum
Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Uv Absorber, Moisturising, Skin-Conditioning Agent - Occlusive
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Chloride
Masking, Viscosity Controlling, Bulking Agent
|
|