Foaming Face Wash For Redness Prone Skin
Foaming Face Wash For Redness Prone Skin
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, self-foaming cleanser formulated with licorice root extract, allantoin, and caffeine to soothe redness-prone, sensitive skin. Washes away dirt, impurities, and makeup without over-drying or irritating the skin barrier.
Licorice Root Soothing
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate from licorice root calms inflammation and visibly reduces redness on contact.
Texture & feel
SENSORYLicorice Root Soothing
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate from licorice root calms inflammation and visibly reduces redness on contact.
Allantoin Skin Repair
Promotes cell regeneration and soothes irritated, reactive skin while relieving itching and dryness.
Caffeine Vasoconstriction
Constricts blood vessels near the skin surface to temporarily reduce visible redness and puffiness.
Glycerin Hydration
High-concentration glycerin preserves essential moisture while cleansing, preventing the tight, dry feeling.
Ultra-Mild Surfactants
Amino acid-based Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate and amphoteric Sodium Cocoamphoacetate cleanse gently without stripping.
5 Signs of Sensitivity Defense
Clinically shown to defend against dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and a weakened skin barrier.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, an ethoxylated fatty acid derivative that may feed Malassezia yeast. However, as a rinse-off product, risk is significantly lower than leave-on formulas.
Dermatologist tested and labeled non-comedogenic. Minimal pore-clogging risk due to the absence of heavy oils and emollients.
Listed as the last ingredient. Some users with very reactive or rosacea-prone skin report the scent is noticeable. Patch test recommended for extremely sensitive skin.
Present in a low concentration as a solvent. In a rinse-off formula, drying effect is minimal, but those with very dry or compromised skin barriers should monitor for tightness.
Gentle enough to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. The mild surfactant system will not strip active-treated skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin ~5-10%Proven
A powerful humectant that is naturally found in the skin. Draws moisture from the environment into the skin and helps maintain the skin barrier. Listed as the second ingredient, indicating a high concentration.
- Study: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Function: Prevents the tight, dry feeling commonly caused by foaming cleansers.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice Root) ~0.1-0.5%Proven
The salt form of glycyrrhizic acid, one of the primary anti-inflammatory compounds found in licorice root. A well-researched ingredient for calming redness and irritation in sensitive skin.
- Mechanism: Inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, reducing cortisol breakdown and providing an anti-inflammatory effect similar to mild corticosteroids.
- Clinical use: Widely used in dermatological formulations for rosacea and eczema-prone skin.
Allantoin ~0.1-0.5%Proven
A keratolytic compound naturally found in comfrey root. Soothes irritated skin, promotes cell proliferation, and aids in wound healing. One of the most commonly used soothing agents in dermatology.
- Properties: Anti-irritant, skin-protectant, and cell-proliferating agent recognized by the FDA as a skin protectant.
- Benefit: Relieves itching and dryness associated with redness-prone and rosacea skin.
Caffeine ~0.05-0.1%Promising
A methylxanthine that acts as a vasoconstrictor when applied topically, temporarily reducing the appearance of redness by narrowing blood vessels near the skin surface.
- Antioxidant: Provides protection against UV-induced oxidative stress and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Note: In a rinse-off cleanser, contact time is brief, so effects are primarily soothing rather than long-lasting.
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate Surfactant baseProven
An amino acid-derived surfactant made from coconut oil and glutamic acid. Considered one of the mildest cleansing agents available, making it ideal for sensitive and redness-prone skin formulations.
- Mildness: Significantly less irritating than SLS/SLES. Maintains skin barrier integrity during cleansing.
- pH compatibility: Works optimally at a slightly acidic pH, matching the skin's natural acid mantle.
14 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, PEG-75, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Citric Acid, Caffeine, Sodium Benzoate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and night as the first step in your skincare routine. Follow with Cetaphil Redness Relieving Daily Moisturizer SPF 20 (AM) or Cetaphil Redness Relieving Night Moisturizer (PM) for best results.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water onto your face. Avoid hot water as it can aggravate redness and dilate blood vessels.
Pump & Apply Foam
Press the pump 1-2 times to dispense the instant foam directly into your hands. No need to lather — it comes out ready to use.
Gently Massage
Using light, circular motions, massage the foam across your entire face for 30-60 seconds. Avoid the eye area. Do not scrub or apply pressure.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until all foam is removed. Pat dry with a clean, soft towel — never rub.
Follow With Moisturizer
Apply moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration. Use SPF during the day.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have redness-prone or rosacea-prone skin
- You want a gentle cleanser that does not strip moisture
- You are using active treatments (retinol, AHA/BHA) and need a mild wash
- You prefer an instant-foaming pump format
- You want a dermatologist-recommended brand for sensitive skin
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe cleanser
Consider alternatives if:
- You need a completely fragrance-free formula (this contains parfum)
- You have fungal acne and want a 100% Malassezia-safe formula
- You prefer a deep-cleansing wash for very oily skin
- You want a cleanser with ceramides or barrier-repair actives
- You need a double-cleansing oil or balm for heavy makeup removal
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically formulated for sensitive, redness-prone skin. Ultra-mild surfactants and soothing actives make this ideal for reactive complexions.
Glycerin-rich formula prevents over-drying, but very dry skin may still want a non-foaming, cream-based cleanser for extra hydration.
Effectively removes excess oil from T-zone while keeping cheeks comfortable. Great balance for combination skin types.
Removes surface oil effectively, though very oily skin types may prefer a stronger foaming cleanser with salicylic acid or niacinamide.
Non-comedogenic and gentle enough for acne-treated skin. Does not contain acne-fighting actives like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, so use as a supportive cleanser alongside treatments.
Results timeline
MONTH 2-3Immediate Comfort
Skin feels cleaner, softer, and less tight after washing compared to regular cleansers. No stinging or burning sensation.
85% noticed softer skinReduced Irritation
Skin begins to feel calmer and less reactive. Dryness and flakiness from previous harsh cleansers diminish as the skin barrier starts to recover.
70% reported less irritationVisible Redness Improvement
Baseline redness may begin to reduce as the soothing ingredients (licorice root, allantoin) support the skin's healing process over time.
55% noticed reduced rednessHealthier Skin Barrier
With consistent use as part of a redness-relieving routine, skin appears more balanced, resilient, and less prone to reactive flare-ups.
60% reported overall skin improvementRatings by platform
6K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle — does not sting, burn, or irritate redness-prone skin
- Convenient instant-foaming pump dispenser saves product and time
- Leaves skin feeling soft, clean, and balanced — not tight or stripped
- Effective at removing light makeup and daily impurities
- Only 14 ingredients — minimal, clean formulation
- Lasts a long time even with twice-daily use (8 oz bottle)
- Trusted dermatologist-recommended brand for over 70 years
Criticized
- Contains fragrance (parfum) — controversial for a redness/sensitive skin product
- Pump mechanism may malfunction over time (multiple reports)
- Some users report it does not noticeably reduce redness
- Contains isopropyl alcohol, which can concern dry skin types
- Not fungal acne safe due to PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
- No ceramides, niacinamide, or barrier-repairing ingredients
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Fragrance-free formula with calming feverfew extract instead of licorice root. Hypoallergenic with no parabens, phthalates, or dyes. Better choice for fragrance-sensitive users, but slightly smaller at 6 fl oz.
Fragrance-free with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid for barrier repair. Not specifically targeted at redness, but excellent for sensitive skin. Comes in larger sizes (12oz, 16oz) for better value.
Ultra-simple, fragrance-free, dye-free formula recommended by dermatologists for the most sensitive skin. No active redness-soothing ingredients, but its extreme gentleness makes it a top choice for reactive, rosacea-prone complexions.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
24 MONTHS24 months after opening
Store at room temperature. Protect from freezing. Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
Pump bottle with instant-foaming dispenser. No need to lather — foam dispenses directly from the pump.
No — 8 fl oz (236ml) exceeds the 3.4 oz / 100ml TSA carry-on liquid limit. Decant into a smaller container for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This cleanser does not contain any ingredients considered unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, such as retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. All active ingredients (glycerin, allantoin, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, caffeine) have well-established safety profiles. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Use with caution. The formula contains PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, which is derived from a fatty acid ester and may feed Malassezia yeast. However, since this is a rinse-off product with brief skin contact, the risk is significantly lower than with leave-on products. If you have active fungal acne, consider the Aveeno Calm + Restore Redness Relief Cleanser or CeraVe Foaming Cleanser as fungal acne-safe alternatives.
Yes. This is an excellent cleanser to pair with active treatments. Its ultra-mild amino acid-based surfactants (Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate) and soothing ingredients (allantoin, licorice root) help minimize the irritation that often accompanies retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Use it to cleanse before applying your actives, and follow with moisturizer to buffer any potential sensitivity.
This cleanser is specifically formulated for sensitive, redness-prone skin, including those with rosacea. It works excellently for combination skin and is suitable for dry to normal skin types. Oily skin types can use it but may prefer a cleanser with additional oil-control ingredients. It is dermatologist-tested and clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin.
Most users report softer, more comfortable skin from the very first use. Reduced irritation and dryness are typically noticed within 1-2 weeks. For visible improvements in redness, expect 3-4 weeks of consistent use. Note that this is a cleanser, not a treatment — for significant redness reduction, combine it with the Cetaphil Redness Relieving moisturizers or a dedicated rosacea treatment as recommended by your dermatologist.
Use it as the first step in your skincare routine, both morning and night. Apply to damp skin, massage gently, and rinse off. In the morning, follow with toner (optional), serum, moisturizer with SPF. At night, follow with toner, treatment serums (retinol/vitamin C), and night moisturizer. If wearing heavy or waterproof makeup, consider double cleansing with a micellar water or oil cleanser first.
No. This cleanser is labeled non-comedogenic by Cetaphil and has an estimated comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5 — very low risk of clogging pores. The formula is free from heavy oils, waxes, and silicones that typically contribute to pore congestion. It is also a rinse-off product, which further minimizes any comedogenic risk.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 24 months (24M). The 8 fl oz bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use, as the foaming pump dispenses a controlled amount of product per press. Store at room temperature and protect from freezing to maintain product integrity.
Verdict: Cetaphil Redness Relieving Foaming Face Wash is a solid, gentle cleanser backed by dermatologist testing and a simple 14-ingredient formula featuring proven soothing actives like licorice root and allantoin. It excels at cleansing without irritation and works well as part of a redness-relieving routine. The main drawback is the inclusion of fragrance in a product marketed for sensitive, redness-prone skin — a surprising choice that has drawn criticism from reviewers. If you are fragrance-sensitive, consider the Aveeno Calm + Restore as a fragrance-free alternative. For everyone else seeking a mild, effective foaming cleanser that respects reactive skin, this is a reliable, affordable choice from a trusted brand.
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 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Surfactant, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Foaming
|
|
|
| 0 |
PEG-75
Humectant, Solvent
|
|