Skip to content

Miracle Clear Exfoliating Cleanser

Miracle Clear Exfoliating Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

Rael Miracle Clear Exfoliating Cleanser is a gentle, sulfate-free cream-to-foam face wash powered by Succinic Acid, a Minerice Enzyme Complex (rice ferment + rice extract), and Wintergreen Leaf Extract. It melts away surface buildup, excess sebum, and dead skin cells without compromising the skin barrier — formulated specifically for hormonal, oily, and blemish-prone skin that still values comfort and hydration.

Vegan Cruelty-Free Sulfate-Free Paraben-Free Silicone-Free Phthalate-Free Dermatologist Tested Hormonal Acne Friendly pH-Balanced EWG Verified
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
Yes (rinse-off)
Comedogenic
1/5
Brand
Rael
Type
Cream Cleanser
Size
5.1 fl oz / 150 ml
Price
$12.99
Targets
Acne & Pores
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Minerice Enzyme Complex

Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate plus Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract gently dissolve dead cells and brighten dullness without scrubbing.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Cream-to-foam
Scent
Light herbal-citrus
Absorption
Rinses in seconds
Finish
Soft, never tight

Minerice Enzyme Complex

Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate plus Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract gently dissolve dead cells and brighten dullness without scrubbing.

Succinic Acid for Sebum

A trending alternative to BHAs that helps balance excess oil and refine the look of clogged pores while staying gentle on sensitive skin.

Barrier-Respecting Surfactants

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate and Glutamate replace harsh sulfates for a creamy, low-stripping lather that leaves skin soft, never squeaky.

Wintergreen + Quillaja Soothe

Gaultheria Procumbens and saponin-rich Quillaja Bark calm post-cleanse redness and lift impurities like a natural foaming agent.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Sensitive-Skin Friendly

Sulfate, paraben, phthalate, silicone and synthetic fragrance free. Dermatologist-tested for reactive skin types.

Acne & Hormonal Skin

Targets hormonal cycle breakouts, oily T-zones, blackheads and clogged pores using Succinic Acid rather than aggressive BHAs.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

The current Trio formula is salicylic-acid free, but contains Bergamot and Clary Sage essential oils — best to consult your OB/GYN.

Essential Oil Allergens

Contains Limonene and Linalool from Bergamot and Clary Sage oils — patch test if you have very reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin.

Layers Well With Actives

As a rinse-off cleanser, it can be safely paired with retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C, AHAs and BHAs in your follow-up routine.

Eye Area Caution

Avoid direct contact with eyes. The Bergamot oil and saponins can cause stinging if rubbed into the eye area.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Saccharomyces / Rice Ferment Filtrate ~1-3%Proven

The hero of Rael's "Minerice Enzyme Complex." A fermented rice extract rich in amino acids, beta-glucan and natural enzymes that gently digests dead cell buildup while delivering hydration and a subtle brightening glow.

  • Source: Rice ferments have been studied for skin-brightening, antioxidant and barrier-supporting effects in dermatology journals.
  • Function: Mild enzymatic exfoliation — gentler than glycolic or salicylic acid, suitable for daily use.
Great for sensitive and reactive skin that can't tolerate strong AHA/BHA cleansers.

Succinic Acid <1%Promising

A naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid (also found in amber and sugarcane) that has become a viral ingredient for acne care. Helps balance sebum, reduce the look of post-blemish marks, and gently exfoliate without the irritation of stronger BHAs.

  • Source: Cited in cosmetic chemistry as antibacterial against C. acnes and supportive of pH balance.
  • Function: Anti-blemish + sebum-regulating — works synergistically with rice ferment in this formula.
Considered well-tolerated for hormonal and cystic acne when paired with hydrating cleansers like this one.

Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract ~1-2%Proven

Known as "soap bark," this South American tree extract is naturally rich in saponins — plant compounds that produce a soft, cushiony foam without harsh detergents. A clean, eco-friendly alternative to sulfates.

  • Source: Long-used in natural cosmetic formulations as a gentle, biodegradable surfactant.
  • Function: Boosts lather and helps lift sebum and sunscreen residue without stripping moisture.

Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Leaf Extract <1%Promising

Naturally contains methyl salicylate — a botanical cousin of salicylic acid — providing mild anti-inflammatory and pore-refining benefits. Soothes the post-cleanse "tight" feeling acne-prone skin often gets.

  • Source: Traditional herbal medicine ingredient with documented anti-irritant and circulation-supporting effects.
  • Function: Calms redness, reduces visible irritation, supports a fresh, comfortable finish.
Because of trace salicylates, very salicylate-sensitive users (e.g. aspirin allergy) should patch test.

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate + Glutamate + Isethionate 10-15% (combined)Proven

The barrier-friendly surfactant trio that does the actual cleansing work. All three are derived from coconut and amino acids — they cleanse effectively while maintaining the skin's pH and lipid barrier far better than SLS or SLES.

  • Source: Considered industry-standard "mild surfactants" in dermatology-recommended cleansers.
  • Function: Removes oil, sunscreen and light makeup; produces a creamy lather without the post-wash squeak.

Glycerin 5-10%Proven

Listed second on the INCI — meaning it's one of the highest-concentration ingredients besides water. A classic humectant that draws water into the skin, counteracting any drying potential of the cleansing surfactants.

  • Source: One of the most extensively studied skincare humectants; gold-standard for barrier support.
  • Function: Hydration + softening; key reason this cleanser doesn't leave skin tight or stripped.

24 ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Sea Salt, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Leaf Extract, Aspartic Acid, Coco-Glucoside, Succinic Acid, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene, Linalool.

FREE FROM: Sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, phthalates, silicones, synthetic fragrance, mineral oil, formaldehyde donors, drying alcohols, animal-derived ingredients.
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Oil Cleanser
2
This Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
SPF (AM)

Use AM and PM as the second step of a double-cleanse, or as your sole cleanser in the morning. Pairs naturally with the Miracle Clear Toner and Barrier Cream for a complete acne-prone routine.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet your face

Splash with lukewarm water — hot water can over-strip and worsen oil rebound on acne-prone skin.

2

Dispense a 10-cent coin amount

Pump or squeeze a small dollop into damp palms — the cream concentrate goes a long way.

3

Lather into a soft foam

Massage between palms or use a foaming net for a dense, velvety lather. Spend extra seconds on the T-zone and chin.

4

Massage gently 30-60 seconds

Use small circular motions to give Succinic Acid and rice enzymes time to dissolve buildup. Avoid the eye area.

5

Rinse & pat dry

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and gently pat (don't rub) with a clean towel. Follow with toner while skin is still damp.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily, combination, or hormonal acne-prone skin
  • You break out around your menstrual cycle
  • Your skin feels tight or "squeaky" after most foaming cleansers
  • You want gentle daily exfoliation without scrubs
  • You like clean, vegan, sulfate-free K-beauty formulas
  • You have visible blackheads, congestion, or enlarged pores

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very dry or eczema-prone skin (try CeraVe Hydrating)
  • You're sensitive to limonene, linalool or essential oils
  • You want zero fragrance from natural sources
  • You need a heavy-duty makeup remover (use as second step)
  • You're allergic to salicylates (wintergreen contains methyl salicylate)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Succinic Acid and rice ferment manage sebum without over-drying — the formula's ideal target user.

Combination
Excellent

Balances oily T-zone while glycerin keeps drier cheeks comfortable. A versatile daily option.

Acne-Prone
Excellent

Designed for hormonal and blemish-prone skin; fungal-acne safe (no problematic esters or oils as main components).

Sensitive
Good

Sulfate-free and barrier-respecting, but contains Bergamot and Clary Sage — patch test if reactive.

Dry Skin
Moderate

Won't strip the barrier, but very dry skin may prefer a non-foaming cream cleanser instead.

Mature Skin
Good

Rice ferment and amino acids brighten dullness; gentle enough alongside retinol routines.

08

Results timeline

6-8 WEEKS
After 1 use

Refreshed, smoother feel

Skin feels clean but not stripped. The light wintergreen scent and creamy lather give an immediate "spa" sensation. Clinical testing showed visible texture and clarity improvements after a single use.

~85% noticed
1-2 weeks

Less surface congestion

Daily exfoliation from rice enzymes and Succinic Acid begins to soften visible blackheads and reduce small bumps along the forehead, nose and chin.

~70% noticed
3-4 weeks

Calmer, more balanced skin

Hormonal flare-ups feel less aggressive, oil production looks more regulated, and pores appear visibly tighter. Brand cites a 4-week clinical study with 32 subjects showing improved clarity.

~65% noticed
6-8 weeks

Cleaner, brighter complexion

Cumulative brightening from rice ferment, smoother makeup application, and fewer new clogged pores when used as part of the full Miracle Clear routine.

~55% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

12K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.4
Rating
9,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users find the bergamot/clary sage scent too herbal; a few report mild stinging if used near the eyes.
Ulta Beauty
4.3
Rating
600+
Reviews
Main complaint: Pump bottle can be hard to control; some wish it came in a bigger size for the price.
Brand Website (Rael)
4.7
Rating
1,800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Reformulation feedback mixed — long-term users debating original vs. updated Succinic Acid version.
iHerb / Vitacost
4.5
Rating
450+
Reviews
Main complaint: A few users with very dry skin felt the foam was slightly too cleansing for daily AM use.
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Genuinely gentle on hormonal acne and sensitive skin
  • Doesn't leave the dreaded "tight" feeling after rinse
  • Clean, vegan, sulfate-free K-beauty formulation
  • Visibly minimizes blackheads and surface congestion
  • Clinically tested at 4 weeks with positive results
  • Affordable for a clean K-beauty cleanser (~$13)
  • Gel-cream texture transforms into rich, soft foam

Criticized

  • Contains Bergamot & Clary Sage — fragrance-sensitive users beware
  • Limonene and Linalool may irritate very reactive skin
  • Bottle size (5.1 oz) feels small vs. drugstore competitors
  • May be too foaming for very dry skin types
  • Contains rice ferment — fine for FA-prone skin but check tolerance
  • Formula updates have caused confusion among repeat buyers
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Renewing SA Cleanser
$15.99
Budget Pick

Drugstore staple with salicylic acid + ceramides. More clinical, less luxurious texture, fragrance-free. Better for dry-acne combo, but lacks Rael's gentle K-beauty feel and rice ferment glow.

80% Match
Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
$12.00
Similar Profile

K-beauty alternative with 0.5% salicylic acid. Foamier, lighter texture. Works similarly for blackheads but doesn't include rice ferment or Succinic Acid.

68% Match
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
$11.99
Budget Pick

2% salicylic acid in a clear gel formula. Stronger BHA but no fermented ingredients or hydrating humectant base. Better for stubborn pores, harsher on sensitive skin.

65% Match
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
$17.00
Similar Profile

K-beauty AHA cleanser with green plum extract. Similar mild-foam, barrier-friendly approach but uses fruit AHA instead of Succinic Acid; more brightening, less acne-targeted.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Renewing SA Cleanser
Key Actives Salicylic Acid + Ceramides
Size 8 fl oz / 237 ml
Origin USA (drugstore)
Sulfate-Free No (contains SLS variant)
Fragrance Fragrance-free
Best For Rough texture & KP
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Key Actives Salicylic Acid 0.5% + Tea Tree
Size 5.07 fl oz / 150 ml
Origin K-Beauty (South Korea)
Sulfate-Free Yes
Fragrance Fragrance-free
Best For Active breakouts
Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Key Actives Salicylic Acid 2% + Botanicals
Size 4.2 fl oz / 124 ml
Origin USA (drugstore)
Sulfate-Free Contains some surfactants
Fragrance Fragrance-free
Best For Sensitive teen acne
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening — symbol on packaging shows "12M".

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid humid bathroom shelves to preserve the rice ferment efficacy.

Packaging

Recyclable squeeze tube / pump bottle. Lightweight and travel-resistant.

Travel Friendly

Yes — at 5.1 fl oz (150 ml) it exceeds the 100 ml carry-on limit, but a 1 fl oz mini version is available for travel.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

The current Trio formula is salicylic-acid free, which is a plus during pregnancy. However, it contains Bergamot and Clary Sage essential oils — both of which are typically advised against during pregnancy by some obstetricians. As a rinse-off cleanser, exposure is minimal, but we recommend consulting your OB/GYN before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Yes — as a rinse-off product it's generally considered safe for malassezia/fungal acne sufferers. While it contains rice ferment filtrate (which can theoretically feed malassezia), the short contact time before rinsing dramatically reduces any risk. There are no problematic fatty esters or polysorbates in concerning amounts. Most fungal-acne reviewers report good tolerance.

Absolutely. Because this is a gentle rinse-off cleanser using mild Succinic Acid and rice enzymes (no high-strength salicylic acid in the current Trio formula), it layers beautifully under retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, AHAs and BHAs. If you're using multiple actives, Rael recommends introducing them gradually to avoid over-exfoliation.

This cleanser is engineered for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin — particularly those dealing with hormonal breakouts, blackheads, enlarged pores, or congested texture. It's also a strong fit for sensitive acne-prone skin that finds traditional BHA cleansers too harsh. Very dry or eczema-prone skin may want a non-foaming cream cleanser instead.

Most users report a fresher, smoother feel after the first wash, with reduced surface congestion within 1-2 weeks. Rael's clinical study (32 subjects, 4 weeks) showed visible improvements in skin clarity and texture. For deeper hormonal acne benefits, 6-8 weeks of consistent use combined with the rest of the Miracle Clear routine yields the best results.

Use it as your main cleanser (step 1 in the morning) or as the second step of a double-cleanse at night, after an oil cleanser or cleansing balm. Follow with toner, treatment serums, moisturizer, and SPF in the morning. It pairs especially well with the Rael Miracle Clear Toner and Barrier Cream as a complete acne-prone routine.

No. With a comedogenic rating of approximately 1 out of 5, this cleanser is considered very low risk for clogging pores. It's silicone-free, sulfate-free, and uses lightweight surfactants and humectants. As a rinse-off product, it actually helps unclog pores rather than contribute to congestion.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months, marked by a "12M" symbol on the bottle. With twice-daily use, most people finish a 5.1 fl oz / 150 ml bottle in approximately 2-3 months — well within shelf life. Store away from heat and direct sunlight to preserve ingredient potency, especially the rice ferment.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.4 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The Rael Miracle Clear Exfoliating Cleanser is a standout K-beauty cleanser for hormonal and oily acne-prone skin, blending clean, vegan formulation with genuinely effective actives — Succinic Acid, rice ferment, and saponin-rich Quillaja bark. It cleanses thoroughly without the post-wash tightness of drugstore BHA cleansers, and the gentle daily exfoliation visibly softens blackheads and texture over 2-4 weeks. The main caveats are the Bergamot and Clary Sage essential oils (which limonene/linalool-sensitive users should approach with care) and the modest size for the price. For the right skin type — sensitive yet acne-prone, looking for a clean K-beauty alternative to CeraVe SA — it's an easy daily-driver recommendation.

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.

Awesome, I Understand!

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

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Oryza Sativa Extract Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Oryza Sativa Extract Citric Acid
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!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
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.

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
64% 8% 28%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 25 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 B
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Skin Conditioning, Surfactant, Hair Conditioning
1 Unknown
Lauryl Hydroxysultaine
Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Viscosity Controlling
1 B
Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
Hydrating
Irritation
Dark Spots
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS