Oil-Free Deep Action Cream Facial Cleanser
Oil-Free Deep Action Cream Facial Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A budget-friendly, oil-free cream facial cleanser by Clean & Clear formulated with Salicylic Acid (BHA) to deep-clean pores, remove excess oil and impurities, and deliver a signature cool, refreshing tingle — all without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier. Ideal for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types looking for an effective everyday cleanse.
Deep Pore Cleansing with BHA
Salicylic Acid (2%) is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into pores to dissolve excess sebum, blackheads, and pore-clogging debris — going beyond surface-level cleansing.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDeep Pore Cleansing with BHA
Salicylic Acid (2%) is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into pores to dissolve excess sebum, blackheads, and pore-clogging debris — going beyond surface-level cleansing.
Cooling Menthol Sensation
Menthol delivers the brand's signature cool, refreshing tingle upon application, invigorating the skin and making each wash feel noticeably effective and revitalizing.
Non-Drying Cream Formula
Cetyl Alcohol and PPG-15 Stearyl Ether give this cleanser its creamy, non-stripping texture, helping preserve the skin's natural moisture balance even with daily use.
Free From Harsh Additives
The formula is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, oils, and dyes — making it a straightforward, stripped-back option for those seeking a no-frills, effective cleanse.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains Salicylic Acid — generally considered safe at low concentrations in rinse-off cleansers, but many dermatologists advise limiting BHA use during pregnancy as a precaution. Consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use.
Contains Polysorbate 60 and Steareth-21, which are known Malassezia triggers. Not recommended for those managing fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis). Seek a polysorbate-free alternative.
Rated 1/5 on the comedogenic scale. Cetyl Alcohol rates 2 and Steareth-21 rates 0–1. The formula is oil-free and rinses clean, making it suitable for pore-conscious and acne-prone users.
Clean & Clear states this product is never tested on animals and the formula contains no animal-derived ingredients (note: the older Gelatin-containing version was not vegan).
BHA (Salicylic Acid) in a rinse-off cleanser is generally low-risk to layer. Avoid pairing leave-on BHA, AHA, or strong retinoids with this cleanser in the same routine without professional guidance to prevent over-exfoliation.
Products containing Salicylic Acid are required by the FDA to carry a sun protection advisory. Use SPF 30+ daily while using this cleanser to protect newly exfoliated skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSWater (Aqua) Base (~70%+)Solvent
The primary vehicle of the formula. Purified water forms the base that carries and delivers all active and functional ingredients to the skin, ensuring smooth spreadability and rinse-off performance.
- Function: Solvent, carrier, formula base
- Skin Impact: Neutral — no allergenic potential; universal cosmetic solvent
Cetyl Alcohol ~5–10%Proven
A fatty alcohol (not a drying alcohol) that gives this cleanser its thick, creamy, lotion-like consistency. It acts as an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer, contributing to the non-stripping feel upon rinse-off.
- Source: Derived from plant oils (palm/coconut) or synthetic
- Comedogenic Rating: 2/5 — low risk for most skin types
- Function: Emollient, emulsifier, viscosity builder
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether ~3–7%Proven
A conditioning emollient and skin-feel modifier. It helps the cleanser spread smoothly on the face, reduces the likelihood of over-drying during cleansing, and contributes to the silky after-feel.
- Function: Emollient, conditioning agent, texture enhancer
- Skin Safety: Well-tolerated; non-irritating in rinse-off formulas
- Comedogenic Rating: 0–1 — very low risk
Gelatin ~1–3%Functional
An animal-derived protein (collagen hydrolysate) used in this formula as a film-forming and texture agent. It helps bind the cream formula together and may offer minor skin-feel benefits. Note: presence in this formulation makes the older version non-vegan.
- Source: Animal collagen (bovine or porcine)
- Function: Film former, texture/viscosity agent
- Note: Newer/reformulated versions may have replaced gelatin with xanthan gum
Steareth-21 ~1–3%Functional
An ethoxylated fatty alcohol that acts as an emulsifier, keeping water and oil-phase ingredients uniformly blended in the formula. It contributes to the stable cream texture.
- Function: Emulsifier, surfactant (very mild)
- Malassezia Note: Contains polysorbate-class ethoxylates — may trigger fungal acne
Salicylic Acid 2% (FDA OTC Active)Proven
The star active ingredient. Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, enabling it to penetrate into the pore lining to dissolve sebum plugs, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce inflammation. At 2%, it is at the maximum FDA-approved OTC concentration for acne treatment.
- Mechanism: Lipophilic keratolytic — dissolves intercellular lipids in the stratum corneum
- FDA Status: Recognized OTC acne active at 0.5–2%
- Benefits: Unclogs pores, reduces blackheads/whiteheads, anti-inflammatory via aspirin-like structure
- Rinse-Off Efficacy: Provides mild exfoliation; leave-on BHA products deliver stronger pore-clearing effects
Polysorbate 60 ~0.5–2%Functional
A surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and fatty acids. Polysorbate 60 helps stabilize the formula, keep oil and water phases from separating, and contributes to the cleansing action of the product.
- Function: Emulsifier, surfactant, solubilizer
- Source: Ethoxylated sorbitan monostearate
- Malassezia Note: Polysorbates are known triggers for Malassezia/fungal acne
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate ~0.5–1%Functional
An anionic surfactant and emulsifier — the potassium salt of cetyl phosphate. It acts as a mild cleansing agent and helps maintain the stability and texture of the cream formula.
- Function: Surfactant, emulsifier, cleansing agent
- Skin Compatibility: Generally mild; well-tolerated at low concentrations
Parfum (Fragrance) traceSensory
A fragrance blend included to enhance the sensory experience of the cleanser. The scent is described as light and fresh, aligning with the cooling menthol effect. Fragrance is the most common cause of cosmetic contact sensitivity.
- Function: Masking, sensory enhancement
- Allergy Risk: "Fragrance" is a blanket INCI term that may contain dozens of undisclosed compounds
Menthol trace (~0.1%)Proven
Derived from mint oils, menthol activates TRPM8 cold receptors in the skin to create the refreshing "cool tingle" sensation this cleanser is known for. It also has mild topical analgesic and antimicrobial properties.
- Mechanism: TRPM8 (cold receptor) agonist — creates cooling sensation without actual temperature change
- Additional Benefits: Mild antimicrobial, astringent, and anti-itch properties
- Caution: Can be sensitizing for rosacea-prone or highly reactive skin types
Disodium EDTA trace (~0.1%)Functional
A chelating agent that binds to metal ions (calcium, magnesium) in water and the formula, preventing them from destabilizing preservatives and other ingredients. It enhances the efficacy and shelf life of the product.
- Function: Chelating agent, preservative booster, formula stabilizer
- Safety: Widely used and well-tolerated at cosmetic concentrations; non-irritating
11 ingredients
Water, Cetyl Alcohol, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Gelatin, Steareth-21, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Parfum, Menthol, Disodium EDTA
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEThis is a rinse-off cleanser — always the first step. Follow with a hydrating toner to restore moisture, then apply any treatment serums or spot treatments. Finish with moisturizer and SPF in the morning.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water onto your face to thoroughly wet the skin. Avoid hot water, which can strip the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Dispense and Lather
Squeeze a small amount (about a dime-to-quarter size) of the cream cleanser into the palm of your hand. Add a few drops of water and work the cream into a lather between both palms.
Massage Onto Face
Apply the lathered cleanser all over your face using gentle, circular motions. Focus on oilier areas like the T-zone, chin, and nose. For extra cleansing action, a soft washcloth can be used to massage the product in.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water, ensuring no product residue remains on the skin. The formula is designed to rinse clean without leaving a film.
Pat Dry and Continue Routine
Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. Proceed with toner, treatment serums, moisturizer, and — in the morning — sunscreen SPF 30+.
Frequency
Recommended for daily use, morning and evening. If dryness or irritation occurs, reduce to once daily (evening) and follow with a hydrating moisturizer.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
- You want an affordable, accessible daily cleanser
- You enjoy a refreshing, cooling sensation while cleansing
- You're looking for mild BHA exfoliation in your wash step
- You want a non-comedogenic formula that won't clog pores
- You prefer a vegan, paraben-free, sulfate-free formula
- You need a travel-size or budget-friendly drugstore option
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) — contains polysorbates
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding — contains Salicylic Acid (consult doctor)
- You have rosacea or very reactive, sensitive skin — menthol and fragrance may irritate
- You require a fragrance-free formula
- You have very dry skin that needs richer cleansing support
- You are strictly vegan — some versions contain Gelatin
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESOil-free formula with BHA directly targets excess sebum. Pore-cleansing action and non-comedogenic rating make this a top pick for oily skin types.
Non-stripping cream base balanced with BHA exfoliation works well across both oily and drier zones. Great for combination T-zone management.
Salicylic Acid at 2% is FDA-recognized for acne treatment. Helps prevent breakouts, unclogs pores, and reduces inflammation. Non-comedogenic and oil-free.
Works well for general daily cleansing. The BHA and menthol may be more than needed for non-acne-prone normal skin, but still a solid choice.
Cream base helps prevent over-drying, but BHA may exacerbate dryness with twice-daily use. Pair with a rich moisturizer and consider once-daily use only.
Fragrance and menthol present potential irritants. Salicylic Acid can cause stinging on compromised skin. Patch test strongly recommended. Not suitable for rosacea-prone skin.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Cleansing & Refreshing Sensation
Skin feels noticeably cleaner, refreshed, and less oily immediately after first use. The cooling menthol tingle is felt from the first wash. Pores may appear visually cleaner after just a few uses.
~95% noticedReduced Surface Oil & Initial Pore Improvement
With consistent twice-daily use, excess oil production begins to feel more controlled. Mild blackhead reduction may be observed in high-sebum areas like the nose and chin. Skin texture begins to smooth slightly.
~70% noticedVisible Acne Reduction & Clearer Pores
Regular BHA action leads to visibly fewer minor breakouts and clogged pores. Skin tone appears more even. Some users report a reduction in mild comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads).
~60% noticedSustained Clarity & Oil Balance
Long-term users report sustained improvements in skin clarity, reduced frequency of breakouts, and more balanced oil production. Results are maintenance-oriented — discontinuing use may cause breakouts to return.
~50% long-term usersRatings by platform
3K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Very affordable — typically under $8 for 6.5 oz
- Effective daily pore-cleansing with 2% BHA
- Signature cool, refreshing menthol tingle
- Creamy, non-stripping texture despite BHA
- Non-comedogenic and oil-free formula
- Widely available at drugstores and online
- Vegan formula (current version) — never tested on animals
- Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and dyes
- Rinses clean without residue
- Decades-long proven popularity
Criticized
- Not fungal acne safe — contains Polysorbate 60 and Steareth-21
- Contains fragrance — not suitable for very sensitive skin
- Not pregnancy-safe without doctor approval (Salicylic Acid)
- Cooling sensation may diminish over time with regular use
- Not suitable for rosacea-prone skin (menthol)
- Older formula contains Gelatin (animal-derived)
- Insufficient for moderate to severe acne without additional treatments
- Some users report mild dryness with twice-daily use
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESNearly identical formula — shares cetyl alcohol, steareth-21, and menthol base. Neutrogena's version adds a few extra emollients and has a slightly different fragrance. Both provide a comparable BHA-enhanced deep cleanse. Often cited as the direct competitor twin.
Also uses salicylic acid for exfoliation but adds ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid for superior barrier support. Fragrance-free — better for sensitive skin. No menthol tingle. More sophisticated formula at a higher price point.
Shares salicylic acid and a pronounced cooling sensation. Gel-cream texture vs cream, but offers very similar deep-pore cleansing and refreshing tingle at a comparable price. Also not fungal acne safe.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Discard if formula changes color, texture, or develops an unusual odor before this time.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid leaving in a hot car or near steam (bathroom shelf is fine for short-term use).
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap — easy-to-dispense with good hygiene. Travel-size tubes also available.
Yes — travel-size 1 oz tube available, under TSA 100mL liquid limit. The 6.5 oz full size is not carry-on compliant but is ideal for checked bags or at-home use.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThis cleanser contains Salicylic Acid (2%), a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). The FDA and many dermatologists advise using Salicylic Acid with caution during pregnancy, particularly in higher concentrations or as leave-on products. Since this is a rinse-off cleanser, the risk is lower — the product is not left on the skin. However, as a general precaution, many OB-GYNs recommend avoiding BHA products during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor or dermatologist before use while pregnant or breastfeeding. Safe alternatives include fragrance-free, BHA-free cleansers such as CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
No — this cleanser is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains Polysorbate 60 and Steareth-21, both of which are known to feed Malassezia yeast that causes pityrosporum folliculitis (fungal acne). If you are managing fungal acne on your face, avoid this product and opt for a Malassezia-safe cleanser such as Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser or a benzoyl peroxide-based wash after confirming your full routine with a dermatologist.
Since this is a rinse-off cleanser, it has minimal interaction with subsequent leave-on actives. You can use it before applying Vitamin C serums, retinol, or leave-on BHA/AHA treatments without major concerns. However, avoid using multiple high-strength exfoliating products (e.g., a leave-on BHA toner + this cleanser) in the same routine step if your skin is sensitive, as over-exfoliation can compromise the moisture barrier. Build up gradually and monitor for any dryness, redness, or peeling. Retinol is best used at night; if layering, ensure your skin barrier is well-supported with a moisturizer.
This cleanser is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. Its oil-free formula with 2% salicylic acid directly addresses excess sebum, clogged pores, and minor breakouts. Normal skin can benefit from it as well. It is not ideal for dry or very sensitive skin (due to fragrance and menthol), and not recommended for rosacea-prone skin. Those with fungal acne should also avoid it due to polysorbate content.
Most users notice skin feeling cleaner and less oily from the very first use, with the menthol tingle providing an immediate sense of freshness. Visible improvements in pore clarity and mild blackhead reduction are typically seen within 1–2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Noticeable acne reduction generally takes 3–4 weeks. For best results, use consistently as part of a complete skincare routine including toner, treatment serum, moisturizer, and daily SPF. Remember: since this is a rinse-off cleanser, leave-on BHA treatments will deliver faster and more dramatic results for stubborn acne.
This is always the first step in your skincare routine — it is a rinse-off facial cleanser. Apply it to damp skin, massage gently, and rinse completely before proceeding with any other skincare steps. After cleansing: apply toner → treatment serums or BHA/AHA toners → eye cream → moisturizer → SPF (morning only). Because it is a rinse-off product, it should not be left on the skin and must be thoroughly rinsed before other products are applied.
No — this cleanser is non-comedogenic with an overall rating of approximately 1/5 on the comedogenic scale. The product is oil-free and rinses clean, and its BHA content actively works to unclog pores rather than block them. Cetyl Alcohol has a low comedogenic rating of 2/5 but is well-tolerated by most acne-prone skin types at rinse-off concentrations. The formula is specifically designed for and tested on acne-prone skin to ensure it does not cause breakouts in most users.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. A 6.5 oz (192 mL) tube used twice daily typically lasts approximately 3–4 months, making it exceptional value for money. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Discontinue use if the formula changes in color, texture, or scent, or if any skin irritation develops.
Verdict: The Clean & Clear Oil-Free Deep Action Cream Facial Cleanser is a well-established, budget-friendly drugstore staple that delivers reliable daily deep cleansing for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. With 2% Salicylic Acid as an FDA-recognized acne active and a non-stripping cream base, it offers solid value for the price — effectively controlling excess oil and keeping pores clear without over-drying the skin. The signature cooling menthol tingle makes each cleanse feel noticeably fresh and effective. It scores high on accessibility, affordability, and efficacy for its target audience. It loses points for containing fragrance and polysorbates (making it unsuitable for sensitive and fungal-acne-prone users), and requires caution during pregnancy. If you're on a budget and have oily or acne-prone skin, this is one of the most dependable cleansers on the drugstore shelf — just pair it with a good moisturizer and daily SPF.
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 |
Cetyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Opacifying, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Gelatin
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Binding Agent, Film Forming, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous, Lytic Agent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Steareth-21
Cleansing, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Emulsifying
|
|






