Perfect Purifying Facial Foam
Perfect Purifying Facial Foam
Product Description
Product overview
The Mineral Botanica Perfect Purifying Facial Foam is a gentle yet deep-cleansing soap-based foaming wash from Indonesia, built for oily and acne-prone skin. At a skin-friendly pH of around 5.5, its blend of Salicylic Acid (BHA), Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica (Cica) and Licorice extract lifts up to 98% of dirt and excess oil while helping to calm, clear and brighten breakout-prone skin.
Gentle Deep Cleanse
A multi-surfactant soap system (one stronger plus several milder agents) lifts up to 98% of dirt and excess oil without the harsh stripping of a basic high-pH bar soap.
Texture & feel
SENSORYGentle Deep Cleanse
A multi-surfactant soap system (one stronger plus several milder agents) lifts up to 98% of dirt and excess oil without the harsh stripping of a basic high-pH bar soap.
BHA Pore Care
Oil-soluble salicylic acid works inside pores to loosen blackheads, sweep away dead cells and help keep breakouts in check.
Calm & Brighten
Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica and licorice root extract team up to soothe redness and gradually even out post-acne marks.
Skin-Friendly pH 5.5
A balanced acidity helps respect the skin's natural acid mantle, making daily use more comfortable than alkaline soaps.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains salicylic acid (BHA) and triclosan. Rinse-off, low-concentration BHA is generally considered low-risk, but check with your OB/GYN before use.
Contains fatty acids and Cocamide DEA. They are largely saponified into soap and rinse away, so practical risk is low — but this is not a certified fungal-acne-safe formula.
Includes parfum and denatured alcohol. Reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin should patch test before regular use.
As a wash-off cleanser it has minimal pore-clogging potential despite the fatty-acid soap base.
Already mildly exfoliating. Avoid stacking with strong leave-on AHA/BHA or retinoids in the same session to prevent over-exfoliation.
Listed as cruelty-free and free from parabens and silicones.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSalicylic Acid (BHA) ≤2%Proven
The hero active. An oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum, lift dead cells and reduce blackheads and breakouts.
- Source: The US FDA recognizes 0.5–2% salicylic acid as an OTC acne treatment.
- Action: Keratolytic and anti-inflammatory; structurally related to aspirin, so it also helps calm irritated skin.
Niacinamide Low %Proven
Vitamin B3, a true multitasker that helps regulate oil, strengthen the barrier, calm redness and fade post-acne dark spots.
- Source: Clinical studies show 2–5% niacinamide reduces sebum and hyperpigmentation over time.
- Note: In a rinse-off cleanser its contact time is brief, so it is a supporting player rather than the main event.
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract BotanicalPromising
Also known as Cica — a soothing botanical added in the reformulated version to calm inflamed, breakout-prone skin and support the skin barrier.
- Source: Rich in madecassoside and asiaticoside, compounds studied for anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract BotanicalPromising
A gentle brightening antioxidant that helps reduce the look of dullness and uneven tone left behind by acne.
- Source: Contains glabridin, shown to inhibit tyrosinase (a key enzyme in pigment formation).
Glycerin High up INCIProven
A classic humectant placed near the top of the list to draw in moisture and offset the tight feeling a soap base can leave behind.
- Source: Comedogenic and irritancy rating of 0; one of the most reliable, skin-identical humectants in skincare.
Triclosan AntibacterialCaution
An antibacterial agent paired with salicylic acid to help limit acne-causing bacteria, reflecting the formula's acne-care positioning.
- Note: Triclosan is controversial — the US FDA banned it from OTC antibacterial soaps in 2016, though it remains permitted at low limits in some cosmetics in other markets.
30 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Stearic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lauric Acid, Lauryl Betaine, Myristic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Niacinamide, Glycol Stearate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Cocamide DEA, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Salicylic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, Triclosan, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse it as your very first step, AM and/or PM. Because this is a soap-based wash, always follow with a hydrating toner and moisturizer so skin doesn't feel tight.
How to use
HOW TO USEDispense
Squeeze a small, pea-to-coin-sized amount into damp palms.
Lather
Add a little water and work the foam into a rich, soft lather.
Massage
Gently massage over a wet face in upward circular motions, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until completely clean.
Follow Up
Immediately apply a hydrating toner and moisturizer to lock in comfort.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or acne-prone skin
- You want an effective, very affordable daily acne cleanser
- You enjoy a foamy, deep-clean feel after washing
- You're targeting blackheads, excess oil and breakouts
- You always follow up with a toner and moisturizer
Consider alternatives if:
- You have dry, dehydrated or very reactive skin
- You prefer fragrance-free, alcohol-free cleansers
- You're avoiding salicylic acid during pregnancy
- You need a certified fungal-acne-safe formula
- You like ultra-gentle, non-soap cream or oil cleansers
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESControls shine and lifts excess sebum effectively, leaving a clean matte finish.
Deep-cleans an oily T-zone; just rehydrate any drier areas straight after.
BHA plus antibacterials target breakouts well, though it can feel drying with overuse.
Fragrance, alcohol and the soap base may irritate reactive skin — patch test first.
The soap base tends to leave dry skin feeling tight and stripped; opt for a creamier cleanser.
Results timeline
6–8 WEEKSClean, Matte Finish
Skin feels deeply cleansed and oil-free right after rinsing.
~90% noticedLess Surface Oil
Reduced midday shine and a smoother, less congested texture.
~60% noticedFewer Breakouts
BHA helps clear clogged pores, small bumps and blackheads.
~50% noticedClearer, Brighter Tone
Niacinamide and licorice gradually help fade post-acne marks.
~40% noticedRatings by platform
800+ REVIEWSRatings are approximate aggregates from public marketplace and review platforms and may vary over time.
Pros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely affordable for daily acne care
- Effective oil control and deep cleansing
- Generous, satisfying foam
- Lower pH (~5.5) than basic bar soap
- Multi-active formula: BHA, niacinamide, cica, licorice
- Free from parabens and silicones
Criticized
- Can feel tight or drying, especially on dry skin
- Contains fragrance and denatured alcohol
- Contains triclosan (restricted in some markets)
- Salicylic acid means pregnancy caution
- Soap base may not suit very sensitive skin
- Occasional cap and packaging complaints
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESAnother low-pH acne cleanser with salicylic acid, plus zinc gluconate and allantoin. It's surfactant-based rather than a fatty-acid soap, so it tends to feel a touch less drying.
Pairs BHA with Tea Tree, Hexamidine and calming Jeju Mugwort. A comparable acne-fighting foam with more soothing botanicals but a similar deep-clean feel.
A milder gel-style 1% BHA cleanser at low pH. Less foamy and kinder to the barrier — a good step down if the soap base feels too stripping.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap
Yes — the 100 ml size fits within carry-on liquid limits
Frequently asked questions
FAQIt contains salicylic acid (BHA) and triclosan. In a rinse-off cleanser at low concentration, BHA is generally considered low-risk, and Mineral Botanica markets it as pregnancy/breastfeeding-friendly. However, because it also contains triclosan, the conservative recommendation is to confirm with your OB/GYN before adding it to your routine.
Mostly, with a caveat. It contains fatty acids (lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic), but these are saponified into soap by potassium hydroxide and then rinsed off, so the real-world risk is low. That said, it also contains Cocamide DEA and is not a certified fungal-acne-safe formula, so very FA-prone users should patch test before committing.
Yes, but mind the overlap. This cleanser already contains salicylic acid, so avoid stacking it with strong leave-on AHA/BHA exfoliants in the same wash to prevent over-exfoliation. It pairs fine with a vitamin C serum in the morning or a retinoid at night, since the cleanser rinses away before those actives go on.
It's best suited to oily, combination and acne-prone skin that wants effective oil control. Dry, dehydrated or very sensitive skin may find the soap base, fragrance and alcohol too stripping and should consider a gentler cream or low-pH gel cleanser instead.
You'll feel cleaner, less oily skin immediately. Most users notice less surface oil within 1–2 weeks, fewer breakouts around the 4-week mark, and a clearer, brighter tone after roughly 6–8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use.
It's your first step — used AM and/or PM, before everything else. Because it's a soap-based wash, always follow immediately with a hydrating toner and moisturizer to keep skin balanced and comfortable.
Low risk. Even though it contains fatty acids that can rate higher on comedogenicity charts, this is a rinse-off cleanser that doesn't stay on the skin. It's marketed as non-comedogenic and rates around 1/5 in practice.
About 12 months once opened (look for the 12M jar symbol on the packaging). Store it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to keep it fresh for the full period.
Verdict: A standout budget acne cleanser. Mineral Botanica's Perfect Purifying Facial Foam delivers genuinely effective oil control and deep cleansing thanks to its BHA-plus-antibacterial soap system, rounded out with niacinamide, cica and licorice for soothing and brightening. The trade-offs are typical of soap-based washes — it can feel tight or drying, and the fragrance, alcohol and triclosan won't suit everyone, especially dry, sensitive or pregnant users. But for oily and acne-prone skin that follows up with a good toner and moisturizer, it's very hard to beat at this price.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 3 |
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
|
Hydrating
|






