Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser/Purifying Mask
Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser/Purifying Mask
Product Description
Product overview
Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser/Purifying Mask is a luxurious dual-purpose creamy formula that lathers into a rich, refreshing foam to gently sweep away makeup and impurities, then doubles as a 3-minute kaolin and montmorillonite clay mask for a deeper purifying treatment — all without stripping skin.
2-in-1 Multi-Action
Works as a daily foaming cleanser AM/PM and as a 3-minute purifying clay mask twice a week.
Texture & feel
SENSORY2-in-1 Multi-Action
Works as a daily foaming cleanser AM/PM and as a 3-minute purifying clay mask twice a week.
Dual Clay System
Kaolin and montmorillonite (bentonite) clays absorb excess oil and draw out impurities from pores.
Hydration Support
Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and sorbitol help maintain moisture so skin doesn't feel stripped after use.
Botanical Boost
Milk thistle, gentian root, algae extract, caffeine and zinc PCA help refine, brighten and balance.
Dermatologist + Ophthalmologist Tested
Clinically tested for tolerance — gentle enough for use around (but not in) the eye area.
Luminous Finish
Refines visible pores, sweeps away dullness and leaves skin looking fresh, smooth and luminous.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. As a rinse-off product it is generally considered safe during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains no esters, polysorbates, fermented oils or short/medium-chain triglycerides that feed Malassezia. The fatty acids present (myristic, lauric, palmitic, stearic, behenic) are saponified into soap and rinsed off.
Rinse-off cleanser with kaolin clay and minimal residue. Very low risk of clogging pores even on acne-prone skin.
Light floral scent from added fragrance. Those with very reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin should patch test first.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone & methylisothiazolinone are EU-approved in rinse-off products at low levels but can sensitize reactive skin.
As a rinse-off cleanser, fully compatible with retinol, vitamin C, AHA/BHA, niacinamide and peptides applied afterward.
Soap-based cleanser with higher pH. Most healthy skin rebalances quickly, but those with a compromised barrier or rosacea may prefer a low-pH formula.
Per brand guidance, do not apply directly to the eye area, especially when using as a 3-minute mask.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSKaolin + Montmorillonite Clays ~3–5%Proven
Two complementary cosmetic clays. Kaolin is a gentle white clay that absorbs excess sebum, while montmorillonite (bentonite) is a more absorbent volcanic clay with strong oil- and toxin-binding capacity.
- Mechanism: Negatively charged clay particles bind positively charged impurities, sebum and surface debris, lifting them off the skin.
- Best for: Visible pores, T-zone shine, dullness from buildup.
- Mask format: Activates more deeply when left on dry skin for 3 minutes.
Fatty Acid Soap System ~15–25%Proven
Myristic, lauric, palmitic, stearic and behenic acids are neutralized by potassium hydroxide to form a potassium-soap that delivers the rich, creamy lather and effective makeup-removal performance of this cleanser.
- Lather: Produces a dense, cushiony foam that feels luxurious.
- Cleansing: Effectively removes oil-based makeup, sunscreen and sebum.
- pH: Resulting alkaline pH is the trade-off for the foam quality.
Glycerin + Sodium Hyaluronate ~3–8%Proven
A two-tier humectant duo that helps offset the drying potential of soap. Glycerin is one of the most studied humectants in dermatology, while sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid.
- Glycerin: Draws water into the stratum corneum and supports barrier lipids.
- Sodium hyaluronate: Lower molecular weight than HA — penetrates more easily.
- Result: Skin feels clean but not tight after rinsing.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate ~2–5%Proven
A mild, biodegradable surfactant derived from coconut oil and added to support the soap system with a softer, less stripping feel.
- Source: Coconut-derived, often used in baby and sensitive cleansers.
- Function: Boosts foam while reducing the harshness of pure soap.
Caffeine + Zinc PCA <1%Promising
A targeted duo for tone and oil balance. Caffeine is an antioxidant and vasoconstrictor; zinc PCA is the zinc salt of pyroglutamic acid, used for its sebum-regulating properties.
- Caffeine: Helps temporarily reduce the look of puffiness and adds antioxidant defense.
- Zinc PCA: Studies show it can help moderate sebum output and is well tolerated by acne-prone skin.
- Limitation: Contact time on skin is short in a rinse-off — benefits are subtle.
Botanical Extracts (Milk Thistle, Gentian, Algae) <1%Promising
A triad of plant extracts contributing antioxidant, soothing and conditioning effects. Silybum marianum (milk thistle) is rich in silymarin flavonoids; gentiana lutea root has traditional brightening uses; algae extract delivers minerals and polysaccharides.
- Milk thistle: Silymarin is a well-studied antioxidant flavonoid complex.
- Gentian root: Contains iridoids and xanthones used in luxury skincare for radiance.
- Algae extract: Delivers trace minerals and amino acids to support a comfortable feel.
24 ingredients
Water, Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Behenic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Lauric Acid, Stearic Acid, Sucrose, Montmorillonite, Silybum Marianum (Lady's Thistle) Extract, Gentiana Lutea (Gentian) Root Extract, Algae Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitol, Caffeine, Zinc PCA, PEG-3 Distearate, Kaolin, Fragrance (Parfum), Disodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINETip: As yoursecond cleanse after an oil cleanser or makeup remover at night for the best results. Use the 3-minute mask treatment 1–2× per week in place of your usual cleanser.
How to use
HOW TO USEDaily Cleanse — Wet Skin
Morning & evening, dispense a pea-sized amount onto wet hands and work into a creamy lather.
Massage Onto Damp Face
Apply to wet face in gentle circular motions for 30–60 seconds, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until no residue remains, then pat (don't rub) skin dry.
Mask Mode (1–2× per Week)
Massage a slightly larger amount ontodry skin, leave on for 3 minutes, then rinse off completely.
Follow With Hydration
Always follow with toner or essence, then serum and moisturizer to restore the skin barrier.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have normal, combination or oily skin
- You wear makeup or SPF daily and need thorough cleansing
- You enjoy a rich, foaming lather and a "squeaky-clean" finish
- You want a 2-in-1 cleanser + clay mask in one bottle
- You're looking for a luxe department-store cleansing experience
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry, mature or eczema-prone skin
- You have rosacea or a damaged skin barrier (alkaline pH)
- You're sensitive to fragrance or MIT/MCI preservatives
- You strictly avoid soap-based / high-pH cleansers
- You prefer fragrance-free, "clean beauty" formulations
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESDual-clay system absorbs excess oil and the soap base controls T-zone shine effectively.
Officially recommended skin type — balances oily zones without over-drying drier cheeks.
Glycerin and hyaluronic acid keep skin feeling soft and hydrated post-cleanse.
Non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe and zinc PCA helps regulate sebum. No active acne treatment though.
May feel too cleansing for very dry skin. Follow with rich moisturizer; consider the cream version instead.
Contains fragrance and MIT/MCI preservatives. Patch test before using on reactive or rosacea-prone skin.
Results timeline
ONGOING USERefreshed, Squeaky-Clean Feel
Skin feels thoroughly cleansed, makeup is removed, and pores look visibly less congested in the T-zone.
95% noticedSmoother, More Refined Texture
Combination skin feels more balanced. Visible pores around the nose look minimized after consistent use.
78% noticedBrighter, More Luminous Complexion
Skin appears clearer and more radiant. The 2× weekly mask treatment helps reduce dullness from product buildup.
68% noticedHealthier-Looking, Polished Skin
With consistent AM/PM use plus 1–2 mask treatments per week, skin texture looks more refined and prepped for serums.
72% noticedRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Luxurious, dense, creamy lather feels spa-like
- Effectively removes makeup, oil and SPF in one step
- Built-in 3-minute clay mask saves a step in your routine
- Doesn't leave skin tight or stripped despite deep cleansing
- Long-lasting — a pea-sized amount is enough per use
- Dermatologist & ophthalmologist tested
- Visible pore-refining and brightening over time
Criticized
- Soap-based, alkaline pH not ideal for very dry/sensitive skin
- Contains fragrance (parfum) — not for fragrance-sensitive users
- Includes MIT/MCI preservatives, restricted in some markets
- Premium price (~$32–35) for 150ml
- Not labeled as cruelty-free or vegan
- Tube packaging less luxe than the brand's pumps
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Gentle foaming cleanser for normal-to-oily skin with ceramides and niacinamide. Lower pH, fragrance-free and barrier-friendly. Lacks the clay mask function and luxe sensory experience.
Same parent company (Estée Lauder Companies). Liquid soap formula for normal-to-combination skin with similar foaming experience. No clay mask functionality though.
Doubles as a deep-cleansing wash with bamboo charcoal and white china clay. Stronger detoxifying focus, slightly less hydrating than this Estée Lauder formula.
Pure kaolin clay treatment mask at a fraction of the price. Mask-only (not a daily cleanser), but delivers the same clay-purifying benefits when paired with a separate cleanser.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEEstée Lauder Perfectly Clean
Lancôme Crème Radiance Cream-to-Foam
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening (12M symbol on packaging).
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tube tightly closed between uses.
Squeeze tube — hygienic, single-dose dispensing that prevents product contamination.
Yes — 150ml exceeds the 100ml carry-on limit. Best transferred to a smaller bottle for flights, or check your bag.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes — this product is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens, which are the actives most commonly flagged for caution. As a rinse-off cleanser, contact time is brief and absorption is minimal. As always, if you have specific concerns, check with your obstetrician or dermatologist.
Yes — this formula is considered fungal acne safe. It contains no esters, polysorbates, fatty alcohols or fermented oils that typically feed Malassezia yeast. The fatty acids in the ingredient list (myristic, lauric, palmitic, stearic, behenic) are saponified into soap with potassium hydroxide and rinsed off rather than left on the skin, so they don't pose a risk for fungal acne sufferers.
Yes, fully compatible. Because this is a rinse-off cleanser, it doesn't interfere with leave-on actives applied afterward. Cleanse first, pat dry, and then apply your retinol, vitamin C serum, AHA/BHA toner or other active. If you use chemical exfoliants regularly, you may want to skip the 3-minute mask treatment on those nights to avoid over-cleansing.
Estée Lauder officially recommends it for normal and combination skin. It works very well for oily skin too, thanks to the kaolin and montmorillonite clays that absorb excess sebum. Acne-prone skin will appreciate the non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe profile. Very dry, mature, sensitive or rosacea-prone skin may find the soap-based, alkaline formula too cleansing — the cream version of Perfectly Clean is a better choice for those skin types.
Immediate: a freshly cleansed, refreshed feel and visibly less congested T-zone. After about a week of consistent AM/PM use, skin texture feels smoother and pores look more refined. After 2–4 weeks, especially with the 2× weekly mask treatment, most users notice a brighter, more luminous overall complexion.
It's the first step in your routine, both morning and evening. At night, if you wear heavy makeup or SPF, use it as the second step of a double cleanse — start with an oil cleanser or micellar water to break down makeup, then follow with this foam cleanser. After rinsing, follow with toner/essence, serum, eye cream, moisturizer and (in the morning) sunscreen.
No — it has a comedogenic rating of about 1 out of 5 (very low risk). It's a rinse-off cleanser with kaolin clay and minimal residual leave-behind ingredients. The fatty acids are converted into soap and washed away, so they don't sit on the skin to clog pores. It's a suitable option for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months — look for the "12M" symbol with the open-jar icon on the tube. Stored in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed, the formula will remain stable and effective for a full year after first use. With a pea-sized amount per use twice daily, a 150ml tube typically lasts 4–6 months for most users.
Verdict: Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser/Purifying Mask is a luxurious, high-performing dual-purpose cleanser that genuinely earns its "multi-action" name. The dense, creamy lather feels spa-like, the kaolin and montmorillonite clays add genuine pore-purifying value, and the 3-minute mask functionality is a smart, time-saving touch. It's particularly well-suited tonormal, combination and oily skin that wants a thorough cleanse without feeling stripped. The downsides — added fragrance, MIT/MCI preservatives and an alkaline soap base — keep it from being a universal pick, especially for very dry, sensitive or barrier-compromised skin. If you've been wanting a deparment-store-quality foaming cleanser with a built-in clay mask, this is one of the most polished options on the market.
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
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.