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Pure Active Intensive Anti-Blackhead Charcoal Cleansing Gel

Pure Active Intensive Anti-Blackhead Charcoal Cleansing Gel

Product Description

Product overview

Made in France DRUGSTORE

A deep-cleansing charcoal gel wash enriched with Salicylic Acid, LHA, and activated Charcoal to unclog pores, reduce blackheads, and control excess sebum for visibly clearer, mattified skin.

Salicylic Acid (BHA) Activated Charcoal LHA (Capryloyl Salicylic Acid) Cruelty-Free (Leaping Bunny) Dermatologist Tested Paraben-Free Silicone-Free Oil-Free Vegan Formula
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
200ml
Type
Gel Cleanser
Concern
Blackheads
Key Active
Salicylic Acid
PAO
12 Months
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Charcoal Deep Cleanse

Activated charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out dirt, oil, and impurities trapped deep within pores for a thorough purification.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Transparent Black Gel
Scent
Fresh Menthol
Absorption
Rinse-Off
Finish
Clean Matte

Charcoal Deep Cleanse

Activated charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out dirt, oil, and impurities trapped deep within pores for a thorough purification.

Dual BHA Action

Combines Salicylic Acid with LHA (Capryloyl Salicylic Acid) for both surface exfoliation and deeper pore-clearing action against blackheads.

Sebum Control

Zinc Gluconate and Copper PCA work together to regulate excess oil production and help mattify the skin throughout the day.

Antioxidant Protection

Blueberry extract (Vaccinium Myrtillus) provides natural antioxidants to protect against environmental damage and support skin renewal.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains Salicylic Acid. The ACOG considers topical salicylic acid under 2% generally safe during pregnancy, but consult your healthcare provider. As a rinse-off product, systemic absorption is minimal.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Not fungal acne safe. Contains Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, and Sorbitol which may feed Malassezia yeast.

Low Comedogenic Risk

Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. Oil-free, silicone-free gel formula is unlikely to clog pores. Suitable for acne-prone skin.

Sensitive Skin Caution

Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Menthol, and Parfum (fragrance) which may irritate very sensitive or compromised skin. Patch test recommended.

Cruelty-Free & Vegan

Officially approved by Cruelty Free International under the Leaping Bunny Programme. 99% of ingredients are vegan and not derived from animals.

Retinol & AHA Compatibility

Contains BHA (Salicylic Acid). Avoid layering with other strong exfoliants (AHA, retinol) in the same routine to prevent over-exfoliation. Alternate AM/PM use instead.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Salicylic Acid 0.5–2%Proven

A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into pores to dissolve the mix of sebum and dead skin cells that cause blackheads and breakouts.

  • Function: Keratolytic agent, exfoliant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial
  • Evidence: FDA-recognized OTC acne treatment at 0.5–2% concentration
  • Benefit: Unclogs pores, reduces blackheads, and helps prevent new blemishes
May cause dryness or irritation on compromised skin barriers. Always follow with moisturizer and sunscreen.

Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) ~0.1%Proven

Also known as Lipohydroxy Acid, this is a lipophilic derivative of salicylic acid developed by L'Oréal. It offers a more targeted, cell-by-cell exfoliation with improved skin tolerance compared to traditional BHA.

  • Function: Micro-exfoliant with keratolytic and antibacterial properties
  • Evidence: Patented L'Oréal ingredient shown to reduce comedones in clinical trials
  • Benefit: Gentler exfoliation that targets individual cells within the pore lining
Better tolerated than pure salicylic acid, making this dual-acid formula more balanced.

Charcoal Powder <1%Promising

Activated charcoal is a highly porous form of carbon known for its adsorption properties. In skincare, it acts as a drawing agent to pull impurities, toxins, and excess oil from the skin surface and pores.

  • Function: Adsorbent and purifying agent
  • Evidence: Well-established adsorbent in medical and cosmetic applications
  • Benefit: Helps draw out dirt and oil, provides deep-cleansing sensation

Zinc Gluconate <1%Proven

A zinc salt known for its sebum-regulating, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Widely used in acne treatments to help control oil production and reduce blemishes.

  • Function: Sebum regulator, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial
  • Evidence: Multiple studies demonstrate zinc's efficacy in reducing acne severity
  • Benefit: Helps control shine and supports clearer skin over time

Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract <1%Promising

Blueberry extract rich in natural antioxidants including anthocyanins. Provides skin-soothing and protective benefits while supporting the skin's natural defense against oxidative stress.

  • Function: Antioxidant, skin-conditioning, and soothing agent
  • Evidence: Rich in polyphenols shown to neutralize free radicals
  • Benefit: Helps protect skin from environmental damage and supports renewal

Copper PCA <0.5%Promising

A copper complex of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid that offers sebum-regulating and antimicrobial benefits. Works synergistically with Zinc Gluconate to control oil and support skin clarity.

  • Function: Sebum regulator, antimicrobial, skin-conditioning
  • Evidence: Copper peptides shown to support skin repair and oil balance
  • Benefit: Complements zinc for enhanced oil control and antibacterial action

31 ingredients

Aqua/Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Coco-Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Charcoal Powder, Citric Acid, Copper PCA, Hexylene Glycol, Menthol, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Pentasodium Ethylenediamine Tetramethylene Phosphonate, Perlite, Polyglycerin-10, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Polyquaternium-47, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbitol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Parfum/Fragrance

FREE FROM: Parabens, Silicones, Mineral Oil, Alcohol (Denatured), Sulfates (SLS), Phthalates, Microbeads, Animal-Derived Ingredients
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
This Product
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as the first step in both your AM and PM routine. If double cleansing at night, use an oil cleanser first, then follow with this gel wash as your second cleanse.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash your face with lukewarm water to prepare the skin and open up pores for deeper cleansing.

2

Apply & Lather

Squeeze a small amount of the transparent black gel onto wet hands and rub together. The gel transforms into a generous white mousse.

3

Massage Gently

Apply the foam to your face in gentle circular motions for 30–60 seconds, focusing on the T-zone and blackhead-prone areas. Avoid the eye area.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse off completely with lukewarm water until no residue remains. Pat dry with a clean towel and follow with toner and moisturizer.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily or combination skin prone to blackheads
  • You want a daily deep-cleansing wash to control excess sebum
  • You need an affordable BHA cleanser for acne prevention
  • You prefer a gel-to-foam texture that feels refreshing
  • You are looking for a cruelty-free, vegan cleanser

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very dry or dehydrated skin (may feel stripping)
  • You have extremely sensitive or compromised skin barrier
  • You are looking for a fungal acne (malassezia) safe cleanser
  • You prefer fragrance-free products
  • You need a cleanser that also removes heavy makeup
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Ideal match. Charcoal and salicylic acid effectively control excess oil, unclog pores, and mattify the complexion without over-drying.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Great for managing the oily T-zone while glycerin and sorbitol help maintain moisture balance on drier cheek areas.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Dual BHA action (Salicylic Acid + LHA) targets both existing breakouts and prevents new ones. Low comedogenic rating of 1/5.

Normal Skin
Good

Works well for occasional deep cleaning, but may be more targeted than what normal skin requires daily. Consider using a few times per week.

Dry Skin
Moderate

May feel stripping due to SLES and BHA combination. If used, limit to once daily and always follow with a rich, hydrating moisturizer.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

Contains menthol and fragrance which can trigger irritation. SLES may be too harsh. Patch test required; consider gentler alternatives.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2–3
Day 1–3

Immediate Clean Feel

Skin feels noticeably cleaner, fresher, and more mattified immediately after first use. The transparent-to-white-mousse transformation provides a satisfying deep-clean sensation.

90% noticed cleaner-feeling skin
Week 1–2

Reduced Oiliness & Smoother Texture

Excess sebum production begins to balance out. Skin texture starts to feel smoother as salicylic acid gradually exfoliates the pore lining and removes surface buildup.

75% noticed less oiliness
Week 3–4

Visible Blackhead Reduction

Consistent use leads to visible reduction in blackheads, especially around the nose and chin. Pores appear tighter and skin looks more refined.

65% reported fewer blackheads
Month 2–3

Clearer, More Balanced Complexion

Long-term use maintains clearer pores and helps prevent blackhead reappearance. Skin achieves a more balanced, healthy-looking clarity with fewer breakouts overall.

60% reported sustained improvement
09

Ratings by platform

11K+ REVIEWS
Amazon UK
4.4
Rating
8,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can feel drying on sensitive skin types; some note little impact on deep blackheads
Garnier UK
4.3
Rating
2,100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Menthol scent too strong for some users; leaves skin feeling tight
Beauty Bulletin
4.2
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Noticeable results take several weeks; not effective for cystic acne
Home Tester Club
4.1
Rating
300+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can irritate very sensitive skin; black gel residue can be messy during use
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Very affordable price point for a BHA cleanser
  • Satisfying gel-to-mousse transformation feels luxurious
  • Effective at reducing visible blackheads with consistent use
  • Controls excess oil and leaves skin feeling fresh and matte
  • Cruelty-free and vegan (Leaping Bunny certified)
  • Dual acid formula (BHA + LHA) for enhanced exfoliation
  • Contains zinc and copper for additional oil-control benefits
  • Widely available in pharmacies and online

Criticized

  • Contains SLES which may be too harsh for sensitive skin
  • Menthol can cause irritation or a burning sensation
  • Contains added fragrance (Parfum)
  • Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
  • Can feel drying, especially in winter or on dehydrated skin
  • Black gel can be messy and stain towels/clothes
  • Active ingredient concentrations may be lower than clinical doses
  • Not effective for removing heavy or waterproof makeup
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser
$7.99
Budget Pick

Very similar charcoal + salicylic acid formula in a gel format. Uses Sodium Laureth Sulfate and menthol like Garnier. Slightly larger 200ml size at a comparable price point. May foam slightly less.

72% Match
Squalane Cleanser
$9.80
Budget Pick

Gentler, no-foam approach without charcoal or BHA. Better for sensitive skin but lacks the targeted blackhead-fighting actives. Fungal acne safe alternative that effectively removes impurities.

68% Match
Renewing SA Cleanser
$13.49
Similar Price

Contains salicylic acid with ceramides and niacinamide for added barrier support. More hydrating formula without charcoal. Better for combination-to-dry skin that still needs BHA exfoliation.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash
Key Actives Salicylic Acid 2%
Size 177ml
Fragrance Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No
Cruelty-Free No
Best For Active acne, oily skin
Acne Control Cleanser
Key Actives Salicylic Acid 2% + Ceramides + Niacinamide
Size 237ml
Fragrance No
Fungal Acne Safe No
Cruelty-Free No
Best For Acne-prone with barrier concerns
Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Key Actives Zinc PCA + Thermal Water
Size 200ml
Fragrance No
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Cruelty-Free No
Best For Sensitive oily skin
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed after each use to maintain product integrity.

Packaging

Squeeze tube (200ml) or pump bottle variant. Opaque packaging helps protect active ingredients from light degradation.

Travel Friendly

No — 200ml exceeds the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Decant into a smaller container for air travel.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use with caution. This product contains Salicylic Acid and Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA), both of which are BHA exfoliants. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers topical salicylic acid at concentrations of 2% or below generally safe during pregnancy. Since this is a rinse-off product with brief skin contact, systemic absorption is minimal. However, always consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If breastfeeding, ensure the product does not come into contact with your baby's skin.

No, this product is not fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that may feed Malassezia yeast, including Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, and Sorbitol. If you have fungal acne, consider a simpler cleanser like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel or Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser instead.

This cleanser already contains BHA (Salicylic Acid and LHA), so exercise caution when layering additional exfoliants. Using it alongside leave-on retinol or vitamin C serums is generally fine since the cleanser is rinsed off. However, avoid combining it with leave-on AHA/BHA products in the same routine to prevent over-exfoliation. A good approach is to use the charcoal gel wash in the AM and your retinol/AHA in the PM, or alternate days.

This cleanser is specifically designed for oily and combination skin that is prone to blackheads, spots, and excess shine. It performs best on skin that produces significant sebum. Those with dry, dehydrated, or very sensitive skin may find it too stripping. Normal skin types can use it a few times per week for a deeper cleanse rather than daily.

Most users notice an immediate clean, matte feeling from the first use. Visible reduction in surface oiliness typically appears within 1–2 weeks of consistent use. Significant blackhead reduction generally takes 3–4 weeks, as salicylic acid works gradually to dissolve the buildup inside pores. Full results are best assessed after 6–8 weeks of twice-daily use.

This gel wash is your cleanser and goes as the first step in your skincare routine (or second step if you double cleanse with an oil cleanser first). Use it morning and/or evening on wet skin, then follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). As a rinse-off product, it should always be fully washed away before applying the next step.

This cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it is very unlikely to clog pores. It is oil-free, silicone-free, and specifically formulated to unclog pores with its BHA and charcoal combination. The product is also dermatologist tested. However, the presence of SLES has a medium comedogenicity potential for some individuals, so monitor your skin's response.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use the product within one year for optimal efficacy and safety. With twice-daily use, the 200ml tube typically lasts around 2–3 months, well within the PAO window. Store it in a cool, dry place and keep the cap sealed to prevent contamination.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.0 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Garnier Pure Active Intensive Anti-Blackhead Charcoal Cleansing Gel is an excellent budget-friendly option for oily and combination skin struggling with blackheads and excess shine. The dual BHA formula (Salicylic Acid + LHA) combined with charcoal, zinc, and copper delivers effective pore-clearing and oil-control benefits at a fraction of the price of premium brands. While the inclusion of SLES, menthol, and fragrance prevents it from earning a perfect score — particularly for sensitive skin types — it remains one of the best value-for-money charcoal cleansers on the market. Not recommended for fungal acne sufferers or those who need fragrance-free formulas.

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.

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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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Salicylic Acid Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Salicylic 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1 1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
4 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
50% 23% 26%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 30 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
3 Unknown
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
1 B
Decyl Glucoside
Surfactant, Emulsion Stabilising, Cleansing
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 Unknown
Sodium Chloride
Masking, Viscosity Controlling, Bulking Agent
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS