Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser
Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, non-stripping foaming gel cleanser that uses a powerful amino acid complex to break down pore-clogging dirt and makeup while aloe vera calms and soothes. Experience a deep cleanse that leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated—never tight or dry.
Amino Acid Complex
Breaks down and dissolves makeup and impurities without stripping skin's natural moisture.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAmino Acid Complex
Breaks down and dissolves makeup and impurities without stripping skin's natural moisture.
Organic Aloe Vera
Calms, soothes, and hydrates skin while providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
Moringa Extract
Purifies and dislodges impurities and environmental pollutants from pores.
Sugarcane Squalane
Supports and replenishes skin's moisture barrier with weightless hydration.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, and chemical sunscreens. Confirmed safe by Biossance for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Uses sugarcane-derived squalane which is safe for fungal acne. No ferments, problematic fatty acids, or esters.
Ultra-gentle surfactants like Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate that barely impact the skin barrier. No harsh sulfates.
Rosemary, lemongrass, geranium, and clary sage oils provide the natural herbal scent. Patch test if highly sensitive to essential oils.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCocoyl Proline (Amino Acid Complex)Key Active
A lipo-amino acid derived from coconut that gently breaks down and dissolves makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping or irritating the skin. It conditions as it cleanses.
- Function: Cleansing agent that breaks down oil-based impurities
- Benefit: Removes makeup while conditioning skin
- Source: Derived from coconut and amino acids
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice High %Proven
Organic aloe vera is the second ingredient, providing exceptional soothing and hydrating benefits. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to calm irritated skin.
- Research: Contains polysaccharides, vitamins A, C, E, and B12
- Benefit: Moisturizes, soothes, and helps with wound healing
- Source: Organic certified aloe leaf juice
SqualaneProven
Biossance's signature ingredient derived from renewable sugarcane. It's a molecular match for the moisture naturally found in human skin, providing weightless hydration.
- Source: 100% sugarcane-derived (sustainable, shark-free)
- Benefit: Antioxidant protection, barrier support
- Comedogenic: Rating 0 - will not clog pores
Moringa Oleifera Leaf ExtractPromising
A powerful purifying extract that helps remove environmental pollutants and impurities that can clog pores and cause skin damage.
- Function: Anti-pollution, antioxidant protection
- Benefit: Dislodges pore-clogging environmental debris
- Research: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E
Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateProven
Known as "baby foam" in the cosmetics industry, this is one of the gentlest cleansing agents available. Creates a rich, creamy foam without disrupting the skin barrier.
- Source: Derived from coconut oil
- Benefit: Ultra-gentle, maintains skin barrier integrity
- Research: "Defined a new dimension in mildness" - Dr. Leslie Baumann
24 ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Disodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate, Squalane, Cocoyl Proline, Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Extract, Sodium Levulinate, Caramel, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Citral, Citronellol, Linalool.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as second cleanser in double cleansing routine (PM) or as standalone cleanser (AM). Works great after oil cleanser to remove makeup residue.
How to use
HOW TO USEDampen Your Face
Wet your face with lukewarm water. The cleanser works best on damp skin.
Apply 1-2 Pumps
Dispense 1-2 pumps onto your hands and work into a light lather.
Massage for 30 Seconds
Gently massage onto face in circular motions for at least 30 seconds, allowing the amino acids to break down impurities.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel and follow with your skincare routine.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a gentle cleanser that removes makeup effectively
- You have sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated skin
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe skincare
- You struggle with fungal acne or malassezia
- You prefer clean, sustainable beauty products
- You have combination to oily skin
- You enjoy foaming cleansers without the drying effect
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin that needs extra hydration (may feel slightly tight)
- You're extremely sensitive to essential oils
- You need a heavy-duty waterproof makeup remover
- You prefer completely fragrance-free products
- You're on a very tight budget (more affordable options exist)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThoroughly removes excess sebum and impurities without over-stripping. Light foam texture won't leave residue.
Gentle formula with squalane helps maintain hydration, but some users report slight tightness. Follow with hydrating toner.
Balances perfectly across different face zones. Cleanses oily areas while not stripping drier patches.
Ultra-gentle surfactants and soothing aloe make this ideal for reactive skin. No harsh ingredients.
Non-comedogenic formula (rating 0-1). Removes pore-clogging debris without irritation. Fungal acne safe.
Results timeline
ONGOING USEClean, Refreshed Skin
Skin feels thoroughly cleansed without tightness. Makeup and sunscreen effectively removed.
100% reported clean feelingImproved Skin Clarity
Pores appear more refined. Skin feels softer and smoother. Pollutant removal shows visible results.
97% noticed softer, smoother skinBalanced, Healthier Complexion
Reduced breakouts from cleaner pores. More balanced oil production. Calmer, less reactive skin.
97% saw more refined poresMaintained Skin Health
Consistent use maintains skin clarity and barrier health. Works synergistically with rest of routine.
100% pollutant removal confirmedRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle yet effective cleansing
- Removes makeup and sunscreen without double cleansing
- Skin feels clean but not stripped or tight
- Beautiful texture and satisfying foam
- A little goes a long way - one pump is enough
- Safe for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fungal acne
- Clean, sustainable, and cruelty-free
- Convenient pump packaging
- Great for sensitive and acne-prone skin
Criticized
- Natural herbal scent may be off-putting to some
- Higher price point than drugstore options
- May leave very dry skin feeling slightly tight
- Not strong enough for heavy waterproof makeup alone
- Contains essential oils (concern for highly sensitive)
- Pump dispenser not travel-friendly (not TSA-approved size)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar gentle cleansing with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Non-foaming formula better for very dry skin. Lacks the amino acid complex and squalane but excellent value.
Dermatologist-recommended gentle cleanser with ceramides and niacinamide. Non-foaming milky texture. Great for sensitive skin but different cleansing experience.
Budget-friendly gentle cleanser with soothing oat. Different texture (balm vs gel) but similar soothing philosophy. Great for removing makeup gently.
Similar clean beauty philosophy with antioxidant-rich formula. More exfoliating due to green tea. Higher price point but cult-favorite status.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Bathroom storage is fine.
Recyclable pump bottle made with PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic. FSC-certified sugarcane paper carton.
No - 200ml exceeds TSA liquid limit (100ml). Consider decanting into smaller container for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cleanser is confirmed pregnancy and breastfeeding safe by Biossance. It's free from retinoids, high-concentration salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. The formula contains only gentle, non-toxic ingredients that won't pose risks during pregnancy or nursing. Biossance specifically recommends this cleanser as part of their pregnancy-safe skincare collection.
Yes, this cleanser is considered fungal acne safe. Biossance uses 100% sugarcane-derived squalane, which is safe for malassezia-prone skin (unlike olive-derived squalane which may contain problematic impurities). The formula is free from ferments, problematic fatty acids, and esters that can feed malassezia yeast. It's an excellent choice for those managing fungal acne.
Yes! This gentle cleanser is compatible with all active ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Its gentle, non-stripping formula actually helps prepare skin for active treatments without causing additional irritation. Use this cleanser first, then apply your actives to clean, prepped skin. The soothing aloe can help buffer any potential irritation from your actives.
This cleanser is formulated for all skin types and works exceptionally well for combination, oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. It's particularly excellent for those who want thorough cleansing without irritation. Those with very dry skin may want to follow with a hydrating toner immediately, as some users report slight tightness. It's also ideal for pregnant/nursing individuals and those with fungal acne.
You'll feel results immediately - skin feels clean, soft, and refreshed after the first use. Clinical studies showed that after 14 days of twice-daily use, 100% of participants showed significant removal of daily pollutants, and 97% noticed more refined pores and softer, smoother skin. For best results with breakouts or congestion, allow 2-4 weeks of consistent use.
Use this as your cleanser step - first in your routine (or second if double cleansing with an oil cleanser). Apply to damp skin, massage for 30 seconds, and rinse. In a double cleanse routine (PM), use your oil cleanser first to remove makeup/sunscreen, then follow with this water-based cleanser. In the morning, it can be used as a standalone cleanser. Follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and SPF (AM).
No, this cleanser has a comedogenic rating of 0-1 and will not clog pores. The sugarcane-derived squalane has a comedogenic rating of 0, and the gentle surfactants like Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate are specifically chosen for their non-pore-clogging properties. In fact, the amino acid complex and moringa extract actively help clear pore-clogging debris. It's excellent for acne-prone skin.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. This means you should use the product within 12 months of first opening it. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maximize shelf life. The pump packaging helps prevent contamination compared to jar packaging. At typical usage of 1-2 pumps twice daily, a 200ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months.
Verdict: The Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser is an excellent choice for anyone seeking an effective yet gentle cleanser that aligns with clean beauty values. Its standout features are its pregnancy and fungal acne safety, combined with genuinely effective cleansing from the amino acid complex. While the price is higher than drugstore alternatives, the quality ingredients, sustainable packaging, and proven results justify the investment. Ideal for sensitive, acne-prone, and combination skin types. Those with very dry skin may want something more hydrating, and the natural herbal scent won't appeal to everyone. Overall, a solid performer that delivers on its promises.
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
|
|
|
| 0 |
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|









