Stop Akn Purifying Cleansing Gel
Stop Akn Purifying Cleansing Gel
Product Description
BABE Laboratorios Stop Akn Purifying Cleansing Gel is a refreshing, foaming syndet cleanser built for oily and acne-prone skin. It pairs Salicylic Acid (BHA) with a Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (azelaic acid derivative), Zinc PCA and Lactobacillus Ferment to lift away excess sebum, unclog pores and calm blemishes β all while keeping the skin barrier intact and leaving a shine-free, matte-clean finish.
β¨ Texture & Feel
BHA Pore Clearing
Oil-soluble Salicylic Acid penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum plugs, blackheads and buildup.
Sebum & Shine Control
Zinc PCA helps regulate oil production for a mattified, less greasy complexion throughout the day.
Calms Blemishes
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate soothes redness and inflammatory lesions without harsh stripping.
Barrier-Friendly Syndet
Soap-free synthetic-detergent base cleanses gently and adds Lactobacillus Ferment to support the microbiome.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains Salicylic Acid (BHA). In a rinse-off cleanser the absorbed dose is very low and usually considered acceptable, but BHA and fragrance mean you should confirm with your OB-GYN or dermatologist first.
Not fungal-acne safe. It contains Lactobacillus Ferment, Polysorbate 20 and PEG esters that can feed Malassezia β though wash-off contact time lowers the real-world risk.
Lightly fragranced. Most users tolerate it well, but very reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin should patch test before daily use.
Includes Sodium Laureth Sulfate β a milder sulfate than SLS. It foams well but can feel drying if used morning and night on dry or compromised skin.
Salicylic Acid does not increase photosensitivity, but daily broad-spectrum SPF is still essential when using any acne actives.
Not tested on animals and formulated without UV filters flagged for reef damage. Free from parabens, silicones and harsh alcohols.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
𧴠Salicylic Acid (BHA) ~0.5β2% Proven
An oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates inside the pore lining, clearing dead cells, sebum and debris that lead to blackheads and breakouts. It also has aspirin-like soothing properties for inflamed skin.
- Source: The U.S. FDA recognizes 0.5β2% salicylic acid as an over-the-counter acne treatment.
- Benefit: Especially effective for blackheads and clogged pores because it penetrates oil.
πΏ Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate Azelaic derivative Promising
A water-soluble form derived from azelaic acid and glycine. It helps reduce sebum, calms redness and inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme behind excess melanin β useful for post-acne marks and uneven tone.
- Source: A 2023 study found 5% PAD with niacinamide reduced melanin over 6 weeks.
- Source: Multiple studies show it helps relieve rosacea-type symptoms.
βͺ Zinc PCA Sebum regulator Promising
A zinc salt that helps regulate oil, reduce redness and support healing. It is particularly suited to oily, acne-prone skin and contributes to the cleanser's mattifying effect.
- Benefit: Helps control sebum and calm the look of active blemishes.
π¦ Lactobacillus Ferment Postbiotic Promising
A fermentation-derived postbiotic that supports the skin barrier and microbiome β a thoughtful addition to an acne cleanser, which can otherwise disrupt skin flora.
- Source: Research links it to skin-barrier repair and healthier microbiome balance.
- Source: One study tied reduced skin-biome diversity to acne flare-ups.
π§ Sodium Hyaluronate + Panthenol Humectants Proven
Hyaluronic acid's salt form and pro-vitamin B5 work together to hold water and soothe, helping offset the drying potential of a foaming acne cleanser so skin feels clean but not tight.
- Benefit: Sodium Hyaluronate binds large amounts of water for hydration.
- Benefit: Panthenol soothes and supports wound healing.
π‘οΈ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Antioxidant Proven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that defends against free radicals and reinforces the skin's lipid barrier, rounding out a formula otherwise focused on exfoliation and oil control.
- Benefit: Protects the lipid barrier and offers mild support against UV-induced damage.
27 ingredients
Water, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Succinic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Zinc PCA, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Pantolactone, Polysorbate 20, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Lactic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
As your first step (the cleanse), use morning and/or night. If your skin runs dry, start once daily at night and always follow with a moisturizer and daytime SPF.
π How to Use
Wet your face
Dampen your face and neck with lukewarm water β warm water briefly opens pores for a deeper clean.
Massage in circles
Apply a small amount and massage gently in circular motions, avoiding the eye area. The gel will lather lightly.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse with plenty of water until no residue remains. A cool-water rinse can help skin feel refreshed.
Follow up
Pat dry and continue with your treatment, moisturizer and (in the morning) broad-spectrum sunscreen.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin with visible shine
- You're prone to blackheads, clogged pores and breakouts
- You want a BHA + azelaic cleanser that won't strip the barrier
- You like a pharmacy-grade, non-comedogenic formula
- You want sebum control plus post-acne mark support
β Consider alternatives if:
- Your skin is very dry or has a damaged barrier
- You specifically need a fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe wash
- You are fragrance-sensitive or avoid all parfum
- You prefer a completely sulfate-free cleanser
- You're pregnant and avoiding BHA without doctor approval
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Zinc PCA and BHA control sebum and shine; skin feels clean and mattified without a greasy film.
Salicylic acid plus an azelaic derivative target clogged pores and calm inflammatory blemishes. Non-comedogenic.
Works well on the oily T-zone; use less often on drier cheeks and always rehydrate afterward.
Gentle syndet base helps, but BHA and added fragrance mean very reactive skin should patch test first.
The sulfate-based foaming formula and BHA can feel stripping; dry skin is better served by a cream cleanser.
π Results Timeline
Clean, matte, refreshed
Skin feels deeply cleansed and shine-free right after rinsing, with no tight or squeaky sensation.
85% noticedFewer new breakouts
Some users report visibly calmer skin and fewer fresh spots within the first week of consistent use.
60% noticedClearer pores, less oil
Blackheads and congestion reduce as BHA exfoliation builds up and sebum stays better controlled.
68% noticedMore even, balanced complexion
Post-acne marks look softer and overall texture appears smoother with continued daily cleansing.
55% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Visibly clears blemishes and excess oil, often within days
- Leaves skin soft and clean with no tight feeling
- Smart active mix: BHA + azelaic derivative + zinc
- Pleasant light scent and good-value 200 ml size
- Dermatologist-recommended pharmacy formula
β Criticized
- Can be drying or cause redness with twice-daily use
- Contains parfum β not ideal for fragrance-sensitive skin
- Includes SLES, so it isn't a true sulfate-free cleanser
- Not fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe
- Exact salicylic acid percentage isn't disclosed
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Pairs salicylic acid with ceramides and is fragrance-free, so it's gentler for combination skin. Less azelaic/zinc oil-control focus than the BabΓ© gel.
A no-frills BHA gel cleanser at the lowest price. Cleanses and decongests well but skips the azelaic derivative, postbiotic and humectant blend.
Another European pharmacy gel for oily, blemish-prone skin. Soap-free and soothing, but without a dedicated salicylic-acid exfoliant.
π Comparison with Competitors
BabΓ© Stop Akn Cleansing Gel (Featured)
~$20La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel
~$17CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
~$15Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Cleanser
~$19π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; close the cap after each use.
Squeeze tube / flip-cap bottle (200 ml and 100 ml options)
The 100 ml size is cabin-friendly; the 200 ml exceeds standard carry-on liquid limits.
β Frequently Asked Questions
It contains Salicylic Acid (BHA). Because this is a rinse-off cleanser, the absorbed amount is very low and many dermatologists consider low-dose BHA washes acceptable during pregnancy. However, it also contains fragrance, so the safest approach is to confirm with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use. We mark it "Caution" rather than fully safe.
No. It contains Lactobacillus Ferment, Polysorbate 20 and PEG esters (such as PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate and PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate) that can feed Malassezia yeast. As a wash-off product the contact time is short, so real-world risk is lower than in a leave-on, but it is not a strictly fungal-acne-safe formula.
Yes, with care. Because it's a brief-contact cleanser, it generally layers fine before serums. Since it already contains salicylic acid plus a little lactic acid, avoid stacking too many strong exfoliating or retinoid treatments at once to prevent irritation. Introduce one active at a time, alternate nights if needed, and always wear SPF during the day.
It's formulated for oily, combination and acne-prone skin that struggles with shine, blackheads and breakouts. Sensitive skin can use it cautiously with a patch test, while very dry or barrier-compromised skin is usually better suited to a gentler cream or non-foaming cleanser.
Many users notice cleaner, less oily skin immediately and fewer new spots within the first week. Clearer pores and reduced congestion typically appear over 2β4 weeks, with a more even, balanced complexion around 6β8 weeks of consistent daily use.
It's your first step β the cleanse β used in the morning and/or evening before toner, treatments, serum, moisturizer and (in the daytime) sunscreen. If your skin tends dry, start with once-daily nighttime use and always moisturize afterward.
No β the brand markets it as non-comedogenic, and its key actives (salicylic acid, zinc PCA and an azelaic derivative) actively help unclog pores. We rate it 1/5 on the comedogenic scale, making it a low-risk choice for breakout-prone skin.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is around 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap closed between uses to preserve the formula.
Verdict: BabΓ© Stop Akn Purifying Cleansing Gel is a well-rounded, pharmacy-grade cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin. The combination of salicylic acid, a zinc and azelaic-acid duo, and barrier-supporting postbiotics and humectants is more thoughtful than most basic acne washes, and reviewers consistently praise how clean and shine-free it leaves skin without the usual tightness. The trade-offs are real but minor: it contains fragrance and a mild sulfate, isn't fungal-acne safe, and can be drying if overused. If you want an effective, fairly priced daily cleanser to keep oil and breakouts in check β and you don't need a fragrance-free or Malassezia-safe formula β it's an easy recommendation.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Foaming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 3 |
PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate
Solvent, Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing
|
|