innisfree Volcanic Pore BHA Cleansing Foam for acne-prone skin
Bha Beta Hydroxy Acid
Volcanic Ash- Salicylic Acid
Zinc Pca
Glycerin
Average
- HighCombination Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
Works for acne-prone skin; other cleansers fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers moderate cleansing and hydration for your combination skin, with lactic acid and glycolic acid providing keratolytic action and desquamation regulation, though it lacks specialized ingredients like salicylic acid to effectively target your acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- The presence of myristic acid and lauric acid aids in decongesting pores, contributing to the overall cleansing efficacy for your skin type.
- The product is safe for your combination skin, as it contains soothing ingredients like Madecassoside and lacks prohibited or harsh components that could cause irritation.
How to apply
- Could be used as part of your AM and PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it.
- This cleanser is the first step in your morning routine and the second step after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Always follow up with a toner and moisturizer .
- Gently massage a small amount of the cleanser onto your face in circular motions. Avoid harsh rubbing to keep your skin calm.
- Apply the cleanser on slightly damp skin to help it work effectively against breakouts. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water .
- Avoid the immediate eye area and do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.
People Say
★4.4Overall rating based on 15.0k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this foaming cleanser is highly recommended for oily and acne-prone skin types, effectively cleansing pores and managing excess oil for a refreshed feel. However, users with dry or sensitive skin frequently find it too stripping and drying, sometimes causing tightness or irritation.
Highlights
Deep pore cleansing Mostly Mentioned
- “cleans the skin thoroughly”
- “removes dirt and visible impurities”
- “pores look smaller and nose is smooth”
Excellent oil control Often Mentioned
- “no oil for hours”
- “soaks up any sebum in first use”
- “best for oily skin”
Rich lather Often Mentioned
- “little goes a long way”
- “foams generously”
- “creamy, rich lather”
Drying and stripping Often Mentioned
- “leaving my skin definitely very tight”
- “removes little to no moisture you have”
- “too drying for dry skin”
Acne & blackhead reduction Sometimes Noted
- “decrease of pimples”
- “struggling with blackheads”
- “keeps acne-prone skin clear”
Good value Sometimes Noted
- “worth the money”
- “cost-effective”
- “lasts for 5-6 months easily”
Eye irritation Sometimes Noted
- “stings my eyes so much”
- “smallest amount will make your eyes burn”
- “manage to sting my eyes”
Strong fragrance Sometimes Noted
- “fragrance is insanely strong”
- “smells like bar soap”
- “too scented for me”
Potential irritation Rarely Noted
- “got tiny bumps”
- “skin definitely a little bit irritated”
- “not for sensitive skin”
Texture/residue issues Rarely Noted
- “made my face feel so rubbery”
- “leaving kind of like a white film”
- “slippery residue”
Sources: lovi.care, sephora.com, nykaa.com, oliveyoung.com, yesstyle.com, influenster.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does the innisfree Volcanic Pore BHA Cleansing Foam work for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser works moderately well for acne-prone skin, providing basic cleansing and comfort, though it lacks specialized ingredients to effectively target breakouts. A cleanser for this skin needs powerful blemish-fighting ingredients, hydrating and barrier-repairing agents, and a very safe formula that maintains moisture balance without irritation.
Molecules, 2023Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 2019
Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser includes madecassoside and lauric acid, which help calm the skin and decongest pores. To truly care for acne-prone skin, a product of this type needs powerful blemish-targeting ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides, along with reliable soothing and hydrating agents.
Molecules, 2023Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 2019
What does BHA do for acne-prone skin?
BHA helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing both inflamed breakouts and clogged pores, while keeping the skin calm and comfortable. It works by targeting oil production and soothing irritation, making it effective for preventing and managing blemishes.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
What does volcanic ash do for acne-prone skin?
Volcanic ash helps draw out impurities and soak up extra oil that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Because it can be drying, acne-prone skin usually needs a gentle formula that balances this deep cleaning with soothing moisture.
Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser goes in both your morning and evening skincare routines, coming right after a makeup remover at night. It helps clean your skin, but an acne-prone routine ultimately needs targeted breakout-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid.
Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this cleanser with retinol, provided your skin tolerates the active ingredients without becoming too dry or irritated. Use the cleanser first in your routine to wash your face, followed by your retinol treatment and a moisturizer.
How often should I use this cleanser?
You can use this cleanser twice a day in your morning and evening routine, as it is generally safe for your skin. To better help with acne and breakouts, this skin type needs cleansers with targeted ingredients like salicylic acid.
Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser helps clear pores with ingredients like lauric acid, but it lacks specialized ingredients like salicylic acid to effectively target acne, blemishes, and breakouts. Reviewers frequently complain that it leaves skin dry and stripped, and a cleanser for acne-prone skin needs soothing hydration along with targeted blemish-fighting ingredients to keep pores clear without causing dryness.
Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?
This cleanser is safe for use on the body, but the thin skin around the eyes requires extra care and is best avoided. A cleanser of this type needs gentle, hydrating ingredients and soothing components to properly care for sensitive areas without causing dryness or irritation.
Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
Co-application of curcumin and lauric acid liposomal gel exhibited enhanced antibacterial effect and a two-fold reduction in comedones count and cytokines in a rat ear model compared to the placebo-treated group.
Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 2019Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components.
Molecules, 2023Cosmetic formulations containing 5% Centella asiatica extract showed the best efficacy in improving skin moisture and decreasing transepidermal water loss, while also exhibiting antiinflammatory properties in 25 volunteers compared to baseline measurements.
Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016Topical application of 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients.
CMAJ, 2010A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase.
BioMed Research International, 2020Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Zinc PCA inhibits UVA-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 production through suppressed AP-1 activation and enhances type I collagen synthesis by increasing SVCT2 mRNA expression in cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2012A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001
Why other cleansers fit acne-prone skin better
A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Kaolin, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Glycol Distearate, Palmitic Acid, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyquaternium-22, Silica, Hot Spring Water, Zinc Pca, Disodium Edta, Propanediol, Lactic Acid Glycolic Acid Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Madecassoside, Polyquaternium-10, Ethylhexylglycerin
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.