# La Mer The Cleansing Foam for acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for acne-prone skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Canada.

Brand: [La Mer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/la-mer)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for acne-prone skin; other cleansers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate cleansing for your combination skin, as myristic acid and lauric acid help lift impurities, while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate provide hydration, though it lacks specialized ingredients to directly target acne.
- The presence of aloe barbadensis leaf water and sea salt contributes to a gentle cleansing experience, but the formula could benefit from enhanced oil control for your combination skin.
- The safety profile is good, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing components.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Glycerin, Algae Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Caffeine

## What the research says

- A 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Tripotassium phosphate (TPP) solutions and mixtures of TPP with lauric or myristic acid exhibited strong microbicidal activity against various gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeasts in vitro, and washing processed broiler chicken skin with TPP and fatty acid mixtures significantly reduced populations of aerobic bacteria, campylobacters, E. coli, pseudomonads, and yeasts. ([Journal of Food Protection, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16013388/))
- Myristic acid reduced inflammation and nociception by increasing IL-10 production in LPS-stimulated macrophages, reducing acute and chronic TPA-induced ear edema in mice, and involving the nitrergic system in formalin-induced paw licking. ([Journal of Food Biochemistry, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34811755/))
- The 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, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- Treatment with lipid algae extract reduced the level of oxidized proteins in human keratinocytes and stratum corneum skin cells. ([Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15247018/))
- Topical astaxanthin-loaded algae extract hydrogel and lipogel formulations exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and successful in vitro release, suggesting their potential as anti-aging formulations. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29745467/))
- Antarctic marine algae extracts increased cell viability, protected against inflammation, and enhanced the barrier integrity of human intestinal and keratinocyte cell lines damaged by lipopolysaccharide or ultraviolet radiation. ([Marine Drugs, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36135751/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))
- Topical application of sesame oil combined with standard care significantly reduced infusion-related phlebitis in adults compared to a control condition, with a risk ratio of 0.54. ([Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39743002/))
- Sesamol loaded silver nanoparticles gel showed a twofold increase in skin permeation and higher antioxidant activity compared to conventional formulations, demonstrating potential for topical wound healing delivery. ([Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39192646/))
- Treatment with moderately ozonated sesame oil accelerates cutaneous wound closure and enhances cell response, angiogenesis, and VEGF and cyclin D1 expression in SKH1 mice compared to oil with lower or higher peroxide values and controls. ([Wound Repair and Regeneration, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21134039/))
- A topical cosmetic slimming product containing tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine, caffeine, carnitine, forskolin and retinol significantly reduced body circumferences and improved skin aspect compared with placebo in 78 women over 12 weeks. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21564138/))
- Topical sunscreen formulations containing caffeine combined with UV filters increased in vivo anti-UVB protection by approximately 25% and showed higher SPF values compared to caffeine-free sunscreen, while being well tolerated by the skin of healthy subjects. ([Frontiers in Physiology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31130869/))
- Caffeine gel combined with choline geranate showed high skin permeation capacity and superior clinical results in cellulite treatment compared to caffeine gel without ionic liquid. ([AAPS PharmSciTech, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33796955/))

## Why other cleansers fit acne-prone skin better

- Topical 5% tea tree oil gel significantly improved total acne lesions and acne severity index compared to placebo in 60 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris, showing 3.55 times and 5.75 times greater efficacy respectively. ([Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/))
- A botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract continuously reduced skin sebum levels without reactive seborrhea after treatment in 21 healthy volunteers compared to a sodium laureth sulfate cleanser, with neither cleanser causing skin irritation. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/))
- A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo. ([Clinical Pharmacology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/))

## What reviewers say

Users with oily and combination skin appreciate this cleanser's rich lather and effective cleansing, leaving skin feeling refreshed. However, some users with dry or sensitive skin find it to be stripping, and a few long-time users have noted changes in recent reformulations.

- Liked: Luxurious texture (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: Very expensive (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective cleansing (often mentioned)
- Liked: Lasts long (often mentioned)
- Liked: Pleasant scent (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Soft post-wash feel (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Drying for skin (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Eye irritation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Reformulation issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (rarely noted)

## 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.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does La Mer The Cleansing Foam work for acne-prone skin?

This cleanser works moderately well for acne-prone skin, lifting impurities with fatty acids and adding moisture with glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, though it lacks specialized ingredients to directly target breakouts. A cleanser for this skin needs ingredients that control oil, soothe blemishes, and keep skin balanced without over-drying.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [Journal of Food Protection, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16013388/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for acne-prone skin?

Myristic acid and lauric acid help lift impurities, while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate provide hydration to keep your skin balanced. However, this skin type needs a cleanser with enhanced oil control and specialized ingredients that directly target acne.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [Journal of Food Protection, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16013388/)

### What does Glycerin do for acne-prone skin?

Glycerin helps keep acne-prone skin hydrated and calm without clogging pores or feeling heavy. It supports the skin barrier so it stays soft and smooth while handling everyday treatments.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [International Journal of Toxicology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31840548/)

### What does Algae Extract do for acne-prone skin?

Algae extract helps calm acne-prone skin and may reduce breakouts through its soothing and purifying properties. Because this type of skin is often easily upset, it needs lightweight hydrators and gentle ingredients that target swelling and clear pores without clogging them.
Sources: [Pharmaceutics, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34834345/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This cleanser fits into both your morning and evening routines as the first step after removing makeup at night. It offers moderate cleansing while keeping skin calm, but acne-prone skin requires a product of this type to include specialized oil-control and targeted blemish-fighting ingredients.

### Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

Yes, you can use this cleanser in your routine with retinol by applying it before your retinol treatment. Using a gentle cleanser helps wash away impurities without causing extra dryness, but acne-prone skin often needs products that also control excess oil and target breakouts.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser twice a day in the morning and evening as part of your routine. It lifts impurities and provides hydration while being gentle on the skin, though acne-prone skin needs a cleanser of this type with added oil control and targeted blemish-fighting ingredients.

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

La Mer The Cleansing Foam is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores, as it has a good safety profile with gentle ingredients that do not irritate. However, this cleanser works only moderately for acne-prone skin because it lacks specialized ingredients to directly target acne and control oil. Acne-prone skin needs a cleanser that helps clear pores and manages excess oil with targeted ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide.

### Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this cleanser on your body, but you should use caution around the thin skin of the eyes. This product type needs gentle cleansing agents and hydrating ingredients to safely care for delicate areas without irritation.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

### Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum, linalool, and limonene).

## Alternatives for acne-prone skin

- [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$44.95 at Amazon
- [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — CA$82.99 at Amazon
- [Pyunkang Yul Calming Low pH Foaming Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-low-ph-foaming-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — CA$19.99 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/advanced-replenishing-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$41.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [CeraVe CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/pm-facial-moisturizing-lotion/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- SPF: [innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/innisfree/daily-uv-defense-mineral-sunscreen/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.50 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Sephora: CA$41.00 (https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/la-mer-the-essence-foaming-cleanser-P510096?skuId=2748598)
Prices checked 10 Oct 2026.

## Ingredients

Declustered Water, Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Behenic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Potassium Hydroxide, Lauric Acid, Stearic Acid, Algae Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Medicago Sativa Seed Powder, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake Sunflower Seedcake, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal Seed, Eucalyptus Globulus Oil Leaf Eucalyptus Oil Leaf, Sodium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, Tocopheryl Succinate, Niacin, Quartz Powder, Nephrite Powder, Pearl Powder, Caffeine, Sea Salt, Humic Acids, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sucrose, Tourmaline, Macrocystis Pyrifera Protein Kelp Protein, Polyquaternium-51, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Trehalose, Cellulose, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Coco Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Pca, Peg-3 Distearate, Urea, Parfum, Disodium Edta, Linalool, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Yellow 5 Ci 19140, Ci 15985, Blue 1 Ci 42090, Green 5 Ci 61570
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin
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- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-mer/the-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin