Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam for acne-prone skin
Salicylic Acid
Glycerin
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Caffeine
Acetyl GlucosamineSuperior
- HighCombination Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
One of the best cleansers for acne-prone skin.
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
- Excellent for your combination, acne-prone skin as salicylic acid and acetyl glucosamine provide targeted exfoliation to decongest pores and reduce breakouts, while glycerin balances oil production and hydration.
- Algae extract and caffeine further soothe inflammation and support skin barrier function, enhancing the overall efficacy for your specific concerns.
- The formula is safe for your skin, free from harsh ingredients and containing beneficial agents like algae extract and caffeine to prevent 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
★4.5Overall rating based on 5.5k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, users with oily and acne-prone skin consistently praise this foam for effectively clearing breakouts and reducing redness without leaving a residue. Users with dry or sensitive skin frequently report that the formula is too stripping, leading to tightness and flaking if not paired with a strong moisturizer.
Highlights
Effective acne treatment Mostly Mentioned
- “cleared my cystic acne”
- “reduced redness significantly”
- “stopped new breakouts”
- “best for hormonal acne”
Gentle on oily skin Often Mentioned
- “doesn't strip my skin”
- “leaves face feeling soft”
- “gentle enough for daily use”
- “clean but not tight”
Drying and stripping Often Mentioned
- “made my skin flake”
- “face felt very tight”
- “too harsh for sensitive skin”
- “dried out my cheeks”
Convenient pump Sometimes Noted
- “love the foam pump”
- “easy to use in shower”
- “one pump is enough”
- “dispenses perfect amount”
Deep cleaning, oil control Sometimes Noted
- “removes all excess oil”
- “pores look smaller”
- “face feels squeaky clean”
- “great for greasy T-zone”
Unpleasant scent Sometimes Noted
- “smells like bandages”
- “strong chemical odor”
- “scent is off-putting”
- “smells medicinal”
Packaging issues Rarely Noted
- “pump stopped working”
- “leaked in my bag”
- “dispenser broke quickly”
- “cap doesn't stay on”
Watery consistency Rarely Noted
- “liquid is too runny”
- “pours out like water”
- “hard to keep in hand”
- “expected a thicker gel”
Sources: lovi.care, sephora.com, macys.com, ulta.com, bluemercury.com, my-navy-exchange.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam one of the best fits for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser is an excellent fit because salicylic acid and acetyl glucosamine clear out clogged pores and reduce breakouts, while glycerin helps balance oil and moisture. Algae extract and caffeine also calm redness and support the skin barrier, keeping your skin comfortable and safe from irritation.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for acne-prone skin?
Salicylic acid and acetyl glucosamine make this cleanser a great fit because they provide targeted exfoliation to clear out pores and reduce breakouts. Glycerin also helps balance oil and hydration, while caffeine and algae extract soothe redness and protect your skin.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
What does Salicylic Acid do for acne-prone skin?
Salicylic acid helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing pimples and calming redness without causing many side effects. It works by dipping deep into pores to clear out blockages and control oil, making it a reliable choice for keeping skin smooth and clear.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
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.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008International Journal of Toxicology, 2019
Where does it go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser fits into both your morning and evening routine as a starting step to clear pores and remove buildup. Using a gentle cleanser as part of a daily routine helps improve overall skin condition and supports acne-prone skin.
Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this cleanser with retinol by using the cleanser first in your routine to clear pores, followed by your retinol treatment. Using a gentle, well-tolerated formula helps keep skin calm and reduces the irritation that sometimes happens when using retinol.
How often should I use it?
You can use this cleanser twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine for your acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid and acetyl glucosamine help clear out pores and reduce breakouts while keeping your skin calm.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser is an excellent fit because salicylic acid and acetyl glucosamine clear out pores to help reduce breakouts, while glycerin balances oil and hydration. It is unlikely to clog pores, though reviewers note that it can sometimes feel drying or stripping on the skin.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
Can I use it around the eyes or on my body?
This cleanser is intended for facial breakouts and is generally too strong for the very thin skin around the eyes, though it can be used on the body where skin is thicker. It is unlikely to cause irritation when used on body breakouts, but the delicate eye area requires a much gentler product.
Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
A 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, 2020Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023Cryotherapy 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, 2010Treatment 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, 2024Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid achieved the greatest lesion reduction at early 2 to 4 week time points compared to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, while 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin showed similar efficacy at 10 to 12 weeks in acne patients.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010A 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, 2001A skincare regimen containing Macrocystis pyrifera ferment consisting of a cleansing foam, a serum, and a moisturizer decreases the visible effects of inflammation and aging while promoting healing and improving patient satisfaction.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Macrocystis pyrifera ferment-containing creams decrease visible inflammation and signs of aging while enhancing barrier resilience and recovery.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023Aqueous extracts from Macrocystis pyrifera and Durvillaea antarctica exhibited antiviral activity against acyclovir-sensitive and acyclovir-resistant HSV-1 and HSV-2, and topical formulations significantly reduced the severity and duration of HSV-1 skin lesions in an animal model compared to mock treatment and acyclovir.
Frontiers in Microbiology, 2020A 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, 2011Topical 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, 2019Caffeine 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, 2021Topical 2% N-acetyl glucosamine reduced facial hyperpigmentation in an 8-week split-face clinical test, with an even greater effect observed when combined with 4% niacinamide.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007N-acetyl-glucosamine-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers successfully delivered the hydrophilic agent through the skin and reduced melanin distribution in healthy volunteers.
Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2016Topical cosmetic products containing hyaluronic acid, N-acetyl glucosamine, and gamma-amino butyric acid improved skin hydration by 24.28% to 33.60%, elasticity by 11.98%, and skin lightening by 5.26% over 2 months in 20 female participants.
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2019
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sucrose, Disodium Phosphate, Arginine Cocoate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Caffeine, Algae Extract, Cola Acuminata Seed Extract, Sea Whip Extract, Peg Ppg-18 18 Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ppg-6-Decyltetradeceth-30, Lactobacillus Ferment, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Acetyl Glucosamine, Capryloyl Glycine, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, Polyquaternium-7, Stearic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Chloroxylenol, Salicylic Acid
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
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