# Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash 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/de/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/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 Germany.

Brand: [Dermalogica](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/brands/dermalogica)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/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 exfoliation for your acne-prone skin, as salicylic acid and melaleuca alternifolia tree oil help clear pores and reduce breakouts. Camellia sinensis leaf extract provides soothing benefits, balancing the cleansing action for combination skin.
- The formula includes citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil and lavandula angustifolia oil, which offer a pleasant scent and mild astringent properties suitable for combination skin.
- The product is safe for your skin, containing no harsh ingredients and featuring soothing components that minimize irritation risk.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-skin): Warning
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/sensitive-skin): Low
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/mature-skin): Low
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Superior

## Key ingredients

Salicylic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Oil Leaf, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil Lavender Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Rhizome Licorice Root Extract Rhizome

## What the research says

- Twice 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, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/))
- The 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, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/))
- 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, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31239743/))
- 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/))
- Cryotherapy 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, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- Treatment 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, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- Topical 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, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20488582/))
- 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/))
- Tea tree oil nanoemulsion containing adapalene gel demonstrated significantly greater reductions in total, inflammatory, and non-inflammatory acne lesions as well as acne severity index compared to adapalene marketed gel in 100 patients with acne vulgaris over 12 weeks. ([Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34251536/))
- Topical tea tree oil treatment confirmed efficacy on Demodex mite blepharitis across fourteen papers evaluating chronic blepharitis compared to no treatment or alternative management. ([BioMed Research International, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35941981/))
- A novel D-limonene and Gelucire 44/12 based microemulsion formulated with Labrasol and Labrafil M 1944 CS showed high stability, optical transparency, nanometric globule size, and a safe in vivo skin profile on mice ear skin. ([Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33880349/))
- Polysaccharide-based O/W emulsions incorporated with lavender essential oil applied to cellulosic support are non-irritating, provide softness and moisturizing effects, and are safe for topical patch applications. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34547316/))
- Gellan gum hydrogel films co-encapsulating ofloxacin with tea tree or lavender oil achieved 98% wound contraction and completely healed epidermis in rats after ten days of treatment compared to baseline. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33130262/))
- Topical application of lavender oil significantly promoted wound contraction, collagen synthesis, and fibroblast differentiation with up-regulation of TGF-beta in a rat model compared to control. ([BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27229681/))
- Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism. ([Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26273313/))
- Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25381913/))
- Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide. ([Advanced Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39783908/))

## What reviewers say

This foaming wash is widely praised for effectively clearing hormonal and teenage acne on both the face and body without stripping the skin of moisture. While most users find it gentle and refreshing, a minority experience dryness or irritation, and some note a "purging" phase before seeing results. This summary is based on a very large amount of data and should definitely be taken into account.

- Liked: Clears acne (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle and non-drying (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves texture (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Pleasant scent (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Versatile for body (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Can be drying (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Purging period (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Skin irritation (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 Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash work for acne-prone skin?

Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash works reasonably well for acne-prone skin, using salicylic acid and tree oil to help clear pores and reduce breakouts. It offers moderate exfoliation and soothing plant extracts that balance the cleansing action, though other products fit this skin type better. A product of this type needs powerful ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides, as well as hydrating and barrier-repairing agents, to effectively address breakouts while keeping combination skin balanced and safe from irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

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

Salicylic acid and tea tree oil help clear pores and reduce breakouts on acne-prone skin, while licorice root and green tea extract provide calming benefits. To fit this skin even better, a cleanser of this type needs strong acne-fighting ingredients combined with hydrating and barrier-repairing components like niacinamide and ceramides to maintain moisture balance.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

### 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.
Sources: [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### What does Tea Tree Oil do for acne-prone skin?

Tea tree oil helps calm acne-prone skin by reducing pimples and redness with a good safety profile. It works through natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities that target breakouts while keeping side effects low when used properly.
Sources: [Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/), [Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16418522/)

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

This cleanser fits in the morning routine and as the second step of the evening routine after makeup removal, while acne-prone skin needs a cleanser that clears pores with salicylic acid and tea tree oil while soothing with green tea extract.

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

You can use this cleanser in your routine, but acne-prone skin needs a gentle, barrier-repairing cleanser with ceramides and niacinamide when using retinol to prevent dryness and irritation.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily in the morning and evening as part of your routine. This product of this type needs acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and soothing plant extracts to clear pores and calm breakouts while keeping your skin balanced.

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

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause major breakouts, though a mild initial purging period is possible for acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid helps clear pores, while soothing plant extracts keep irritation risk low. To work best for this skin, an acne cleanser needs pore-clearing ingredients paired with calming plant extracts to keep the skin clear and comfortable.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

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

This cleanser may be used on your body, but it is best to avoid the thin skin around your eyes to prevent irritation. Acne-prone skin on the body benefits from cleansers with exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid and soothing plant extracts that clear pores while keeping skin calm.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for acne-prone skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €11.75 at Amazon
- [Torriden DIVE IN Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/torriden/dive-in-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €16.63 at Amazon
- [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €8.99 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €16.59 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €13.67 at Amazon
- SPF: [innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/innisfree/daily-uv-defense-mineral-sunscreen/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €65.41 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.de: €33.00 (https://www.amazon.de/dp/B09B7YLH6Z?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Salicylic Acid, Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Acrylates Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Polysorbate-20, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Oil Leaf, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil Lavender Oil, Oleanolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Rhizome Licorice Root Extract Rhizome, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
## 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/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/acne-prone-skin