PCA SKIN Facial Wash for acne-prone skin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Lactic Acid
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Salix Nigra Bark Extract Willow Bark Extract
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
High
- SuperiorCombination Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
A great choice for acne-prone skin; a few cleansers fit it even 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 excellent suitability for your combination skin, as lactic acid and Salix Nigra Bark Extract provide effective keratolytic action and desquamation regulation, complemented by propanediol for humectant action.
- Provides excellent cleansing for your acne-prone skin, with Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine effectively removing impurities without causing irritation.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing agents like Allantoin and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice.
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 400+ reviewsUsers frequently praise this cleanser for its gentle, non-drying formula that effectively removes makeup and impurities, leaving skin feeling soft and balanced. Many appreciate its soothing properties and ability to improve skin texture over time, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. Some users find the product to be on the pricier side, and a small number with very dry skin or those removing heavy makeup noted some limitations.
Highlights
Gentle and non-drying Mostly Mentioned
- “doesn't dry out skin”
- “leaves face soft”
- “no tight feeling”
- “gentle on sensitive skin”
Effective cleansing Often Mentioned
- “removes all makeup”
- “cleans residue well”
- “takes off dirt/oil”
- “great second cleanse”
Improves skin texture Sometimes Noted
- “skin feels smooth”
- “mild exfoliation”
- “helps with texture”
- “leaves skin supple”
Soothing properties Sometimes Noted
- “calms redness”
- “soothing aloe”
- “doesn't irritate”
Expensive for cleanser Sometimes Noted
- “a bit pricey”
- “expensive for a wash”
- “wish it was cheaper”
- “not budget friendly”
Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
- “caused breakouts”
- “horrible reaction”
- “irritated my skin”
- “rash developed”
Makeup removal issues Rarely Noted
- “didn't remove mascara”
- “struggled with eye makeup”
- “need a separate remover”
Slightly drying Rarely Noted
- “felt a bit dry”
- “left skin tight”
- “not for dry skin”
- “needed moisturizer immediately”
Sources: lovi.care, pcaskin.com, lovelyskin.com, dermstore.com, influenster.com, walmart.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes PCA SKIN Facial Wash a great fit for acne-prone skin?
PCA SKIN Facial Wash is a great fit because it effectively removes impurities and excess oil without causing irritation. It helps keep your skin clear and calm thanks to willow bark extract and soothing agents like aloe and allantoin.
Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser is a great fit for your acne-prone skin because lactic acid and willow bark extract help clear pores, while soothing agents like allantoin and aloe keep skin calm and comfortable. It also removes impurities effectively without causing irritation.
What does Aloe Vera Leaf Juice do for acne-prone skin?
Aloe Vera Leaf Juice helps calm acne-prone skin and may reduce redness, bumps, and spots when used consistently. Studies show it helps clear breakouts and keeps skin smooth by fighting blemish-causing factors.
Clinical Pharmacology, 2018The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2014
What does Lactic Acid do for acne-prone skin?
Lactic acid helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions with regular topical use. It works well to smooth and calm the skin while managing breakouts safely over time.
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2002
Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser goes as the first step in your morning routine and the second step in your evening routine after a makeup remover. It gently washes away impurities and excess oil without causing irritation.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
Can I use it with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this cleanser in your routine along with a retinol treatment, applying the cleanser first to remove impurities before following with your treatment. Using a gentle cleanser helps wash away dirt without causing irritation, keeping your skin calm while you use active ingredients.
How often should I use this cleanser?
You can use this cleanser twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine. Using a gentle cleanser regularly helps clear away impurities and excess oil without irritating your skin.
Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?
This cleanser is a great fit for your acne-prone skin and is unlikely to cause breakouts, as reviewers report negligible issues and the formula removes impurities effectively while using soothing ingredients like allantoin and aloe leaf juice. Willow bark extract also helps keep your skin clear by reducing sebum levels without irritation.
Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?
This cleanser is well suited for the face, but its active exfoliating ingredients may cause irritation on the very thin skin around the eyes and should be used with care. It can safely cleanse the skin on the body, effectively removing impurities while keeping skin comfortable.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
Topical application of 1,3-propanediol at various concentrations, alone or combined with butylene glycol and/or glycerol, increased skin hydration and reduced trans epidermal water loss in 30 healthy female subjects over an 8-hour period, with the 15% concentration and the addition of glycerol providing greater benefits.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024A 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, 2019Topical gel containing chitosan, 0.2% chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol did not improve postoperative comfort regarding swelling and pain, but improved the wound's aesthetic appearance following impacted lower third molar extraction compared to no gel.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2016A 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, 2018Topical aloe vera gel significantly accelerated split-thickness skin graft donor-site healing compared to placebo in 12 patients, but showed no significant difference in pain relief.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2018Topical application of Aloe vera cream reduced postoperative pain at rest and during defecation, accelerated wound healing at two weeks, and decreased analgesic requirements in patients after open hemorrhoidectomy compared to placebo.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010Formulations containing 0.10%, 0.25%, and 0.50% freeze-dried Aloe vera extract increased stratum corneum water content compared with the vehicle in 20 female subjects, while transepidermal water loss was not modified.
Skin Research and Technology, 2006Application of a cream containing lactic acid 12% and pramoxine HCl 1% significantly improved skin dryness, hydration, and itch compared with a nontreated control in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin.
Cutis, 2004Topical 12% ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of epidermal and dermal atrophy induced by clobetasol propionate in human volunteers, without influencing the corticosteroid's bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992A lactic acid/ceramide lotion significantly improved skin moisturization and desquamation compared to no treatment in women with dry, rough skin on the anterior shins.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020The cytotoxic effect of sodium lauryl sulphate on normal human keratinocytes was significantly decreased when combined with cocamidopropyl betaine, Tween 20, and Tween 80 at concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration.
Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2003Bioactive lipid nanocarriers co-loaded with willow bark or ivy leaf extracts and UV-filters provided pronounced UVA photoprotection up to an SPF-equivalent value of 13 and a maximum in vivo skin hydration effect of 97% when prepared with pomegranate oil.
Nanomaterials, 2022A topical serum containing 0.5% salicin applied twice daily reduced visible signs of skin aging, including wrinkles and tactile roughness, in 30 female subjects over 12 weeks compared to baseline.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010A novel emulsion containing niacinamide, lens esculenta seed extract, and white willow bark extract effectively improved acne, blackheads, and conspicuous facial pores in 30 subjects with oily skin.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
Ingredients
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lactic Acid, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Sodium Chloride, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Salix Nigra Bark Extract Willow Bark Extract, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder
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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