🇬🇧United Kingdom

Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash for acne-prone skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash

Average

  • AverageCombination Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

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 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.

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

★4.7Overall rating based on 3.6k+ reviews

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.

Highlights

  • Clears acne Mostly Mentioned
    • “helped keep oil under control”
    • “3 pimples went away overnight”
    • “cleared my hormonal acne”
    • “great for teenage acne”
  • Gentle and non-drying Often Mentioned
    • “doesn't strip my skin”
    • “gentle enough for sensitive skin”
    • “face feels clean not dry”
    • “balanced cleanser”
  • Improves texture Sometimes Noted
    • “brightened my skin”
    • “skin looks healthier”
    • “less oily throughout the day”
    • “smooths texture”
  • Pleasant scent Sometimes Noted
    • “smells nice and fresh”
    • “love the scent”
    • “smells like orange peel”
    • “refreshing botanical smell”
  • Versatile for body Sometimes Noted
    • “helped tremendously with body acne”
    • “use on face, back, neck”
    • “cleared my back breakouts”
    • “great for chest acne”
  • Price point Sometimes Noted
    • “pricey but worth it”
    • “expensive for a face wash”
    • “wish it was cheaper”
    • “good but costly”
  • Can be drying Rarely Noted
    • “makes your skin really dry”
    • “left my face feeling tight”
    • “too drying for me”
    • “caused flaky skin”
  • Packaging issues Rarely Noted
    • “do not travel with this it leaks”
    • “bottle cap does not pop open”
    • “packaging arrived damaged”
    • “leaked in my bag”
  • Purging period Rarely Noted
    • “skin may experience purging”
    • “caused initial breakout”
    • “had to wait for purge to end”
    • “worse before better”
  • Skin irritation Rarely Noted
    • “turning red around nose”
    • “caused burning sensation”
    • “irritated my sensitive skin”
    • “skin became inflamed”

Sources: lovi.care, ulta.com, sephora.com, dermstore.com, lovelyskin.com, adorebeauty.com.au, and more

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.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023

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.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023

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 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.

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2007Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 2006

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.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023

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.

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

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

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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Prices checked 15 Oct – 3 Nov 2026

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

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