Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel Versus Garnier Pure Active Sensitive Anti-Blemish Soap-Free Gel Wash
Updated on June 07, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens or silicones
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, fragrances and sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel 21 ingredients
Garnier Pure Active Sensitive Anti-Blemish Soap-Free Gel Wash 19 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel 21 ingredients
Garnier Pure Active Sensitive Anti-Blemish Soap-Free Gel Wash 19 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
Sodium Benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel 21 ingredients
Garnier Pure Active Sensitive Anti-Blemish Soap-Free Gel Wash 19 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel 21 ingredients
Laila
The best water-based cleanser i used so far!
It doesn’t dry my skin out at all and actually leaves it looking glowy and hydrated.
It has a slight...
The best water-based cleanser i used so far!
It doesn’t dry my skin out at all and actually leaves it looking glowy and hydrated.
It has a slight scent, but even i have a sensitive acne prone skin it didn’t bother at all nor cause an allergic reaction.
Sara
I really like how gentle this cleanser is. I think it was may one of my first cleansers as a teenager and I used it for a few months with great...
I really like how gentle this cleanser is. I think it was may one of my first cleansers as a teenager and I used it for a few months with great results. My very oily skin feels clean and fresh, but not dry or even irritated as it happens with other similar-targeted products.
I would say that I miss some Salicylic Acid in the formula in order to get my pores fully cleansed, but this is only relevant if you're willing to let it act as a mask in your face for a while so your skin absorbs all the ingredients. If you rinse your cleansers right away, it's just the perfect product.
And the best of all: It's really affordable. You won't usually find products this cheap (less than 15€) with such a great performance.