Clarins Purifying Gentle Foaming Cleanser Versus Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Updated on June 07, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for brightening skin and reducing pores
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens or silicones
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols and fragrances
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
Clarins Purifying Gentle Foaming Cleanser 37 ingredients
Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel 21 ingredients
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Clarins Purifying Gentle Foaming Cleanser 37 ingredients
Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel 21 ingredients
Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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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.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterParfum 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 ParfumCitric 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 AcidSodium 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 BenzoateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Clarins Purifying Gentle Foaming Cleanser 37 ingredients
Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel 21 ingredients
![](https://skinsort.com/assets/routine_creator/when_to_use_card-684ec64d.webp)
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Clarins Purifying Gentle Foaming Cleanser 37 ingredients
Sara
One of my favorite products of all time. It works amazing for oily and acne-prone skin, being super hydrating and not stripping at all, but without...
One of my favorite products of all time. It works amazing for oily and acne-prone skin, being super hydrating and not stripping at all, but without breaking you out. It has this very likeable buttery consistency with some blue particles that will help exfoliate your skin very softly, melting once you rub them against your skin, so It won't damage your skin barrier at all like other harsh physical exfoliants. And the best part is the smell: It really improves the afterwards feeling of cleanliness. But beware sensitive skins, because it has some fragrance.
The only thing that bothers me is the relation between the consistency and the packaging. At first you think it's great because the thickness of the product will always get you the right amount of it without making a mess like it happens when a cleanser in a packaging like this is too runny. But once you're close to finishing the bottle you will find out how difficult it is to get it out due to the hardness of the plastic. I always end up cutting the bottle and putting it on a jar myself to scoop it with a little spoon. So maybe, this kind of formula would benefit way more from a metallic container like other products with a thick consistency, kinda like the viral hand cream from L'Occitane.
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.