Aveeno Positively Radiant Clear Complexion Foaming Facial Cleanser Oil-Free

A soy-enriched foaming cleanser containing 0.5% Salicylic Acid designed to clear acne and even out skin texture without stripping essential moisture.

Performance Rating: 4.1

This cleanser features 0.5% Salicylic Acid, a proven Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that exfoliates inside the pore lining to reduce breakouts and blackheads. The surfactant blend, primarily Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine, ensures a deep cleanse with good foaming properties, making it effective for removing excess oil. The addition of humectants like Glycerin and Sorbitol, along with Soybean Protein, helps to offset the potential drying effects of the active ingredients, offering a balanced cleanse suitable for daily maintenance of acne-prone skin.

Safety Rating: 3.7

The formula is generally considered safe for cosmetic use, relying on Sodium Benzoate as a preservative rather than parabens. However, the presence of added Fragrance lowers the safety score for individuals with sensitive or reactive skin, as it is a common allergen. Additionally, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate can be somewhat stripping or irritating to the skin barrier compared to milder surfactant alternatives. The inclusion of PEGs may also be a concern for those strictly avoiding ethoxylated ingredients.

Final Rating: 3.9

This is a solid, effective choice for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin types looking for a daily cleanser. The 0.5% Salicylic Acid concentration provides gentle exfoliation without being overly aggressive, allowing for frequent use. While the performance is reliable, the inclusion of Fragrance and strong cleansing agents prevents it from being a top-tier recommendation for dry or highly sensitive skin. It balances efficacy and cosmetic elegance well for its target audience.

Verdict

This facial cleanser presents itself as a dual-action product, aiming to treat active breakouts while simultaneously improving the overall texture and tone of the skin. The star component is 0.5% Salicylic Acid, a lipophilic Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA). Unlike water-soluble acids, salicylic acid has the unique ability to penetrate through lipid layers, allowing it to dive deep into the sebaceous glands to dissolve sebum and unclog pores. At a concentration of 0.5%, it provides a milder exfoliation compared to maximum strength treatments, making it a suitable option for those who wish to maintain clear skin without subjecting their face to aggressive chemical peeling or excessive irritation. The cleansing action is powered by Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, a surfactant known for its excellent foaming capabilities and deep cleansing properties. While it is highly effective at stripping away grease and impurities, it can sometimes be drying. To create a more balanced formula, the chemists have included Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate, milder amphoteric surfactants that help reduce potential irritation. Furthermore, the inclusion of Glycerin and Sorbitol acts as a humectant buffer, helping to retain hydration during the cleansing process so the skin does not feel tight immediately after rinsing. What differentiates this cleanser from a generic acne wash is the addition of a soy complex, listed as PEG-16 Soy Sterol and Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein. Soy proteins are rich in amino acids and are frequently used in skincare to promote a more even skin tone and smooth roughness. This suggests the product is not just about drying out pimples, but also about refining the skin’s surface and potentially addressing the dullness often associated with congested skin. The presence of Citric Acid ensures the pH is adjusted to a level where the salicylic acid can remain effective. However, there are caveats to this formulation. The inclusion of added Fragrance is a potential trigger for those with reactive skin, eczema, or rosacea. Fragrance adds no skincare benefit and increases the risk of contact dermatitis. Additionally, despite the mild 0.5% acid concentration, the strong surfactant system means this product might still be too stripping for dry or dehydrated skin types. It is best suited for individuals with oily to combination skin who need daily oil control and texture refinement. Users should ensure they follow up with a replenishing moisturizer to keep their skin barrier healthy.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Active Ingredients / 活性成分

🧪 Salicylic Acid 0.5% / 水杨酸 0.5%

Purpose: Acne treatment, Exfoliant

Concerns: Can cause dryness and irritation, especially for sensitive skin.

Notes: A Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that penetrates oil to clear pores.

📁 Surfactants & Cleansing Agents / 表面活性剂与清洁成分

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant, Foam booster

Concerns: Generally mild, but impurities formed during manufacturing can cause allergic reactions in rare cases.

Notes: Derived from coconut oil, often used to reduce the irritation of stronger surfactants.

🧪 Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate / C14-16 烯烃磺酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant, Cleansing agent

Concerns: Can be drying or irritating if the pH is too high or concentration is too strong.

Notes: An effective foaming agent that removes dirt and oil well.

🧪 Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate / 月桂酰两性基二乙酸二钠

Purpose: Surfactant, Foam booster

Concerns: None significant.

Notes: A very mild amphoteric surfactant typically used to balance harsher cleansing agents.

🧪 PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides / PEG-6 辛酸/癸酸甘油酯

Purpose: Emulsifier, Surfactant, Skin-conditioning agent

Concerns: PEG compounds can sometimes be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, though cosmetic grade is usually purified.

Notes: Helps mix oil and water and refat the skin.

📁 Moisturizers & Skin Conditioners / 保湿剂与皮肤调理剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None.

Notes: Draws moisture into the skin to prevent dryness from cleansing.

🧪 Sorbitol / 山梨(糖)醇

Purpose: Humectant, Thickener

Concerns: None.

Notes: A sugar alcohol similar to glycerin that helps skin retain moisture.

🧪 Butylene Glycol / 丁二醇

Purpose: Solvent, Humectant

Concerns: Very low risk of irritation.

Notes: Helps ingredients dissolve and increases skin hydration.

🧪 PEG-16 Soy Sterol / PEG-16 大豆甾醇

Purpose: Emollient, Surfactant

Concerns: None significant.

Notes: Derived from soybeans, helps condition the skin.

🧪 Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein / 野大豆蛋白

Purpose: Skin conditioning agent

Concerns: None, unless allergic to soy.

Notes: Provides amino acids and soothing properties.

📁 Solvents, Stabilizers & pH Adjusters / 溶剂、稳定剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None.

Notes: The base of the formulation.

🧪 Polysorbate 20 / 聚山梨醇酯-20

Purpose: Emulsifier, Solubilizer

Concerns: None significant.

Notes: Often used to help dissolve fragrance oils into water-based formulas.

🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener, Stabilizer

Concerns: None.

Notes: Natural sugar-derived ingredient used to adjust the texture.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Can be irritating in high concentrations, but used here in small amounts.

Notes: Ensures the cleanser is pH balanced for the skin and to keep the Salicylic Acid effective.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: None significant in wash-off products.

Notes: Binds to metal ions in water to prevent them from degrading the product.

📁 Preservatives & Fragrance / 防腐剂与香精

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Generally safe, but can be sensitizing for some individuals.

Notes: Prevents bacteria and fungi growth.

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common cause of skin sensitization and allergic reactions.

Notes: Adds a pleasant smell to the product.