Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin

Avène

Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin

face gel cleanser

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Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
52%
Combination (dry)
52%
Balanced
82%
Combination (oily)
88%
Oily
88%

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22
Ingredients
4
Benefits
1
Actives
Find Dupes

Gentle, lightweight and ultra-refreshing, the Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel works from top to toe to effectively buff away impurities, helping to leave the skin feeling purified. The foaming wash mattifies the skin as it clarifies, minimising the appearance of unwanted shine and sebum. The balancing effect is a result of a delicate blend of Comedoclastin™ and zinc gluconate, supported by the soothing properties of thermal spring water for optimal comfort. Ideal for sensitive skin types prone to blemishes and oiliness, the soap-free cleanser arrives in both a 200ml and a 400ml option, perfect for stocking up.

Key Insights

Benefits

4
Anti-Aging
Dark Spot Fading
Hydration
Soothing

Active Ingredients

1
AHA

Risks

2
Alcohol
Sulfate

About Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin

Overview

Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin is a lightweight gel cleanser from Avène, a brand based in France. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 22 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Lauryl Betaine, Water and Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Lauryl Betaine, Water, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate and Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil.

Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Avena Sativa Seed Water, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Benzoate and Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Several ingredients carry irritation flags. If your skin is reactive, this is one to patch test carefully or approach slowly.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and brightening and tone. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is essential-oil-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free, sulfate-free and dye-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance and drying alcohol, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes first step. Use on damp skin and rinse thoroughly. Follow with a toner or essence while skin is still slightly damp.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No essential oils
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration

Things to know

  • Contains fragrance or declared fragrance allergens
  • Contains drying alcohol high in the list
  • 2 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)
  • Several ingredients carry irritation flags

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Balanced skin
  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

Several ingredients here carry irritation flags. If your skin is reactive or you have rosacea, introduce this slowly, or ask a dermatologist first.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 4 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 1 ingredient

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Dark Spot Fading 1 ingredient

    Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time

  • Soothing 1 ingredient

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Evens Skin Tone Oil Control Pore Minimizer Smooths Bumpy Skin

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.''-1,2,3-propanetriyltris-.omega.-hydroxy-, monococonut acid ester (7 mol EO average molar ratio)

Hydration

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (40 mol EO average molar ratio)

Hydration

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Lady's Thistle, Silybum marianum (L.), Asteraceae

Anti-Aging Dark Spot Fading Soothing

22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

bis(D-Gluconato-O1,O2)zinc

Hydration

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening None

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Moderate

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal Low

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (1)

Supporting ingredients (21)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Avena Sativa Seed Water Water Zinc Coceth Sulfate Lauryl Betaine Decyl Glucoside Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate Polysorbate 20 Parfum Solvent Green 7 Isopropyl Alcohol Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Peg-6 Ppg-26-buteth-26 Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract Sodium Benzoate Sodium Chloride Sodium Hydroxide Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate HC Yellow NO. 5 Zinc Gluconate

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Essential-oil-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

Contains

  • Fragrance

    Parfum

  • Drying alcohol

    Isopropyl Alcohol

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
  • BHA (salicylic acid)
  • PHAs (gluconolactone)
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Cleanse" step.

  • Use on damp skin and rinse thoroughly.
  • Follow with a toner or essence while skin is still slightly damp.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Polysorbate 20. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
Several ingredients here carry irritation flags. If your skin is reactive or you have rosacea, introduce this slowly, or ask a dermatologist first.
Recorded ingredient risks
Alcohol, Sulfate

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 22 ingredients on the label.

7
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

4
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

3
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

2
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

2
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

1
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

1
Fragrance / colour

Changes how the product smells or looks

1
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

1
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

1
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Avena Sativa Seed Water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillates obtained from the seeds of Avena sativa.

2 Water Solvent
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Zinc di(coco-alkylpoly(oxyethylene)sulfate) (1-4 mol EO average)

Sulfate
4 Lauryl Betaine Surfactant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

(Carboxylatomethyl)dodecyldimethylammonium

5 Decyl Glucoside Surfactant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

D-Glucoside, Decyl

Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl),.alpha.-(2-hydroxytetradecyl),.omega.-C16-18-alkyloxy-, (60 mol EO average molar ratio)

Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.''-1,2,3-propanetriyltris-.omega.-hydroxy-, monococonut acid ester (7 mol EO average molar ratio)

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • Cosmeticsinfoorg, Accessed November 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2020, pages 26S–58S
  • Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, July 2018, pages 373–381
  • European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology, July 2017, ePublication
8 Polysorbate 20 Surfactant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.

9 Citric Acid Active
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active, Chelator, pH adjuster

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

10 Parfum Fragrance / colour
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Fragrance / colour

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Parfum is a term for ingredient labelling used to identify that a product contains a material or a combination of materials normally added to a cosmetic to produce or to mask a particular odour. According to Article 19 of the Cosmetics Regulation, 'Perfume and aromatic compositions and their raw materials shall be referred to by the terms ‘parfum’ or ‘aroma’. '

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Trisodium 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulphonate (CI 59040)

12 Isopropyl Alcohol Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Propan-2-ol, isopropanol

Alcohol
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (40 mol EO average molar ratio)

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed July 2021, ePublication
  • https://cosmeticsinfoorg/ingredient/peg-40-hydrogenated-castor-oil
  • Toxicological Research, June 2015, pages 105-136
  • https://wwwdeepdyvecom/lp/pubmed-central/safety-evaluation-of-polyethylene-glycol-peg-compounds-for-cosmetic-dV2e45HAp7?articleList=%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3DPEG-40%2Bhydrogenated%2Bcastor%2Boil
14 Peg-6 Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Solvent

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

.Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, (6 mol EO average molar ratio)

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane, monobutyl ether

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Lady's Thistle, Silybum marianum (L.), Asteraceae

Anti-Aging Dark Spot Fading Soothing
17 Sodium Benzoate Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium benzoate

18 Sodium Chloride Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium chloride

19 Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium hydroxide

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator

20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-(2-amino-4-nitroanilino)ethanol

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

bis(D-Gluconato-O1,O2)zinc

Hydration

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin?

AVENA SATIVA SEED WATER, WATER, ZINC COCETH SULFATE, LAURYL BETAINE, DECYL GLUCOSIDE, CETEARETH-60 MYRISTYL GLYCOL, PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE, POLYSORBATE 20, CITRIC ACID, PARFUM, SOLVENT GREEN 7, ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PEG-6, PPG-26-BUTETH-26, SILYBUM MARIANUM FRUIT EXTRACT, SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, HC YELLOW NO. 5, ZINC GLUCONATE.

What are the active ingredients in Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin?

CITRIC ACID.

How do I use Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin?

Apply morning and/or evening to damp skin. Work up a lather and rinse well. Dry.

What skin types is Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced, Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin good for sensitive skin?

Some ingredients here carry irritation flags, so sensitive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before applying it to the whole face.

Is Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin fungal acne safe?

2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Polysorbate 20. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin while pregnant?

Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.

Is Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin fragrance free?

No — it contains Parfum.

Does Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin contain alcohol?

Yes — it contains Isopropyl Alcohol.

Is Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin?

It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.

When should I apply Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin?

Use it morning and evening, first step.

How many ingredients does Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin have?

It lists 22 ingredients, of which 1 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin?

Avène, a brand based in France.

Brand
Avène
Country
France

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