Payot Gentle Cleansing Foam

Payot

Gentle Cleansing Foam

face foam cleanser

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
49%
Combination (dry)
49%
Balanced
79%
Combination (oily)
91%
Oily
91%

See how this fits your skin

Take the skin test and I'll show you how suitable this product is for you.

Take the skin test
23
Ingredients
4
Benefits
1
Actives
Find Dupes

Discover the Mousse Nettoyante Douceur, a smooth, soft and soap-free cleansing foam made from 96% ingredients of natural origin. Enriched with organic orange blossom floral water and watercress extract, it delicately cleanses skin without drying it, while also ridding it of pollutant particles. Its generous foam softens and cares for the most delicate skin. Its cloud-like texture envelops the skin in a veil of softness.

Key Insights

Benefits

4
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Soothing

Active Ingredients

1
AHA

About Gentle Cleansing Foam

Overview

Gentle Cleansing Foam is a watery-light foam cleanser from Payot. The ingredient list runs to 23 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte.

What the formula does

Hydration: Moderate. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Oleate and Lecithin.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

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, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance, 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
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • Contains fragrance or declared fragrance allergens
  • 2 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)

Which skin types it suits

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

Suitable for

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

May suit

  • Balanced skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

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

Helps with

  • Hydration 5 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 2 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Evens Skin Tone 1 ingredient

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Soothing 1 ingredient

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading 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.

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

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging

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

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Oleic acid, monoester with glycerol

Hydration

14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

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

15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Lecithins. The complex combination of diglycerides of fatty acids linked to the choline ester of phosphoric acid

Hydration

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

Propane-1,2-diol

Hydration

23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Soothing

Formula analysis

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

Hydration Moderate

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 Low

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

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 (22)

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

Aqua Decyl Glucoside Glycerin Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate Butylene Glycol Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Polysorbate 20 Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract Coco-glucoside Glyceryl Oleate Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate Biosaccharide Gum-4 Lecithin Parfum Propylene Glycol Benzoic Acid Chlorphenesin Polyquaternium-10 1,2-hexanediol Sodium Benzoate Tocopherol

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
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

Contains

  • Fragrance

    Parfum

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: Polysorbate 20, Glyceryl Oleate. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 23 ingredients on the label.

7
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

5
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

4
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

3
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

3
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

3
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

2
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

2
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

2
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

1
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

1
Fragrance / colour

Changes how the product smells or looks

1
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

1
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

Ingredient breakdown

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

1 Aqua Solvent
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.

Water

2 Decyl Glucoside Surfactant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

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

D-Glucoside, Decyl

3 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

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

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
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.

L-Glutamic acid, N-coco acyl derivs., monosodium salts

5 Butylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

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

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • US Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations</em>, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2011, pages 5S-16S
  • Skin Research and Technology, November 2007, pages 417-24
  • Journal of the American College of Toxicology, September 1985, pages 223-248
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.

Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is the sodium salt of the coconut fatty acid amide of N-methyltaurine. It conforms generally to the formula

7 Polysorbate 20 Surfactant
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.

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

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

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

Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillate obtained from the flowers of the Bitter Orange, Citrus aurantium L. var. amara L., Rutaceae

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

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

Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract is the extract of the sprout of Lepidium sativum L., Brassicaceae

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

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Coco-Glucoside is the product obtained by the condensation of coconut alcohol with glucose.

11 Glyceryl Oleate Emollient
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Oleic acid, monoester with glycerol

Hydration
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Glycerides, palm-oil mono-, di-, and tri- hydrogenated, citrates

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Biosaccharide Gum-4 is a fermentation gum derived from sorbitol. It is a deacetylated branched polymer consisting of L-fucose, 2-D-glucose and glucuronic acid repetitive units

14 Citric Acid Active
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active, Chelator, pH adjuster

14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

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

15 Lecithin Emollient
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant

15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Lecithins. The complex combination of diglycerides of fatty acids linked to the choline ester of phosphoric acid

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • Cosmetics, November 2020, pages 1-19
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2020, pages 5S-25S
  • Molecules, March 2020, pages 1-9
  • Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society, March 2014, pages 1, 093-1, 101
  • Scientia Pharmaceutica, July 2013, pages 1, 151-1, 166
16 Parfum Fragrance / colour
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Fragrance / colour

16th 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’. '

17 Propylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

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

Propane-1,2-diol

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • Archives of Dermatological Research, November 2019, pages 337-352
  • Critical Reviews in Toxicology, April 2013, pages 363-390
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2012, pages 245S-260S
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Physiology, 2001, pages 72-81
18 Benzoic Acid Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative, pH adjuster

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

Benzoic acid

19 Chlorphenesin Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

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

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-

20 Polyquaternium-10 Occlusive
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive

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

Cellulose, 2-(2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonium)propoxy)ethyl ether, chloride; Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl 2-[2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propoxy]ethyl 2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether, chloride Cellulose, ether with alpha-[2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl]-omega-hydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), chloride

21 1,2-hexanediol Solvent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

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

22 Sodium Benzoate Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

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

Sodium benzoate

23 Tocopherol Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Soothing
4 scientific references
  • Journal or Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2010, pages 7013-7020
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1212-1217
  • Canadian Family Physician, July 2006, pages 855-856
  • Dermatologic Surgery, April 1999, pages 311-315

People also compare

Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Gentle Cleansing Foam?

AQUA, DECYL GLUCOSIDE, GLYCERIN, SODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE, POLYSORBATE 20, CITRUS AURANTIUM AMARA FLOWER WATER, LEPIDIUM SATIVUM SPROUT EXTRACT, COCO-GLUCOSIDE, GLYCERYL OLEATE, HYDROGENATED PALM GLYCERIDES CITRATE, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-4, CITRIC ACID, LECITHIN, PARFUM, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, BENZOIC ACID, CHLORPHENESIN, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, SODIUM BENZOATE, TOCOPHEROL.

What are the active ingredients in Gentle Cleansing Foam?

CITRIC ACID.

How do I use Gentle Cleansing Foam?

Apply daily to moist skin, massage in circular motions, then rinse with water.

What skin types is Gentle Cleansing Foam good for?

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

Is Gentle Cleansing Foam good for sensitive skin?

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Is Gentle Cleansing Foam fungal acne safe?

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

Can I use Gentle Cleansing Foam 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 Gentle Cleansing Foam fragrance free?

No — it contains Parfum.

Does Gentle Cleansing Foam contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is Gentle Cleansing Foam silicone free?

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

Does Gentle Cleansing Foam contain essential oils?

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

Is Gentle Cleansing Foam paraben free?

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

What can I layer with Gentle Cleansing Foam?

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 Gentle Cleansing Foam?

Use it morning and evening, first step.

How many ingredients does Gentle Cleansing Foam have?

It lists 23 ingredients, of which 1 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Gentle Cleansing Foam?

Payot.

Brand
Payot

Reviews

0 total

Log in to leave a review.

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.