Payot Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser

Payot

Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser

face gel cleanser

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Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
51%
Combination (dry)
51%
Balanced
81%
Combination (oily)
89%
Oily
89%

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24
Ingredients
3
Benefits
0
Actives
Find Dupes

The daily purifying cleanser for blemish-prone skin. Formulated for skin marked by excess sebum and recurring imperfections, this foaming gel pairs melting vegetable charcoal microbeads — true magnets for impurities — with two targeted botanicals: zinc extract, a natural antibacterial that purifies the epidermis, and Chilean mint extract, recognized for its sebum-regulating and antioxidant properties. Pores look tighter, the complexion appears clearer and skin texture is visibly refined.

Key Insights

Benefits

3
Anti-Aging
Hydration
Oil Control

Risks

2
Sulfate
Synthetic polymer

Full Ingredients

24 total
AQUA GLYCERIN SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE DECYL GLUCOSIDE COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE PEUMUS BOLDUS LEAF EXTRACT SMITHSONITE EXTRACT COCONUT ACID BUTYLENE GLYCOL PENTYLENE GLYCOL CHARCOAL POWDER XANTHAN GUM SODIUM BENZOATE PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE CELLULOSE SODIUM CHLORIDE SODIUM HYDROXIDE ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER PPG-26-BUTETH-26 PHENOXYETHANOL PARFUM CI 19140 CI 42090

About Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser

Overview

Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser is a lightweight gel cleanser from Payot. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 24 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 Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Butylene Glycol, 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 Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Butylene Glycol and Pentylene Glycol.

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, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free and oil-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
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No recognised malassezia (fungal acne) triggers

Things to know

  • Contains fragrance or declared fragrance allergens
  • 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 2 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Oil Control 1 ingredient

    Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Evens Skin Tone Pore Minimizer Smooths Bumpy Skin Soothing

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.

Glycerin

2nd 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
Butylene Glycol

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% 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
Pentylene Glycol

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

1,2-Dihydroxypentane

Hydration
Charcoal Powder

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

Charcoal Powder is the dried, carbonaceous material obtained from the heating of organic substances

Oil Control
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

14th 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
Microcrystalline Cellulose

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

Microcrystalline Cellulose is the isolated, colloidal crystalline portion of cellulose fibers.

Anti-Aging

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 None

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

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
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

Contains

  • Fragrance

    Parfum

  • Sulfates

    Sodium Laureth Sulfate

  • Added colour

    CI 19140, CI 42090

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)
No ingredient here is a recognised food source for malassezia.
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
Sulfate, Synthetic polymer

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 24 ingredients on the label.

10
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

6
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

4
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

3
Fragrance / colour

Changes how the product smells or looks

2
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

2
Exfoliant

Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells

2
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

2
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

2
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

1
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

1
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

1
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

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

2nd 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
3 Sodium Laureth Sulfate Surfactant
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.

sodium 2-(2-dodecyloxyethoxy)ethyl sulphate

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

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

D-Glucoside, Decyl

5 Cocamidopropyl Betaine 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.

1-Propanaminium, 3-amino-N-(carboxymethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-, N-coco acyl derivs., hydroxides, inner salts

6 Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract Plant extract
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

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

Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract is an extract obtained from the leaves of the Boldus, Peumus boldus, Monimiaceae

7 Smithsonite Extract Antioxidant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant, Plant extract

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

Smithsonite Extract is an extract of Smithsonite

8 Coconut Acid Emollient
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant

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

Fatty acids, coco

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

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% 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
10 Pentylene Glycol Solvent
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

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

1,2-Dihydroxypentane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • https://thedermreviewcom/pentylene-glycol/
  • Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, July 2017, pages 106-111
  • Prospector, June 2015, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, October 2012, pages 147S-168S
11 Charcoal Powder Exfoliant
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Exfoliant, Texture agent

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

Charcoal Powder is the dried, carbonaceous material obtained from the heating of organic substances

Oil Control
12 Xanthan Gum Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

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

Xanthan gum

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

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

Sodium benzoate

14 Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

14th 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
15 Microcrystalline Cellulose Exfoliant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Exfoliant, Texture agent

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

Microcrystalline Cellulose is the isolated, colloidal crystalline portion of cellulose fibers.

Anti-Aging
3 scientific references
  • 3 Biotech, June 2021, pages 1-13
  • IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, March 2017, pages 1-5
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, March 2009, pages 1-49
16 Cellulose Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

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

Cellulose

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

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

Sodium chloride

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

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

Sodium hydroxide

19 Acrylates/c10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Occlusive
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Texture agent

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

C10-30 alkyl propenoate, polymer with propenoic acid, butenoic acidand/or alkyl propenoates, product with propenyl sucrose ether or propenyl 2,2-dihydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol

Synthetic polymer
20 Ppg-26-buteth-26
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

20th 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

21 Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

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

2-Phenoxyethanol

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

22nd 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’. '

23 CI 19140 Fragrance / colour
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Fragrance / colour

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

Trisodium 5-hydroxy-1-(4-sulphophenyl)-4-(4-sulphophenylazo)pyrazole-3-carboxylate

24 CI 42090 Fragrance / colour
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Fragrance / colour

24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Dihydrogen (ethyl)[4-[4-[ethyl(3-sulphonatobenzyl)]amino]-2'-sulphonatobenzhydrylidene]cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene](3-sulphonatobenzyl)ammonium, disodium salt

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser?

AQUA, GLYCERIN, SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE, DECYL GLUCOSIDE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, PEUMUS BOLDUS LEAF EXTRACT, SMITHSONITE EXTRACT, COCONUT ACID, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, CHARCOAL POWDER, XANTHAN GUM, SODIUM BENZOATE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE, CELLULOSE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, PPG-26-BUTETH-26, PHENOXYETHANOL, PARFUM, CI 19140, CI 42090.

How do I use Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser?

In the evening, on damp skin, to remove the day's impurities. In case of make-up, use a make-up remover beforehand.

What skin types is Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser 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 Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser 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 Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser fungal acne safe?

No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.

Can I use Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser 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 Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser fragrance free?

No — it contains Parfum.

Does Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser contain alcohol?

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

Is Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser silicone free?

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

Does Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser contain essential oils?

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

Is Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser paraben free?

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

What can I layer with Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser?

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 Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser?

Use it morning and evening, first step.

How many ingredients does Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser have?

It lists 24 ingredients, of which 0 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser?

Payot.

Brand
Payot

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