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ACWELL pH Balancing Soothing Cleansing Foam
ACWELL

ACWELL pH Balancing Soothing Cleansing Foam

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Cleansing
Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Glyceryl stearate + 10 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“pH Balancing Soothing Cleansing Foam”
Source: Yesstyle

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (arachidic acid, cetearyl alcohol, coco-betaine, coconut acid, glyceryl stearate, lauryl hydroxysultaine, myristic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, stearic acid) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: coco-betaine, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate

Sodium cocoyl isethionateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent~4.5–5.5%
Glyceryl stearateEffect: HighAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~2.9–3.6%
Cetearyl alcoholEffect: HighA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~2.3–2.8%
Coco-betaineEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Can be allergenic~2.3–2.8%
Coconut acidEffect: High~1.7–2.1%
Sodium methyl cocoyl taurateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agent~1.5–1.8%
Stearic acidEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~1.1–1.3%
Lauryl hydroxysultaineEffect: High~1–1.2%
Palmitic acidEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.5–0.7%
Arachidic acidEffect: High~0.4–0.65%
Myristic acidEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic~0.25–0.5%
Oleic acidEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness~0.25–0.5%
Exfoliation
Salicylic acid, Lactobionic acid + 3 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Contains Jeju Laurales Extract which helps shrink the appearance of large pores while AHA, BHA and PHA provides gentle exfoliation, promoting refined skin texture.”
Source: Yesstyle

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid, lactobionic acid, salicylic acid.

Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.4–0.6%
Lactobionic acidKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smoother, more even skin. PHAs tend to be gentler on the skin compared to AHAs (for example, glycolic acid). It also has hydrating properties and helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help calm down inflammation in skin and support restoration of the barrier function. It has an anti-oxidant effect as well. It can help reduce fine line, wrinkles and improve skin elasticity~0.25–0.45%
Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~0.15–0.3%
Tartaric acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels~0.05–0.1%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.15–0.25%
Anti-blemish
Side benefit the brand mentions · Salicylic acid, Lactobionic acid + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“ACWELL pH Balancing Soothing Cleansing Foam enriched with AHA, BHA and PHA's to provide a deep cleanse and gently get rid of dead skin cells.”
Source: Feelunique

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycolic acid, lactobionic acid

Salicylic acidHeroEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.4–0.6%
Lactobionic acidKey activeEffect: MediumA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smoother, more even skin. PHAs tend to be gentler on the skin compared to AHAs (for example, glycolic acid). It also has hydrating properties and helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help calm down inflammation in skin and support restoration of the barrier function. It has an anti-oxidant effect as well. It can help reduce fine line, wrinkles and improve skin elasticity~0.25–0.45%
Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~0.15–0.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Cinnamomum camphora leaf extract
Medium risk
We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Coco-betaineHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Can be allergenicHigh~2.3–2.8%est.
Sodium methyl cocoyl taurateHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agentHigh~1.5–1.8%est.
Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~0.4–0.6%est.
Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
Cinnamomum camphora leaf extract—High~0.1–0.15%est.
Sodium cocoyl isethionateHelps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~4.5–5.5%est.
Hydroxypropyl starch phosphateHelps oil and water mix together and used to stabilize product formulationsMedium~0.75–1.1%est.
Potassium benzoateHelps preserve the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.5%est.
Lactobionic acidA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smoother, more even skin. PHAs tend to be gentler on the skin compared to AHAs (for example, glycolic acid). It also has hydrating properties and helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help calm down inflammation in skin and support restoration of the barrier function. It has an anti-oxidant effect as well. It can help reduce fine line, wrinkles and improve skin elasticityMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Oleic acidHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin drynessMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extractLicorice root extract. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentationMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.15–0.25%est.
Tartaric acidAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levelsMedium~0.05–0.1%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.25–0.5%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~2.3–2.8%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam
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$4.11
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4.4–5.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Sodium cocoyl isethionate~4.5–5.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Sodium cocoyl isethionate
Glyceryl stearate~2.9–3.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Cetearyl alcohol~2.3–2.8%
Comedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol
Coco-betaine~2.3–2.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Can be allergenic

More about Coco-betaine
Coconut acid~1.7–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Coconut acid
Propanediol~1.4–1.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate~1.5–1.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agent

More about Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate
Stearic acid~1.1–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Hydroxypropyl starch phosphate~0.75–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps oil and water mix together and used to stabilize product formulations

More about Hydroxypropyl starch phosphate
Sodium isethionate~0.6–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Sodium isethionate
Lauryl hydroxysultaine~1–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Lauryl hydroxysultaine
Sodium chloride~0.5–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride
Palmitic acid~0.5–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid
Salicylic acid~0.4–0.6%
Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishExfoliationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid
Sorbitol~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Sorbitol
Butylene glycol~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Potassium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps preserve the product formulation

More about Potassium benzoate
Disodium edta~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Arachidic acid~0.4–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Arachidic acid
Lactobionic acid~0.25–0.45%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatory

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing a smoother, more even skin. PHAs tend to be gentler on the skin compared to AHAs (for example, glycolic acid). It also has hydrating properties and helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help calm down inflammation in skin and support restoration of the barrier function. It has an anti-oxidant effect as well. It can help reduce fine line, wrinkles and improve skin elasticity

More about Lactobionic acid
Myristic acid~0.25–0.5%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic

More about Myristic acid
Oleic acid~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness

More about Oleic acid
Sodium lactate~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate
Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin tone

Licorice root extract. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation

More about Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract
Citric acid~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Sodium pca~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca
Glycolic acid~0.15–0.3%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-blemish

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid

More about Glycolic acid
Lactic acid~0.15–0.25%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid
Malic acid~0.1–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH

More about Malic acid
Cinnamomum camphora leaf extract~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Cinnamomum camphora leaf extract
Pyruvic acid~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Pyruvic acid
Tartaric acid~0.05–0.1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationExfoliation

An AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels

More about Tartaric acid
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Glyceryl stearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Coco-betaine, Coconut acid, Propanediol, Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, Stearic acid, Hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, Sodium isethionate, Lauryl hydroxysultaine, Sodium chloride, Palmitic acid, Salicylic acid, Sorbitol, Butylene glycol, Potassium benzoate, Disodium edta, Arachidic acid, Lactobionic acid, Myristic acid, Oleic acid, Sodium lactate, Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract, Citric acid, Sodium pca, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Malic acid, Cinnamomum camphora leaf extract, Pyruvic acid, Tartaric acid

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
ACWELLpH Balancing Soothing Cleansing FoamYOUR PRODUCTBanila CoClean It Zero Pore Clarifying Foam CleanserinnisfreeVolcanic BHA Pore Cleansing FoamCliniqueClarifying Do-Over Peel
Match—92%77%74%
Price—$18.77$4.11$21.75
Shared key ingredients—16 of 197 of 195 of 19
Key difference—Capryloyl Salicylic AcidMadecassosideLactic Acid
Irritancy Medium Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol——— Contains drying alcohol
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 22 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionatejournals.sagepub.com
  3. 3
    Safety Assessment of Alkyl Taurate Amides and Taurate Salts as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  4. 4
    Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
  6. 6
    A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
ACWELL pH Balancing Soothing Cleansing Foam
ACWELLpH Balancing Soothing Cleansing Foam
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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.