BIOTHERM BIOSOURCE PURIFYING FOAMING CLEANSER

BIOTHERM BIOSOURCE PURIFYING FOAMING CLEANSER

Efficacy33/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Cleansing
Sodium cocoyl glycinate, Myristic acid + 4 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“BIOSOURCE PURIFYING FOAMING CLEANSER”
From product name

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (glycol stearate, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, sodium cocoyl glycinate) 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.

Sodium cocoyl glycinateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~4.3–6.5%
Myristic acidEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic~2–3%
Palmitic acidEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~1.3–1.9%
Glycol stearateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~1.1–1.6%
Lauric acidEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes~0.9–1.35%
Stearic acidEffect: High, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.6–1.35%
Exfoliation
Salicylic acid ~0.3–0.7%, below the ~0.5% it needs
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“Rids skin of impurities and dead skin cells, the skin is stimulated, smoothed, and looks more even.”
Source: Biotherm CA

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

Maris salEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration~0.1–0.45%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.1–0.45%
Salicylic acidUnder-dosedUsed 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)~0.3–0.7%
Anti-blemish
Salicylic acid ~0.3–0.7%, below the ~0.5% it needs
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“BIOSOURCE PURIFYING FOAMING CLEANSER”
From product name

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Lauric acidEffect: LowHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes~0.9–1.35%
KaolinEffect: LowA type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color~0.4–0.9%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.1–0.45%
Salicylic acidUnder-dosedUsed 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)~0.3–0.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
6 strong irritants: Linalool, Alpha-isomethyl ionone + 4 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 18 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
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~0.3–0.7%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
Alpha-isomethyl iononeA fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
Butylphenyl methylpropionalA fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.5%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.45%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Sodium cocoyl glycinateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~4.3–6.5%est.
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~2–3%est.
Glycol stearateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.1–1.6%est.
Lauric acidHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishesMedium~0.9–1.35%est.
Potassium hydroxideUsed to adjust the pH level of productsMedium~0.45–1%est.
Tetrasodium edtaHelps to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.7%est.
Zinc gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skinMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Maris salUsed to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentrationMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Ci 42090A colorant (dye)Medium~0.05–0.25%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 comedogenic3/5~2–3%est.
Lauric acidHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes3/5~0.9–1.35%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~3.9–5.9%
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 glycinate~4.3–6.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium cocoyl glycinate
Montmorillonite~2.7–4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A clay mineral. Can absorb oil from the surface of the skin

More about Montmorillonite
Myristic acid~2–3%
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
Butylene glycol~1.6–2.5%
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
Argilla~1.6–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Argilla
Palmitic acid~1.3–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

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

More about Palmitic acid
Glycol stearate~1.1–1.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Glycol stearate
Lauric acid~0.9–1.35%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
CleansingAntibacterialAnti-blemish

Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes

More about Lauric acid
Stearic acid~0.6–1.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Potassium hydroxide~0.45–1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to adjust the pH level of products

More about Potassium hydroxide
Ci 77891~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 77891
Sodium hydroxide~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Salicylic acid~0.3–0.7%
Under-dosedIrritant · 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
Phenoxyethanol~0.35–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Tetrasodium edta~0.3–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium edta
Kaolin~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MattifyingAnti-blemish

A type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color

More about Kaolin
Linalool~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Alpha-isomethyl ionone~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Alpha-isomethyl ionone
Butylphenyl methylpropional~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Butylphenyl methylpropional
Citronellol~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Geraniol~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Zinc gluconate~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingExfoliationAnti-blemishAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Zinc gluconate
Maris sal~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Exfoliation

Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration

More about Maris sal
Benzyl alcohol~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Vitreoscilla ferment~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Ci 42090~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A colorant (dye)

More about Ci 42090
Ci 19140~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140
Parfum~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
(f.i.l. b50811/2)
Not recognized
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Sodium cocoyl glycinate, Montmorillonite, Myristic acid, Butylene glycol, Argilla, Palmitic acid, Glycol stearate, Lauric acid, Stearic acid, Potassium hydroxide, Ci 77891, Sodium hydroxide, Salicylic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium edta, Kaolin, Linalool, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Butylphenyl methylpropional, Citronellol, Geraniol, Zinc gluconate, Maris sal, Benzyl alcohol, Vitreoscilla ferment, Ci 42090, Ci 19140, Parfum, Unknown

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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
BIOTHERMBIOSOURCE PURIFYING FOAMING CLEANSERYOUR PRODUCTLancômeCrème Mousse Confort Creamy Foaming CleanserinnisfreeVolcanic BHA Pore Cleansing FoamsieroDustin Dun Cleansing Foam
Match—94%91%89%
Price$27.00$31.12+$4.12$10.27−$16.73$38.73+$11.73
Shared key ingredients—8 of 96 of 96 of 9
Key difference—Butyrospermum Parkii ButterMadecassosideCeramide Np
Irritancy High High Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
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  6. 6
BIOTHERM BIOSOURCE PURIFYING FOAMING CLEANSER
BIOTHERMBIOSOURCE PURIFYING FOAMING CLEANSER

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.