Holika Holika Acnenator Clearing Cleansing Foam

Holika Holika Acnenator Clearing Cleansing Foam

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Anti-blemish
Salicylic acid, Zinc pca + 3 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Effectively clarifies clogged pores to prevent the formation of acne.”
Source: Yesstyle

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: capryloyl salicylic acid, zinc pca

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)~0.4–1%
Zinc pcaKey activeEffect: MediumA compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing~0.1–0.5%
Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: Medium~0.05–0.3%
Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.2–0.8%
GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.15–0.65%
Cleansing
Sodium cocoyl glycinate, Sodium lauroyl glutamate + 2 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“This is a refreshing cleansing foam for acne-prone skin to remove excessive sebum and skin waste.”
Source: Yesstyle

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (coco-betaine, hydrogenated lecithin, sodium cocoyl glycinate, sodium lauroyl glutamate) 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 cocoyl glycinateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~3.9–5.8%
Sodium lauroyl glutamateEffect: HighUsed as a cleansing agent. It creates foam~2.8–4.2%
Coco-betaineEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Can be allergenic~0.85–1.25%
Hydrogenated lecithinEffect: HighHelps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.~0.45–1%
Exfoliation
Side benefit · Salicylic acid, Capryloyl salicylic acid + 1 more
Works well

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: capryloyl salicylic 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)~0.4–1%
Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: High~0.05–0.3%
GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.15–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Eclipta prostrata leaf extract, Hamamelis virginiana extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Eclipta prostrata leaf extractA plant extract that is mostly used as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant effectHigh~1.2–1.8%est.
Hamamelis virginiana extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~0.95–1.4%est.
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.8–1.2%est.
Coco-betaineHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Can be allergenicHigh~0.85–1.25%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~0.4–1%est.
Capryloyl salicylic acid—High~0.05–0.3%est.
Sodium cocoyl glycinateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~3.9–5.8%est.
Sodium lauroyl glutamateUsed as a cleansing agent. It creates foamMedium~2.8–4.2%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.85–1.25%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–1.1%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.35–0.8%est.
GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~0.15–0.65%est.
HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 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
Laminaria japonica extractSeaweed extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties3/5~1.5–2.3%est.

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Glycerin~23–34%
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
Leptospermum scoparium leaf extract~5.1–7.7%
Formula
Water~4.5–6.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Sodium cocoyl glycinate~3.9–5.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium cocoyl glycinate
Sodium lauroyl glutamate~2.8–4.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used as a cleansing agent. It creates foam

More about Sodium lauroyl glutamate
1,2-hexanediol~0.85–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Laminaria japonica extract~1.5–2.3%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Seaweed extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Laminaria japonica extract
Eclipta prostrata leaf extract~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that is mostly used as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Eclipta prostrata leaf extract
Hamamelis virginiana extract~0.95–1.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana extract
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.8–1.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.45–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin
Coco-betaine~0.85–1.25%
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
Salicylic acid~0.4–1%
Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAntibacterialEvens 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
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.5–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
Citric acid~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Beta-glucan~0.2–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Beta-glucan
Fructooligosaccharides~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Fructooligosaccharides
Gluconolactone~0.15–0.65%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationAnti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin

More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
4-terpineol~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about 4-terpineol
Zinc pca~0.1–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing

More about Zinc pca
Capryloyl salicylic acid~0.05–0.3%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationAnti-blemishEvens skin tone
More about Capryloyl salicylic acid
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredient list view

Glycerin, Leptospermum scoparium leaf extract, Water, Sodium cocoyl glycinate, Sodium lauroyl glutamate, 1,2-hexanediol, Laminaria japonica extract, Eclipta prostrata leaf extract, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Hydrogenated lecithin, Coco-betaine, Salicylic acid, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Citric acid, Beta-glucan, Fructooligosaccharides, Gluconolactone, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, 4-terpineol, Zinc pca, Capryloyl salicylic acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Yesstyle
$17.90 Out of stock
Check

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

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
Holika HolikaAcnenator Clearing Cleansing FoamYOUR PRODUCTReal BarrierPorebium Powder WashMONSTER FACTORYAcne BHA Foam CleansingGarnierPure Active Intensive Anti-Blackhead Charcoal Gel Wash
Match—80%80%78%
Price——$19.90—
Shared key ingredients—5 of 146 of 144 of 14
Key difference—MadecassosideMadecassosideCopper Pca
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: TONYMOLY Three Herb Blemish AC Bubble FoamVichy Normaderm Corrector Anti-Blemish Care 24H Hydration + Free Cleansing Gel

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 32 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
Holika Holika Acnenator Clearing Cleansing Foam
Holika HolikaAcnenator Clearing Cleansing Foam

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

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.