Works for
CleansingMyristic acid, Behenic acid + 6 moreCan be harsh
“The Essence Foaming Cleanser”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin.
The following cleansing agents are typically mild, but still can cause an irritation or allergy for some people sodium methyl cocoyl taurate.
Keep in mind that cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy6 strong irritants: Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Citrus aurantifolia peel extract + 4 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic6 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale6 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~5–6.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinMyristic acid~4.1–5.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic
More about Myristic acidBehenic acid~3–3.7%
Palmitic acid~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidSodium methyl cocoyl taurate~2.2–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agent
More about Sodium methyl cocoyl tauratePotassium hydroxide~1.6–2%
Lauric acid~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes
More about Lauric acidStearic acid~1.3–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidPhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolAlgae extract~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
More about Algae extractSesamum indicum seed powder~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Zinc gluconate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 gluconateSesamum indicum seed oil~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function
More about Sesamum indicum seed oilEucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilMedicago sativa seed powder~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might help soften the upper layer of the skin and help thicken the product formulation. It might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Medicago sativa seed powderSodium gluconate~0.3–0.6%
Calcium gluconate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product
More about Calcium gluconateCopper gluconate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of 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
More about Copper gluconateMagnesium gluconate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A mineral that might be able to support skin hydration, but convincing research on its effectiveness in topical skincare is lacking
More about Magnesium gluconateNiacin~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
A form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect
More about NiacinHelianthus annuus seedcake~0.45–0.65%
Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed meal~0.35–0.6%
Tocopheryl succinate~0.25–0.5%
Citrus aurantifolia peel extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Maris sal~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 salSpirulina platensis powder~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Ascophyllum nodosum extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Brown seaweed extract. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect
More about Ascophyllum nodosum extractLactobacillus ferment~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative
More about Lactobacillus fermentAsparagopsis armata extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Red seaweed extract. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant effect
More about Asparagopsis armata extractEcklonia cava extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Tourmaline~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caffeine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes
More about CaffeineButylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolSodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateMacrocystis pyrifera extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Sodium coco pg-dimonium chloride phosphate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Trehalose~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehalosePearl powder~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Consists of 95% calcium carbonate that does not have any effect on the skin. The remaining 5% can include compounds that can help neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier function
More about Pearl powderSorbitol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about SorbitolSodium pca~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaNephrite powder~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Homarine hcl~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might help to improve skin hydration levels
More about Homarine hclAcetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl esterSucrose~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion
More about SucroseErythritol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about ErythritolUrea~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
More about UreaPolyquaternium-51~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin
More about Polyquaternium-51Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcellulosePeg-3 distearate~0.3–0.5%
Laureth-3~0.25–0.5%
Triacetin~0.25–0.5%
Propanediol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolAlcohol denat.~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Parfum~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumLinalool~0.2–0.4%
Limonene~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneBht~0.2–0.4%
Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Potassium sorbate~0.2–0.4%
Sorbic acid~0.2–0.35%
Sodium bicarbonate~0.3–0.55%
Tetrasodium edta~0.15–0.3%
Disodium edta~0.15–0.25%
Ci 42090~0.15–0.3%
Ci 15985~0.15–0.25%
Ci 61570~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ci 19140~0.1–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Myristic acid, Behenic acid, Palmitic acid, Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, Potassium hydroxide, Lauric acid, Stearic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Algae extract, Sesamum indicum seed powder, Zinc gluconate, Sesamum indicum seed oil, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Medicago sativa seed powder, Sodium gluconate, Calcium gluconate, Copper gluconate, Magnesium gluconate, Niacin, Helianthus annuus seedcake, Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed meal, Tocopheryl succinate, Citrus aurantifolia peel extract, Maris sal, Spirulina platensis powder, Ascophyllum nodosum extract, Lactobacillus ferment, Asparagopsis armata extract, Ecklonia cava extract, Tourmaline, Caffeine, Butylene glycol, Sodium hyaluronate, Macrocystis pyrifera extract, Sodium coco pg-dimonium chloride phosphate, Trehalose, Pearl powder, Sorbitol, Sodium pca, Nephrite powder, Homarine hcl, Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, Sucrose, Erythritol, Urea, Polyquaternium-51, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Peg-3 distearate, Laureth-3, Triacetin, Propanediol, Alcohol denat., Parfum, Linalool, Limonene, Bht, Chlorphenesin, Potassium sorbate, Sorbic acid, Sodium bicarbonate, Tetrasodium edta, Disodium edta, Ci 42090, Ci 15985, Ci 61570, Ci 19140
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| La MerThe Essence Foaming CleanserYOUR PRODUCT | CliniqueAll About Clean™ Foaming Facial Soap | skintificNiacinamide Brightening Cleanser Face Wash | Kiku-Masamune Sake BrewingJapanese Sake Skin Care Wash | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 41% | 39% | 38% |
| Price | $40.00 | $29.15−$10.85 | $18.90−$21.10 | $16.30−$23.70 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 14 of 25 | 7 of 25 | 6 of 25 |
| Key difference | — | — | Niacinamide | Arbutin |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Pretty skin Hyaluronic Cream FoamWhite Formula CPAQUA Moist Cleanser With Hyaluronic Acid
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Zinc salts in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.