Below is every ingredient in Clarins Men Active Face Wash Foaming Gel explained, its standout actives, and the side effects reported in research for those actives — analysed for Indian skin.
Flags derived from the ingredient list using dermatology reference data (fungal-acne substrate, comedogenicity, EU allergens). General guidance, not a diagnosis.
Answers are derived from the printed ingredient list and dermatology reference data — general guidance, not a diagnosis or a therapeutic claim.
Hierochloe Odorata (sweetgrass) extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in cosmetics for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties, attributed to coumarin and phenolic compounds. It is typically incorporated for soothing and protective effects rather than as a primary clinical treatment active.
Alpinia Officinarum (lesser galangal) root extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols and diarylheptanoids, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties. It is often included to help protect against oxidative stress and support skin barrier comfort.
Portulaca oleracea (purslane) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and flavonoids used in topical formulations for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. It is commonly included to calm irritation and support skin barrier comfort.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irritation or sensitivity | Very rare | Purified water itself is essentially inert; rare reactions are attributable to contaminants or accompanying ingredients rather than water. |
| Transepidermal water loss aggravation in compromised skin | Rare | Evaporation of water from products may transiently increase dryness in very compromised skin barriers if occlusives are absent. |
| Skin dryness and barrier disruption | Common | Can strip natural lipids with frequent or prolonged use, especially in high concentrations |
| Mild skin or eye irritation | Common | Stinging or redness on contact, particularly in sensitive individuals or leave-on products |
| Worsening of existing dermatitis/eczema | Uncommon | May aggravate compromised skin barriers in atopic conditions |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | True sensitization is uncommon; reactions sometimes attributed to residual impurities |
| Concerns regarding 1,4-dioxane contamination | Rare | A trace by-product of ethoxylation; controlled by manufacturing purification standards |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild irritation or redness possible, generally in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Cross-reactivity with other fatty alcohols | Rare | Individuals sensitized to cetyl or stearyl alcohol may react to the blend. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible transient stinging in rinse-off products if contact occurs. |
| Skin irritation or dryness | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or with prolonged contact, though milder than sulfates. |
| Mucosal irritation in oral products | Rare | Occasionally noted with toothpaste use in sensitive individuals. |
| Skin or eye irritation | Uncommon | Mild stinging or irritation, more likely in concentrated or rinse-off products and around the eyes. |
| Cross-reactivity with related surfactants | Rare | Patch-test reactions may overlap with chemically related amphoteric or amine-containing surfactants. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aqua Solvent / vehicle | Aqua (water) is the most common base ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble components and forms the medium for emulsions. It has no direct treatment activity and primarily contributes to texture, spreadability, and product delivery. |
| Sodium Laureth Sulfate Surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is an anionic surfactant widely used as a foaming and cleansing agent in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. It is generally considered milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate due to ethoxylation. |
| Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient/emulsifier | Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol blend (cetyl and stearyl alcohol) used in skincare as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and thickening agent. It helps soften skin and keep oil and water phases blended in creams and lotions. |
| Glycol Distearate Opacifier/pearlescent agent, emollient | Glycol Distearate is a diester of ethylene glycol and stearic acid used primarily to impart a pearlescent or opaque appearance to cleansers and shampoos, while also providing mild emollient and thickening properties. It functions as a formulation aid rather than an active treatment ingredient. |
| Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate Surfactant / cleansing agent | Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is an amino acid-derived anionic surfactant used in cleansers, shampoos and toothpastes to provide gentle foaming and cleansing. It is generally considered milder than traditional sulfate surfactants. |
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine Surfactant / foaming cleanser | Cocamidopropyl Betaine is an amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to provide gentle foaming, viscosity, and to reduce the harshness of stronger anionic surfactants. It is widely regarded as mild but is a recognized contact allergen. |
| Sodium Cocoamphoacetate Mild amphoteric surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium cocoamphoacetate is a coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to provide gentle cleansing, foaming, and to reduce the irritation potential of harsher anionic surfactants. It is valued for its mildness and is commonly found in baby and sensitive-skin formulations. |
| Parfum Fragrance | Parfum (fragrance) is a blend of aromatic compounds added to cosmetic products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the base odor of other ingredients. It serves a sensory/formulation purpose rather than providing any skin benefit. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Cetearyl Glucoside Emulsifier | Cetearyl Glucoside is a plant-derived (glucose and fatty alcohol) nonionic emulsifier used to blend oil and water phases and stabilize creams and lotions. It is valued for being mild and well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations. |
| Sodium Chloride Thickener / viscosity adjuster | Sodium chloride (table salt) is commonly used in cosmetics as a thickening and viscosity-control agent, particularly in surfactant-based cleansers, and also acts as a mild abrasive in scrubs. It is generally well tolerated and considered a formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Phenoxyisopropanol Preservative | Phenoxyisopropanol is a glycol ether used primarily as an antimicrobial preservative and solvent in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It helps prevent microbial growth and can enhance the stability of products. |
| Butylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Butylene glycol is a small diol commonly used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity-reducing agent that helps dissolve other ingredients and improve skin feel. It is widely regarded as safe and non-sensitizing for the majority of users at cosmetic concentrations. |
| Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Rheology modifier / emulsion stabilizer | Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked acrylic polymer used to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps suspend ingredients and provides a smooth, consistent texture without acting as a treatment active. |
| Propylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Propylene glycol is a small glycol molecule widely used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that helps attract water and dissolve other ingredients. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Panthenol Humectant / skin-conditioning agent | Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it acts as a humectant and helps support skin barrier function and hydration. It is also used for its soothing and mild anti-inflammatory properties in topical formulations. |
| Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Emollient/occlusive | Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (shea butter) is a plant-derived fat used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive agent to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. It is rich in fatty acids and unsaponifiables that condition and help maintain the skin barrier. |
| Cocamide MIPA Surfactant/foam booster | Cocamide MIPA is a coconut-derived fatty acid alkanolamide used in cleansers and shampoos as a surfactant, foam stabilizer, and viscosity-building agent. It enhances lather and thickens formulations rather than treating a specific skin condition. |
| Chlorphenesin Preservative / antimicrobial | Chlorphenesin is a synthetic antimicrobial agent used in cosmetics and skincare as a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. It is also occasionally used for its mild muscle-relaxant and antifungal properties in topical formulations. |
| Citric Acid pH adjuster / AHA exfoliant | Citric acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from citrus fruits, used primarily to adjust and buffer formulation pH and as a chelating agent, and at higher concentrations as a mild chemical exfoliant. It can promote surface cell turnover and is sometimes included in antioxidant or brightening products. |
| Sodium Laurate Surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium laurate is the sodium salt of lauric acid, commonly used as an anionic surfactant and emulsifier in soaps and cleansing products to provide foaming and cleansing action. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Glycerin Humectant | Glycerin is a widely used humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin, helping to hydrate the stratum corneum and support barrier function. It is considered safe and well-tolerated across most skin types and concentrations. |
| Disodium EDTA Chelating agent | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preventing rancidity, and enhancing the efficacy of preservatives. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract Soothing/astringent botanical extract | Gaultheria Procumbens (wintergreen) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient containing methyl salicylate and tannins, used in skincare for its mild astringent, soothing, and antioxidant properties. It is sometimes included for its fragrance and purported anti-inflammatory effects. |
| Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate Emulsifier / surfactant | Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate is an anionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from cetearyl alcohol, used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and improve texture in creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Surfactant / cleansing agent | Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant widely used in cleansers, shampoos, and toothpastes to remove oil and debris and to produce foam. It is also used in patch testing as a standard skin irritant. |
| Hierochloe Odorata Extract Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Hierochloe Odorata (sweetgrass) extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in cosmetics for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties, attributed to coumarin and phenolic compounds. It is typically incorporated for soothing and protective effects rather than as a primary clinical treatment active. |
| Alpinia Officinarum Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical extract | Alpinia Officinarum (lesser galangal) root extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in polyphenols and diarylheptanoids, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties. It is often included to help protect against oxidative stress and support skin barrier comfort. |
| Phenoxyethanol Preservative | Phenoxyethanol is a widely used broad-spectrum preservative that protects cosmetic and skincare formulations from bacterial and fungal contamination. It is typically used at concentrations up to 1% and serves as a formulation/base ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Grindelia Robusta Extract Soothing/astringent botanical | Grindelia Robusta Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its astringent, antimicrobial, and soothing properties, often included to help calm irritated or oily skin. It contains resins, terpenes, and flavonoids that may support skin conditioning. |
| Portulaca Oleracea Extract Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Portulaca oleracea (purslane) extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and flavonoids used in topical formulations for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. It is commonly included to calm irritation and support skin barrier comfort. |
Key active = does the main work. Ingredient explanations are drawn from public databases & literature.
Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.