Below is every ingredient in Clarins Soothing Gentle Foaming Cleanser 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.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and proteins, used in skincare for its conditioning, purifying, and protective properties against environmental pollutants. It is valued for moisturizing and antioxidant support.
Melissa Officinalis (lemon balm) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and soothing properties, often attributed to rosmarinic acid and other polyphenols. It is used in topical formulations to help calm skin and may have antiviral activity studied in the context of herpes simplex.
Gentiana Lutea (yellow gentian) root extract is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties, attributed to compounds like gentiopicroside and xanthones. It is typically included to soothe and protect the skin rather than as a primary therapeutic active.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in compounds such as bisabolol, chamazulene, and flavonoids, valued for its skin-calming and antioxidant properties. It is commonly used in topical formulations to reduce redness and irritation.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irritation or dryness from excessive washing | Rare | Related to overexposure or impurities rather than water itself; prolonged wet contact can disrupt the skin barrier. |
| Allergic or sensitivity reaction | Very rare | Pure water is non-allergenic; reactions are attributable to contaminants or other formulation components. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely at high concentrations or on compromised/broken skin. |
| Tacky or sticky skin feel | Common | A cosmetic sensation rather than an adverse reaction, more noticeable at higher concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | True allergy to glycerin is uncommon; patch-test positivity is infrequent. |
| Skin dehydration in very low humidity | Rare | In very dry environments humectants may draw water from deeper skin layers if not paired with an occlusive. |
| Mild skin dryness or tightness | Uncommon | More likely with high concentrations or frequent use on already dry skin. |
| Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally considered low-irritant; possible in sensitive individuals or with prolonged contact. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Can cause stinging if cleanser enters the eyes. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Sensitization is uncommon but has been occasionally reported. |
| Mild irritation or stinging | Rare | Generally only with impure formulations or already compromised skin. |
| Acneiform breakouts / clogged pores | Rare | Low comedogenic rating, but acne-prone individuals may occasionally react. |
| 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. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Aqua/Water/Eau Solvent/base | Water is the most common ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent and carrier that dissolves water-soluble ingredients and forms the base of emulsions. It is physiologically inert and well-tolerated on skin. |
| 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. |
| Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Mild surfactant/cleansing agent | Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a gentle, coconut-derived anionic surfactant widely used in syndet cleansing bars and facial cleansers to produce a creamy lather while being milder than traditional soaps. It cleanses by emulsifying oils and debris with relatively low irritation potential. |
| Squalane Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Squalane is a saturated, stable hydrocarbon derived from squalene (sourced from plants like olives or sugarcane, or shark liver) used as a lightweight emollient that softens skin and reinforces the skin barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss. It is well tolerated, non-comedogenic for most users, and serves as a base or carrier ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Propanediol Humectant/solvent | Propanediol is a plant-derived glycol used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that improves moisturization and the spreadability of formulations. It also helps solubilize other ingredients and can boost the efficacy of certain actives. |
| 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. |
| Coconut Acid Surfactant/Cleansing agent | Coconut Acid is a mixture of fatty acids derived from coconut oil, used primarily as a cleansing agent and emulsifier in soaps and skincare formulations. When neutralized with an alkali it forms soap-based surfactants that aid in cleansing and foaming. |
| Glyceryl Behenate Emollient/Co-emulsifier | Glyceryl Behenate is a glycerin ester of behenic acid used in cosmetic and topical formulations as an emollient, thickening agent, and co-emulsifier that stabilizes emulsions and improves texture. It also functions as a lubricant and binder in solid formulations. |
| Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter is a plant-derived fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, rich in triglycerides and unsaponifiables. It is widely used in skincare to soften, smooth, and condition the skin while forming an occlusive barrier that reduces water loss. |
| C14-22 Alcohols Emulsifier/emollient | C14-22 Alcohols is a blend of fatty alcohols (with carbon chains from 14 to 22) used in skincare as a co-emulsifier, thickener, and emollient to stabilize emulsions and improve skin feel. It is typically paired with C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside to form a self-emulsifying system. |
| Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 Film-forming/sensory-enhancing rheology modifier | Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a synthetic crosslinked acrylate polymer used in skincare and cosmetic formulations to provide a smooth, silky sensory feel, stabilize emulsions, and help form a light film on the skin. It is a formulation aid rather than a biologically active treatment ingredient. |
| Sodium Isethionate Surfactant / cleansing agent | Sodium isethionate is a mild anionic surfactant widely used in syndet cleansing bars and facial cleansers to produce lather and remove dirt and oil. It is valued for being relatively gentle and for performing well in hard water without forming soap scum. |
| Parfum/Fragrance Fragrance/masking agent | 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 provides no skincare benefit and is one of the most common causes of cosmetic-related skin reactions. |
| Sodium Citrate pH adjuster / chelating agent | Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid used in skincare primarily as a buffering agent to stabilize formulation pH and as a chelator that binds metal ions to improve product stability. It is a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside Emulsifier / surfactant | C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside is a non-ionic, sugar-derived (glucose plus fatty alcohol) emulsifier and mild surfactant used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and improve texture. It is generally well tolerated and considered gentle, often used in formulations marketed for sensitive skin. |
| 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. |
| Maltodextrin Carrier/film-forming agent | Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide derived from starch hydrolysis, used in skincare primarily as a carrier, bulking agent, film former, and stabilizer for active ingredients and powders. It also helps improve texture and can act as a mild thickening or emulsion-stabilizing aid. |
| Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin conditioning | Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and proteins, used in skincare for its conditioning, purifying, and protective properties against environmental pollutants. It is valued for moisturizing and antioxidant support. |
| Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Melissa Officinalis (lemon balm) Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient valued for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and soothing properties, often attributed to rosmarinic acid and other polyphenols. It is used in topical formulations to help calm skin and may have antiviral activity studied in the context of herpes simplex. |
| T-Butyl Alcohol Solvent/denaturant | T-Butyl Alcohol (tert-butanol) is a small alcohol used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a solvent and as a denaturant for ethanol, helping dissolve ingredients and reduce product palatability. It is a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Saponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract Cleansing/surfactant agent | Saponaria Officinalis (soapwort) Leaf Extract is derived from the soapwort plant and is rich in saponins, naturally occurring glycosides that produce a mild foaming and cleansing effect. It is used in skincare and haircare as a gentle, plant-derived cleansing and conditioning agent. |
| Gentiana Lutea Extract Key active Antioxidant/soothing botanical extract | Gentiana Lutea (yellow gentian) root extract is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning properties, attributed to compounds like gentiopicroside and xanthones. It is typically included to soothe and protect the skin rather than as a primary therapeutic active. |
| Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract Key active Soothing / anti-inflammatory botanical extract | Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in compounds such as bisabolol, chamazulene, and flavonoids, valued for its skin-calming and antioxidant properties. It is commonly used in topical formulations to reduce redness and irritation. |
| Sodium Benzoate Preservative | Sodium benzoate is a salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative in cosmetic and skincare formulations to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, particularly in acidic products. It is most effective at a pH below 5. |
| Potassium Sorbate Preservative | Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, used as a mild preservative to inhibit mold, yeast, and some bacterial growth in cosmetic formulations. It is most effective at acidic pH and is often combined with other preservatives for broad-spectrum protection. |
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.