Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel Soap Free Cleanser for Acne Prone, Oily, Face & Body, Alcohol-Free Review
Our verdict
Avene Cleanance Cleansing Gel earns a strong 4.7 rating from 12,200 reviewers, offering a soap free, alcohol free formula built around milk thistle extract and thermal spring water for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin at a fair $20 price for a large 13.5 ounce bottle.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin wanting a soap free, alcohol free gel cleanser at an accessible price
Skip if
You have dry skin, since this formula is specifically targeted at oil control and acne-prone concerns
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.7/5
4.7 average across 12,200 owner ratings
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Popularity4.8/5
12,200 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
At $20 for 13.5 fluid ounces, this Avene gel offers a large fill size at a reasonable price, and its 4.7 rating from 12,200 reviewers is a substantial vote of confidence. The formula is built around a stabilized milk thistle extract, along with zinc gluconate and Avene Thermal Spring Water, targeting oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin with a neutral pH, soap free, alcohol free approach.
The listing highlights that the deep cleansing action is designed to purify without stripping the skin, which addresses a common tradeoff in acne-focused cleansers that can otherwise leave skin feeling tight or overly dry. The non comedogenic, soap free formulation supports that balance, and the glycolic acid inclusion adds a mild exfoliating element to the routine.
With 12,200 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this cleanser has built one of the stronger reputations in the acne-prone skin segment of this category. The combination of a respected dermatological brand, a neutral pH claim, and a genuinely large bottle size makes it a practical everyday option for managing oil and blemish-prone skin.
Pros
- 4.7 rating from 12,200 reviews reflects strong, broad-based satisfaction
- Soap free, alcohol free, and neutral pH formula respects the skin's natural balance
- Large 13.5 ounce bottle offers good value at $20
- Milk thistle extract and thermal spring water target oily, acne-prone skin
- Non comedogenic formulation
Cons
- Formulated specifically for oily, sensitive, acne-prone skin, so it may not suit dry skin needs
- Glycolic acid content means those combining it with other exfoliating actives should watch for over-exfoliation
- Tube packaging may make it harder to gauge remaining product near the end
Performance notes
The stabilized milk thistle extract, referred to on the label as comedoclastin, is included to help support the visible reduction of blemish appearance, while zinc gluconate is included for its soothing properties on reactive skin. Avene Thermal Spring Water is a signature ingredient across the brand's lineup, included here to help calm and soften skin during the cleansing step. The glycolic acid presence adds a light exfoliating action, and the soap free, neutral pH formulation is designed to purify oily, acne-prone skin without disrupting its natural barrier.
What buyers say
A 4.7 rating across 12,200 reviews, with recent purchases still being tracked monthly, indicates this cleanser has sustained strong satisfaction over a large customer base. That scale of consistently positive feedback is a solid signal for anyone specifically managing oily or acne-prone skin.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this cleanser too harsh for sensitive skin?
The formula is specifically designed with sensitive, acne-prone skin in mind, using a soap free and alcohol free base along with soothing thermal spring water. Despite the acne-prone positioning, it is built to purify without stripping the skin's natural balance.
Does this cleanser contain exfoliating acids?
Yes, it lists glycolic acid among its special ingredients, which adds a mild exfoliating element to the cleanse. Those already using other exfoliating acids in their routine should be mindful of overall exfoliation frequency.
Is this a good option for oily skin prone to breakouts?
Yes, it is formulated specifically for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, using milk thistle extract to help with the appearance of blemishes and a neutral pH base to avoid over-stripping. The 4.7 rating from over 12,000 reviewers supports its reputation in this use case.