Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash 177ml

Foaming cleanser with salicylic acid against teenage acne

The teenage years bring enough insecurities, and skin suddenly dealing with pimples, blackheads, and a shiny T-zone is an annoying side effect. Many young people initially reach for aggressive drugstore cleansers that may make the skin feel tight for a moment but ultimately damage the skin barrier — which actually leads to more sebum and more pimples. A vicious cycle that calls for a smarter approach.

The Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash from Dermalogica’s Clear Start line is specially developed for this age group. The foam contains 0.5% salicylic acid that opens pores and removes sebum, while a blend of eight botanicals — including tea tree, lavender, and green tea — soothes the skin. No dryness, no red tight skin after washing, but skin that feels heard.

Advantages

• Dissolves sebum and dead skin cells that cause pimples and blackheads
• Helps clear existing pimples and prevents new blockages
• Soothes the skin with eight plant extracts and essential oils
• Also suitable for the body — usable on neck, chest, and back
• Non-drying formula suitable for daily use, morning and evening

Active ingredients

Salicylic Acid (0.5%): A mild but effective dose of beta-hydroxy acid specifically tailored for teenage skin. The oil-soluble acid penetrates deep into the pore and dissolves sebum buildup that forms the basis for pimples. The dosage is low enough for daily use without overburdening young skin.

Tea Tree Oil: A natural antibacterial oil from Australia, used for centuries for troubled skin. It works synergistically with salicylic acid and helps restore the bacterial balance on the skin — especially relevant for hormonal teenage acne where overactive bacterial growth plays a role.

Lavender & Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea): Two plant extracts with strong soothing properties. Lavender softens irritated spots around active pimples, while green tea acts as a powerful antioxidant protecting young skin from oxidative damage caused by air pollution and screen time.

Orange Peel & Oleanolic Acid: Orange oil provides a refreshing, uplifting scent that makes cleansing a pleasant moment. Oleanolic acid (from olive leaf) is a plant molecule that helps regulate sebum production — perfect for the shiny T-zone so characteristic of puberty.

Licorice Root & Spiraea Ulmaria: Licorice helps fade post-inflammatory pigmentation spots after pimples — those reddish-brown marks that sometimes linger for weeks. Meadowsweet naturally contains salicin, a natural precursor to salicylic acid, enhancing the purifying effect of the formula.

How to use

1. Lightly moisten the face and neck with lukewarm water
2. Squeeze a pea-sized amount into damp hands and rub until a light foam forms
3. Massage in circular motions over the entire face and neck, paying extra attention to the T-zone
4. Avoid the eye contour and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
5. Use morning and evening and finish the morning routine with an SPF, as salicylic acid makes the skin more sensitive to UV

Suitable for

• Teenagers and young adults with impurities, clogged pores, and shiny T-zone
• Adults with occasional hormonal pimples looking for a mild daily cleanser
• Also usable on body areas such as neck, chest, and back
• Suitable from around 11 years old for early pimples
• Not intended for severe adult acne with skin aging — the Active Clearing line is more suitable for that.

Frequently Asked Questions

From what age can my child use this cleanser?

The Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash is suitable from about 11 years old, as soon as the first pimples appear. The mild dosage of salicylic acid and the plant-based formula make it a responsible choice for young skin that is still developing.

Is the cleanser suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, for most sensitive skin types this is a good option because the formula is explicitly non-drying. If you have a known sensitivity to salicylic acid or essential oils like tea tree or lavender, first do a patch test in the neck fold and wait 24 hours.

Can the Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash be used during pregnancy?

The formula contains 0.5% salicylic acid — a low dosage considered acceptable by most doctors during pregnancy. If in doubt, always discuss your routine with your midwife or doctor to ensure it fits your specific situation.

Does this cleanser work against blackheads or only against inflamed pimples?

Both. Salicylic acid is specifically effective against blackheads because it dissolves the sebum plug in the pore, opening the channel. With regular use, you will see the skin become smoother and the number of blackheads on the nose and chin decrease, in addition to clearing inflamed pimples.