Daisy Edgar-Jones included La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser in her long-lasting makeup routine product list in the Vogue Beauty Secrets routine, Vogue reports, alongside an Effaclar moisturizer and sunscreen. Gentle cleansing matters with acne because it removes surface oil and dirt without harming the skin barrier that helps limit inflammation and irritation. Gentle cleansing means non-abrasive washing with fingertips, lukewarm water and a mild product. For acne-prone readers, that steady approach supports treatment rather than adding new irritation.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- Which cleanser did she name?
- Why do dermatologists favor gentle cleansing for acne?
- What happens when washing is too harsh?
- How can you cleanse without overwashing?
Which cleanser did she name?
The product is Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Wash, a daily cleanser for normal-to-oily sensitive skin. La Roche-Posay USA describes it as a foaming wash that removes excess oil while maintaining the skin's natural protective barrier and pH. The formula is soap-free and sulfate-free with niacinamide, ceramide-3 and prebiotic thermal water.
Retail listings describe it as leaving no pore-clogging residue, with skin feeling clean and comfortable. That profile fits acne-prone routines that need oil control without stripping. It is a makeup-day cleanser choice, not an acne drug itself.
Why do dermatologists favor gentle cleansing for acne?
The American Academy of Dermatology advises people with acne to wash twice daily and after sweating, using fingertips, a gentle non-abrasive cleanser and lukewarm water. Dermatology guidance says this approach lowers inflammation and clears oil and dirt without compromising barrier function. Board-certified dermatologist Amanda Friedrichs, for the AAD, warned that many patients scrub and choose harsh products, which often makes acne worse.
She urged gentle, alcohol-free products and gentle touch. Harsh habits work against treatment. Scrubbing, grainy scrubs, alkaline bar soaps and alcohol-based cleansers can increase irritation and acne.
What happens when washing is too harsh?
Vigorous washing can irritate skin, increase inflammation and worsen acne. A damaged barrier loses water more easily and reacts more strongly to acne treatments. A 2024 review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that ceramide-containing cleansers and moisturizers used alongside treatment improved barrier function and reduced irritation, in the peer-reviewed barrier review.
The same review linked harsh washing to greater inflammation. For readers using retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or exfoliating acids, barrier support is practical. Clean skin should feel comfortable, not tight, squeaky or burning.
How can you cleanse without overwashing?
Wash twice daily and after heavy sweating, not more often. Use lukewarm water, not hot water, and rinse well.
A small trial summarized by DermLetter found twice-daily cleansing showed only slight, non-statistically-significant lesion improvement over once- or four-times-daily washing. Teens and adults with acne should therefore prioritize consistent gentle twice-daily non-comedogenic cleansing over extra washes.
- Wet face, apply a small amount of gentle cleanser with fingertips
- Massage briefly without scrubbing or using rough cloths
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry
- Follow with non-comedogenic moisturizer and daytime sunscreen as needed