Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel Foaming Face Wash — 16.9 fl oz, Soap-Free Gentle Cleanser with AHA

This gentle gel cleanser produces a refreshing lather that lifts away oil, makeup residue, and environmental grime without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Enriched with calming botanical extracts such as lavender and balm mint and a mild AHA (citric acid), the formula comforts while helping to refine skin texture. The pump-friendly 16.9 fl oz size provides an everyday staple for your morning and evening routine.

How does this cleanser fit into my daily skincare routine?

Use the Special Cleansing Gel twice daily as the first step in any regimen to clear surfaces and prepare skin for serums and moisturizers. It rinses clean, leaving no heavy film, which helps subsequent products absorb more effectively. The lightweight foam works for both quick morning rinses and thorough evening cleansing.

• Lather a small amount in wet hands and massage over damp face and throat.
• Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry before applying treatments.
• Use morning and night for consistent results and improved product absorption.

Is it suitable for sensitive or reactive skin types?

Dermalogica’s soap-free formulation minimizes irritation risk by avoiding harsh surfactants and maintaining natural moisture. Calming lavender and balm mint help soothe feelings of tightness while citric acid gently supports surface renewal without aggressive exfoliation. Still, patch testing is smart if you have extreme sensitivity.

• Soap-free gel reduces drying and irritation potential.
• Botanical extracts provide a calming effect during use.
• Contains a mild AHA for gentle surface exfoliation, not abrasive scrubbing.

Will it effectively remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime?

The foaming gel lifts and dissolves typical daily impurities, including light makeup and sunscreen, for a clean finish. Heavier or waterproof makeup may require a targeted makeup remover or oil-based first cleanse. For most everyday wear, this cleanser leaves skin ready for toning and moisturizing.

• Refreshing lather helps break down oil and residue.
• Rinses clean without leaving a greasy residue.
• Pair with an oil-based cleanser when removing waterproof products.

How do the active ingredients benefit skin texture?

Citric acid, a gentle AHA, supports mild exfoliation to help brighten and even skin tone over time. The combination of cleansing and light resurfacing helps keep pores clearer and skin smoother without over-drying. Botanical soothing agents reduce post-cleanse tightness so skin feels balanced rather than stripped.

• Citric acid promotes gentle surface renewal.
• Soothing botanicals ease sensations of dryness or tightness.
• Daily use supports clearer pores and a more even appearance.

Who is this for: Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is designed for people seeking a reliable, soap-free daily cleanser that balances cleansing power with gentle conditioning. It suits combination, normal, and sensitive-prone skin types who want a refreshing foam that prepares skin for serums and moisturizers. If you routinely wear heavy waterproof makeup, add a targeted makeup remover before using this gel for best results.

Ingredients

Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Propanediol, Citric Acid, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Disodium EDTA, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate.