Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is a top-rated product – it is consistently in our top 5 sellers, year after year. It is a soap-free foaming cleanser and is ideal for all skin types. Containing Quillaja Saponaria, it lathers up into an exceptional foam that dissolves dirt, debris and dead cells. This attaches to impurities without damaging your skin's oils or altering its pH. As a result of this ingredient, this cleanser preserves natural hydration levels in your complexion while thoroughly cleansing it. This iconic cleanser leaves your complexion feeling fresh and smooth. It also contains Balm Mint and Lavender Extract to soothe and calm your face making this Hero Product suitable for daily use.

 

 

 

 

Who is it for?

 

Suitable for all complexions – even dry and sensitive types.

 

 

Ingredients:

 

This intensely foaming soap-free cleaner comes in a pump bottle to let you dispense just the right amount. Gently and thoroughly cleanse your face without stripping its oils or drying it out.

 

It contains:

 

  • Quillaja Saponaria -  a super foaming agent that enables this cleanser to form a fantastic light and fluffy lather – a gentle, powerful skincare product that outperforms any other.
  • Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, the cleansing and foaming agent, works alongside Coco-Betaine to produce a complex of lathering agents which trap dirt and dead cells, leaving your complexion feeling ultra-clean and smooth. Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a potent surfactant (absorbs both oil and water molecules), allowing this product to cleanse without using soap effectively.
  • Citrus Limon, which has a slightly astringent, cleansing property.
  • Citrus Aurantium Bergamia oil balances oil production in your epidermis, meaning this Dermalogica Product won't strip you of essential oil.
  • Cymbopogon Winterianus Herb Oil – smells excellent and works alongside the other active ingredient.
  • Caprylhydroxamic Acid has an antiseptic effect.
  • Coco-Betaine and Cocamidopropyl Betaine – moisturise and hydrate epidermal cells.
  • Ethylhexylglycerin is an emollient with an added anti-microbial action.
  • A combination of essential oils which are balanced to tone, cleanse while being gently antiseptic. 
  • Balm Mint and lavender extract calm and soothes dehydrated, dry complexion giving a fresh radiance.

 

 

 

 

Why we love it:

 

  • Creates a mega lather – which thoroughly cleanses.
  • It removes makeup completely.
  • Complexions feels soft and smooth after use.
  • Calms and soothes skin.
  • It doesn't tighten or dry out complexions.
  • It completely removes all dirt and debris.
  • Soap-free and pH neutral.
  • It comes in a hand pump dispenser, so we don't waste one bit of it.
  • Suitable for sensitive skin – no artificial colours or fragrances.
  • Cruelty-free and Vegan.

 

 

 

 

 

How to use:

 

Dampen your face with warm (not hot) water. Using the pump, dispense a small amount of this fabulous cleanser onto your hands.  Apply to y our face and gently work into a foamy lather. Spread over face and throat before rinsing gently off with warm water. Repeat for a professional-grade clean. Use Dermalogica Multi-active toner afterwards to tighten pores and firm your skin.

 

Remember to take your time (at least 30 seconds). Allowing the foam to build up gives it time to encapsulate debris, dirt and dead cells. Massaging your face will also increase blood circulation and improve tone and elasticity.

 

For best results, or when wearing full coverage makeup, use Dermalogica Precleanse first. This double cleansing regime gives a bright, clearer glow.

 

You can mix directly with Daily Microfoliant for added glow – brush dead cells away to unearth a radiantly refreshed complexion.

 

Complete cleaning of your face increases the penetration of the active ingredients in your serum and face cream.

 

 

How often should you use it?

 

Try to wash your face daily as a minimum. It's an essential part of your routine – keeping skin free from dead cells and dirt and allowing other skincare products to penetrate deeply into the epidermis, and this makes them more effective. Use twice daily for oily or combination skin -  morning and evening as part of your skincare routine.

 

 

 

 

Is it good for acne?

 

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is for all skin types but is suitable for acne and blemish-prone skin. It removes excess oil and purifies pores, thus will clear your complexion. It doesn't dry out your epidermis and so won't trigger sebum cells to overproduce pore-blocking lipids. Its cooling formula soothes irritated skin. Perfect for everyday use.

 

 

What is its pH?

 

pH is the extent to which are product is acidic or alkaline - either extremes on this scale damage your skin. With a balanced pH of 5.5, Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin. It won't stress out cells or cause damage by being either too acidic or too alkaline. By not disrupting the balance of cells, they protect the immunity of your epidermal structure.

 

 

 

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

 

This unique cleanser is free from irritants and doesn't contain Lanolin, Alcohol, artificial colours or fragrances. It won't trigger sensitization or acne outbreaks. It's a perfect cleanser for sensitive complexions.

 

 

 

 

What customers say:

 

"This is a must-have cleanser – I have been obsessed with Daily Microfoliant for years, and when I tried Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, I was blown away. I mix these two fab products for an extra glow. My skin seems fresh and looks glass-like. As it's soap-free and pH balanced, it's perfect for my awkward complexion – my face looks matt with no shine. My makeup sits better, I feel the texture of my skin is more even and younger-looking - no more rough, dry patches. I love the smell, it is worth every penny."

 

 

"I wish I had found this years ago. I'm a total convert. Other cleansers (some much more expensive) seem to strip my face and leave it feeling tight and dry. My dermatologist recommended this – calling it a hydrating cleanser. With combination skin, other cleansers over stripped my complexion, which ironically meant I overproduced oils and had breakouts."

 

 

"With dry, sensitive skin, I can safely say I wouldn't use any other cleanser. My complexion has a glow to it that it never had before. Scaly dry patches are a thing of the past, and I feel my skin looks younger and with a more even skin tone. I read that using the correct cleanser helps other ingredients in my regime to penetrate deeper, and I now firmly believe this. I have been using serums and creams since my 30s and, I am only seeing remarkable results since adding this product to my morning schedule. Because of the pump dispenser, the bottle lasts ages. Please buy this!"