1 9

recommended for:

normal, combination, and oily skin
dullness
oiliness
pores

Soap-free, foaming gel cleanses all skin conditions. Refreshing lather thoroughly removes impurities, without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance. This iconic cleanser, which contains naturally-foaming Quillaja Saponaria, gently rinses away toxins and debris to leave skin feeling smooth and clean. Lightweight and mild enough to use every day, it also features calming Balm Mint and Lavender extracts to soothe the skin.

benefits

Washes away impurities without stripping or drying
Calming agents help soothe and purify skin
Thoroughly removes impurities, without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance

how to use

Following the application of PreCleanse, gently lather a small amount of gel in moistened hands and apply to dampened face and throat. Rinse with warm water. Follow with Multi-Active Toner and prescribed Dermalogica Moisturizer.

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-Cymen5-Ol, Disodium EDTA, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate.

Dermalogica is dedicated to maintaining the accuracy of the ingredient lists on this website. However, because ingredients are subject to change, we cannot guarantee that these lists are complete, up-to-date and/or error-free. For an accurate listing of ingredients in each product, please refer to your product packaging.

sustainability

1.7 oz:

Materials: Bottle: HDPE (resin code 2), Disc Top: PP (resin code 5), Carton: Paper

What’s Recyclable: The paper used in this carton is recyclable and comes from FSC certified responsibly managed forests.

How to Recycle: Place carton in its recycling bin.

8.4 oz:

Materials: Bottle: HDPE (resin code 2), Disc Top: PP (resin code 5), Carton: Paper

What’s Recyclable: The bottle of this Dermalogica product is fully recyclable. The paper used in this carton is recyclable and comes from FSC certified responsibly managed forests.

How to Recycle: Place carton and bottle in their recycling bin.

16.9 oz:

Materials: Bottle: HDPE (resin code 2), Pump: HDPE (resin code 2)

What’s Recyclable: The bottle and pump of this Dermalogica product is recyclable.

How to Recycle: Ensure bottle is as empty as possible. Place plastic bottle with pump attached in its recycling bin.

16.9 oz Refill:

Material Breakout: Multi-material laminate.

Recycling Instructions: Empty pouch as much as possible. Dispose of pouch in waste bin.

_{Recycling is subject to local policies and facilities.}

To learn more about Dermalogica's sustainability efforts, please click here.

FAQ

What skin types is Special Cleansing Gel recommended for?

Recommended for normal, combination, and oily skin.

Is Special Cleansing Gel soap-free?

Yes. It is a soap-free, foaming gel that cleanses without disturbing the skin's natural moisture balance.

What are the key active ingredients?

This iconic cleanser, which contains naturally-foaming Quillaja Saponaria, gently rinses away toxins and debris to leave skin feeling smooth and clean. Lightweight and mild enough to use every day, it also features calming Balm Mint and Lavender extracts to soothe the skin.

Can I use it every day?

Yes. The formula is lightweight and mild enough for daily use.

Will it help with oiliness and pores?

It's formulated for concerns like oiliness, dullness, and pores and removes impurities to help clean pores.

What is the texture and lather like?

A lightweight, soap-free foaming gel that produces a refreshing lather and rinses clean.

Does it have a scent?

Dermalogica formulas never use artificial fragrances. However, botanical extracts and essential oils included for skin benefits may have a natural scent. Some users may notice a subtle fragrance.

How do I use this cleanser?

Gently lather a small amount of gel on damp hands and apply to dampened face and neck. Rinse with warm water. Follow with recommended Dermalogica Toner and Moisturizer.

special cleansing gel

washes away impurities

special cleansing gel

Price:

$16

or available for orders over $20

Select Size: 1.7 oz 8.4 oz 16.9 oz 16.9 oz - refill

Product variants

select your frequency:

Quantity

Find Your Routine

Answer a few quick questions to get a personalized skincare routine

Take the Quiz →

recommended for:

normal, combination, and oily skin
dullness
oiliness
pores

Professional Treatment Pairing:

pro clear skin treatment

clear and calm acne treatment

FIND A PROFESSIONAL

View full details

benefits

Washes away impurities without stripping or drying
Calming agents help soothe and purify skin
Thoroughly removes impurities, without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance

how to use

ingredients

sustainability

1.7 oz:

Materials: Bottle: HDPE (resin code 2), Disc Top: PP (resin code 5), Carton: Paper

What’s Recyclable: The paper used in this carton is recyclable and comes from FSC certified responsibly managed forests.

How to Recycle: Place carton in its recycling bin.

8.4 oz:

Materials: Bottle: HDPE (resin code 2), Disc Top: PP (resin code 5), Carton: Paper

What’s Recyclable: The bottle of this Dermalogica product is fully recyclable. The paper used in this carton is recyclable and comes from FSC certified responsibly managed forests.

How to Recycle: Place carton and bottle in their recycling bin.

16.9 oz:

Materials: Bottle: HDPE (resin code 2), Pump: HDPE (resin code 2)

What’s Recyclable: The bottle and pump of this Dermalogica product is recyclable.

How to Recycle: Ensure bottle is as empty as possible. Place plastic bottle with pump attached in its recycling bin.

16.9 oz Refill:

Material Breakout: Multi-material laminate.

Recycling Instructions: Empty pouch as much as possible. Dispose of pouch in waste bin.

_{Recycling is subject to local policies and facilities.}

To learn more about Dermalogica's sustainability efforts, please click here.

FAQ

What skin types is Special Cleansing Gel recommended for?

Recommended for normal, combination, and oily skin.

Is Special Cleansing Gel soap-free?

Yes. It is a soap-free, foaming gel that cleanses without disturbing the skin's natural moisture balance.

What are the key active ingredients?

Can I use it every day?

Yes. The formula is lightweight and mild enough for daily use.

Will it help with oiliness and pores?

It's formulated for concerns like oiliness, dullness, and pores and removes impurities to help clean pores.

What is the texture and lather like?

A lightweight, soap-free foaming gel that produces a refreshing lather and rinses clean.

Does it have a scent?

Dermalogica formulas never use artificial fragrances. However, botanical extracts and essential oils included for skin benefits may have a natural scent. Some users may notice a subtle fragrance.

How do I use this cleanser?

Gently lather a small amount of gel on damp hands and apply to dampened face and neck. Rinse with warm water. Follow with recommended Dermalogica Toner and Moisturizer.

real skin, real results

Overall rating: 4.7020006 / 5 from 4849 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

This special cleansing gel is highly praised for its ability to leave skin feeling clean and nourished. It is appreciated for its gentle cleansing action, refreshing lather, and soothing ingredients. Customers also commend its great smell and the convenience of its concentrated formula.

Summary topics

Skin Cleanliness (31%): A substantial number of customers brought up that this product makes their skin feel clean and nourished.
Skin Appearance (3%): Customers appreciated how the product made their skin look clean and fresh. (100% agreement)
Skin Feel (25%): A significant number of customers stated that this Cleaing Gel leaves their skin feeling clean and soft.
Product Scent (7%): It was highlighted by customers that the product has a great smell, which is highly praised.
Product Quantity (2%): Customers keep praising the small amount of this product, it lasts a long time and is concentrated.

Review topics: [color, smell, feels, issues, packaging, husband, skin, shipping, face, looks, bottle, price, amount, results, breakouts, cleanser, size, formula, texture, use, acne, residue, oil, buy, fragrance, balance, ingredients, gel, pores, irritation].

Review highlights

"Just using a small amount is enough to completely cleanse my face and I can immediately feel a difference." — Ciera
"This cleanser is mild, you only need a small amount and your face feels clean after." — Heidic208
"I love the subtle lavender scent (reminds me of Provence) -- and it's so pure and clean -- my skin feels so refreshed!" — Km75007

Reviews

My skin loves it!

"Dermalogica special cleansing gel is a delight and a wonderful cleansing gel that is gentle on my skin. It has a little lather and perfectly fits on my counter in its own special place. My skin loves it!"

— Shawn W. (5/5)

Special cleanse does it for

"Special cleanse does it for me every time. Keeps my skins looking clean and smooth. All I use is a dab and it does the job. The product last me a while before I order a new bottle. Every time I get compliments on my skin I tell them I use Dermalogica."

— Chay k. (5/5)

Reliable results for the past 20 years

"When I started out as an esthetician, I was first exposed to Dermalogica. For over twenty years, this has been my go-to cleanser. It easily washes away makeup, sunscreen and the daily grime. Foams up to a lovely consistency and leaves my skin feeling clean and nourished. Remember to double cleanse for the best results!"

— Jenny (5/5)

My Go-To Cleansing Gel, NO Eye Irritation!

"I love how this daily cleansing gel glides across my skin effortlessly and deep cleansing pores. A little goes a long way. No eye / skin irritation! I've been using this for years and love it!"

— Ellie (5/5)

Always a Staple

"This cleanser is gentle enough for my sensitive skin but really works to wash away oils and makeup without drying my skin out. Have used it for years and will continue to stock it!"

— Caroline (5/5)

This is my daily gel

"This is my daily gel that I use every morning. You just need a small drop, and it lathers nicely on your face and neck. Follow up with toner and moisturizer."

— Linda M. (5/5)

A GOOD CLEAN FACE

"It cleans the face without drying it out and prevents future acne on my forehead. I like the lower price when getting refills for my bottle."

— Matthew S. (5/5)

My fav

"I use this daily. Cant live without it"

— Noya (5/5)

Best ever!

"Special cleansing gel is great. It lathers really well in your hand and has a smooth gel consistency. Even my husband uses it now. It makes your face feel super clean and refreshed. Definitely leaves your face with a glow"

— Tammy F. (5/5)

Consistently use this product for great results!

"This face wash is amazing! I've been using it for years, and recently tried something else. I saw a real difference in my skin, it became more oily & sweaty, I went right back to buying dermalogica special cleansing gel!"

— Esther K. (5/5)

Q&A

I use medical grade RetinA...can your hydrating toner mist be used with this. I just placed an order for your mist and now I am wondering if it is helpful to use with my routine.: Hi there, Arlen! Thank you for reaching out to Dermalogica. Yes, the Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist can work in your routine! The product contains ceramides which helps replenish lipids and strengthen the skin barrier, reducing irritation and helping skin tolerate Retin-A better over time. Kind Regards, Beatriz.
Which cleanser is safe for young teenage girls - special cleansing gel or ultracalming cleanser?: Hello Laurie, Thank you so much for reaching out to us with your question! We love that you’re helping a young teen start a healthy skin care routine. Both Special Cleansing Gel and UltraCalming Cleanser are gentle, soap-free options that are safe for teenage skin. The best choice really depends on her skin type: Special Cleansing Gel: Ideal for normal to combination skin. It gives a refreshing, deep-clean feel without stripping the skin. UltraCalming Cleanser: Perfect for more sensitive or easily irritated skin, as it has soothing ingredients to calm and comfort. If you’re unsure which way to go, Special Cleansing Gel is a great everyday starting point for most teens, but if her skin tends to get red, itchy, or reactive, the UltraCalming Cleanser may be the gentler fit! We’d be happy to guide you further if you’d like to share a little more about her skin type and concerns! Kind Regards, Beatriz
Is this product pregnancy safe?: Hello Alicia, Thank you for your question! The Special Cleansing Gel does not contain any ingredients noted to be harmful during pregnancy, though we highly recommend consulting with your medical provider in case they have specific recommendations for you.  Kind regards, Ashlyn
Hello - How does this differ from the oil to foam total cleanser? I tried the oil to foam which I really like, but I do have sensitive skin and am wondering if this may be better. But I like that the oil to foam also helps to gently remove makeup.: Hi there, Allison! Thank you for your question! Our Special Cleansing Gel is our popular foaming cleanser, formulated to be gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive skin types, and can even double as an eye makeup remover! Our Oil-To-Foam Total Cleanser is designed to melt off make-up, sebum (oil), and sunscreen. This is a great cleanser for those just starting a skincare routine and want to double cleanse with just one product before choosing specific cleansers for their skin needs! Kind Regards, Beatriz.
Q: Is this cleanser safe for pregnancy women?: Hello Jessica, Thank you for reaching out to Dermalogica. The Special Cleansing Gel is safe to use while pregnant. We highly recommend confirming with your doctor as well. Kind Regards, Beatriz