Dermalogica
special cleansing gel
A soap-free foaming gel cleanser for normal, combination, and oily skin that removes impurities without stripping moisture.
- Fragrance free
- combination skin
- normal skin
- oily skin

What it is
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is a soap-free foaming cleanser for normal, combination, and oily skin. The official product copy says it removes impurities and debris while staying gentle enough for everyday use.
Key ingredients
- Quillaja saponaria (soapbark) extract: A naturally foaming botanical used to lift away oil and debris.
- Balm mint and lavender extracts: Plant extracts used to help calm and soothe the skin during cleansing.
- Glycerin: A humectant that supports moisture balance and helps prevent over-stripping.
How to use
Massage a small amount onto wet skin, then rinse thoroughly. The brand positions it as a lightweight daily cleanser that can be used morning and evening.
Who should be careful
The product description highlights calming extracts and a gentle rinse, but patch testing is still sensible if your skin is reactive to fragrance or essential oils. This is general product information, not medical advice.
What the brand claims
Dermalogica describes Special Cleansing Gel as a mild, foaming cleanser that refreshes skin without disturbing its natural moisture balance. The manufacturer page says it is designed for normal, combination, and oily skin and is suitable for daily use.
This page reports what is printed on the label for Dermalogica special cleansing gel. Data is taken from the manufacturer page linked above.
Sources
- https://www.dermalogica.com/products/special-cleansing-gel (checked 2026-10-11)
We have not tested this product.
What's on the label
| Category | Gel, Foam & Cream Facial Cleansers |
|---|---|
| Brand | Dermalogica |
| Model | 101104 |
| GTIN / UPC | 00666151010017 |
| Size | 1.7 oz, 8.4 oz, and 16.9 oz |
| Form | Foaming gel cleanser |
| Texture | Lightweight foaming gel |
| Routine step | Daily cleanser |
| When to use | Morning and evening |
| Key ingredients | Quillaja saponaria, balm mint, and lavender |
| Key ingredient | None stated |
| Best for | combination, normal, oily skin |
| Fragrance free | Yes |
| Worth knowing | Nothing flagged |
| Full ingredient list | 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 |
| Size | Not stated |
| Source | Brand's own product page Checked |
Common questions
What skin types is it recommended for?
The official page recommends it for normal, combination, and oily skin.
Does it strip the skin?
The brand says it is a soap-free foaming gel that removes impurities without disturbing the skin's natural moisture balance.
How often can it be used?
Dermalogica describes it as lightweight and mild enough for daily use.
What does it leave the skin feeling like?
The product description says it leaves skin feeling smooth and clean.