Bare Necessity Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cleanser
Bare Necessity Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A dermatologist-developed, soap-free gel cleanser powered by Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin that gently removes makeup, SPF, and daily impurities while replenishing your skin's moisture barrier. Only 13 minimal, proven ingredients for a clean that never strips or tightens.
Hyaluronic Acid Hydration
Sodium Hyaluronate attracts and holds up to 1,000x its weight in water, delivering deep moisture while you cleanse.
Texture & feel
SENSORYHyaluronic Acid Hydration
Sodium Hyaluronate attracts and holds up to 1,000x its weight in water, delivering deep moisture while you cleanse.
Barrier-Friendly Cleansing
Soap-free, low-foaming surfactants dissolve dirt, makeup, and SPF without disrupting your skin's natural lipid barrier.
Minimalist Formula
Only 13 carefully selected ingredients — no fillers, no fragrance, no unnecessary additives. Every ingredient has a purpose.
Dermatologist-Developed
Formulated by Dr. Nancy Samolitis, board-certified dermatologist and Facile co-founder, for all skin types including sensitive.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Free from fermented ingredients, problematic fatty acids, esters, and polysorbates. This wash-off formula is safe for fungal acne-prone skin.
Contains no pore-clogging oils, waxes, or heavy emollients. Sephora-verified non-comedogenic rating. Will not clog pores.
Fragrance-free, soap-free, sulfate-free (SLS/SLES), and pH-balanced. Suitable for eczema-prone and reactive skin types.
Meets Sephora's Clean standards — formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oils, and other restricted ingredients.
Safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA, and niacinamide. Its gentle formula will not interfere with treatment products applied afterward.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSodium Hyaluronate HydratorProven
The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid — a naturally occurring molecule in skin that acts like a moisture sponge. It penetrates more easily than pure HA due to its smaller molecular size, delivering deep hydration even in a wash-off cleanser.
- Mechanism: Binds up to 1,000x its weight in water, plumping skin cells and reinforcing the moisture barrier.
- Evidence: Widely studied humectant; shown to improve skin hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss in multiple clinical trials.
- In this product: Helps counteract the drying effect of cleansing by replenishing moisture as impurities are removed.
Glycerin ~5-10%Proven
A powerful humectant and skin-identical ingredient listed as the second ingredient, indicating a generous concentration. Glycerin has been shown to be even more effective than hyaluronic acid as a moisture binder in certain studies.
- Study: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than both AHAs and hyaluronic acid for sustained hydration.
- Mechanism: Draws moisture from the environment into the skin and helps maintain the skin barrier's integrity.
- Bonus: Also has antimicrobial and antiviral properties, often used in wound care formulations.
Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate SurfactantGentle
A sugar-derived (glucoside-based) surfactant that provides gentle yet effective cleansing. Unlike traditional sulfates like SLS, this ingredient is derived from natural sugars and coconut oil, making it exceptionally mild.
- Source: Plant-derived from glucose and fatty alcohols — biodegradable and eco-friendly.
- Benefit: Creates a light, low-foam lather that removes oil, makeup, and SPF without disrupting the skin's lipid barrier.
- Safety: Well-tolerated by sensitive skin; does not cause the irritation associated with sulfate-based surfactants.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine SurfactantGentle
A coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant that acts as a secondary cleanser, boosting foam quality while reducing irritation potential. Widely used in baby shampoos and sensitive skin formulations.
- Role: Works synergistically with the primary surfactant for better cleansing performance at lower concentrations.
- Mildness: Has conditioning properties that help offset any drying effects from other cleansing agents.
13 ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step in both your AM and PM routines. For best results, follow with Facile Dew You serum and Barely There moisturizer.
How to use
HOW TO USEDampen Your Skin
Splash lukewarm water onto your face. Avoid hot water which can strip the skin barrier.
Apply 1–2 Pumps
Dispense one to two pumps of the gel cleanser into your palms. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Massage Gently
Work the gel across your face in circular motions for 30–60 seconds. The low-foam texture will dissolve makeup, SPF, and impurities.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel. Follow immediately with your next skincare step while skin is still slightly damp.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a gentle cleanser that won't leave skin tight or dry
- You have sensitive, eczema-prone, or reactive skin
- You prefer minimalist formulas with fewer ingredients
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe cleanser
- You struggle with fungal acne and need a safe wash
- You want a cleanser that works with retinol/AHA/BHA routines
- You value clean, dermatologist-formulated skincare
Consider alternatives if:
- You prefer a rich, foamy lather (this is low-foam)
- You need heavy-duty waterproof makeup removal (consider double cleansing)
- You want exfoliating acids in your cleanser (AHA/BHA)
- You're looking for a large, budget-friendly bottle (this is 100ml)
- You prefer cleansers with added treatment actives like niacinamide or ceramides
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight gel texture removes excess oil without over-stripping. Won't trigger rebound oiliness or leave a greasy residue.
Hyaluronic acid and glycerin deliver moisture during cleansing. Skin feels soft and hydrated after rinsing — never tight or stripped.
Balances well across oily T-zone and dry cheeks without over-moisturizing or under-cleansing any area.
Fragrance-free, soap-free, pH-balanced, and only 13 ingredients. Developed by a dermatologist specifically with sensitive skin in mind.
Non-comedogenic (0/5), fungal acne safe, and verified clean formula. Won't clog pores or worsen breakouts.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Comfort
Skin feels clean, soft, and hydrated right after the first use. No tightness, dryness, or residue — just balanced, refreshed skin.
95% noticed immediatelyReduced Tightness & Dryness
Skin stops feeling stripped after cleansing. Post-wash dryness and flaking diminish as the moisture barrier stabilizes from consistent gentle cleansing.
85% noticed improvementImproved Skin Texture
With daily use, skin texture becomes smoother and more even. Redness and irritation from previous harsh cleansers subside noticeably.
75% noticed smoother skinBalanced, Healthy-Looking Skin
Consistent use supports long-term barrier health. Skin appears more balanced, supple, and better able to absorb treatment products in the rest of your routine.
80% reported healthier skin overallRatings by platform
480+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle — never strips, tightens, or irritates even the most sensitive skin
- Minimal 13-ingredient formula with no unnecessary additives
- Dermatologist-formulated by board-certified Dr. Nancy Samolitis
- Effective at removing makeup and SPF without double cleansing
- Leaves skin feeling soft, hydrated, and prepped for next steps
- Pregnancy safe, fungal acne safe, and non-comedogenic
- Clean at Sephora certified; vegan and cruelty-free
- Eco-friendly packaging with carbon-neutral shipping
Criticized
- Small 100ml bottle may not last long with twice-daily use
- Price per ml is higher than drugstore gel cleansers
- Low-foam texture can feel unusual for those used to foaming cleansers
- May not remove heavy waterproof makeup on its own
- No added treatment ingredients (no niacinamide, ceramides, etc.)
- Limited availability outside of Sephora and brand website
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESComparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEFacile Bare Necessity
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required.
Pump bottle — hygienic dispensing, tree-free packaging that is fluorocarbon, BPA, chlorine, and dye-free. 100% compostable and biodegradable materials.
Yes — 100ml bottle is TSA-approved for carry-on luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. Bare Necessity contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreen filters, or any other ingredients flagged as potentially harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding. All 13 ingredients are considered safe for expecting and nursing mothers. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes. The formula is free from fermented ingredients, problematic fatty acids (like oleic acid), esters, polysorbates, and oils that feed Malassezia yeast. As a rinse-off product, even borderline ingredients have minimal contact time with the skin. This cleanser is a solid choice for those managing fungal acne.
Absolutely. Bare Necessity is a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser with no active treatment ingredients that could conflict with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs. In fact, its mild formula is ideal for use alongside potent actives because it won't further sensitize or strip the skin. Cleanse first, then apply your treatments on clean skin.
Bare Necessity is formulated for all skin types — oily, dry, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone. It's particularly well-suited for sensitive and reactive skin thanks to its minimalist 13-ingredient formula, fragrance-free composition, and soap-free surfactants. The brand and Sephora list it as suitable for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types.
Most users notice immediate comfort after the first use — skin feels clean, soft, and hydrated without tightness. Within 1–2 weeks of consistent use, you should notice reduced post-wash dryness and a more balanced complexion. After 3–4 weeks, skin texture typically improves as the barrier heals from switching away from harsher cleansers.
Bare Necessity is the first step in your skincare routine — use it morning and night. After cleansing, follow with toner (optional), serum (Facile recommends Dew You), moisturizer (Facile recommends Barely There), and sunscreen in the AM. If you wear heavy makeup, you may want to use an oil cleanser or micellar water first, then follow with Bare Necessity.
No. Bare Necessity is rated 0/5 on the comedogenic scale and is verified non-comedogenic by Sephora. It contains no oils, waxes, or heavy emollients known to clog pores. The formula uses gentle, non-comedogenic surfactants and humectants that cleanse pores without leaving pore-blocking residue behind.
The recommended Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The 100ml pump bottle typically lasts 6–8 weeks with twice-daily use (1–2 pumps each time). Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve freshness. The pump design keeps the product hygienic by minimizing air and bacterial exposure.
Verdict: Facile Bare Necessity is a premium minimalist gel cleanser that truly delivers on its promise of gentle yet effective cleansing. With only 13 ingredients, it's one of the cleanest formulas on the market — dermatologist-developed, fragrance-free, pregnancy safe, fungal acne safe, and non-comedogenic. The higher price per ml compared to drugstore options is justified by the clean formulation, Sephora Clean certification, and eco-friendly packaging. If you value ingredient transparency, skin barrier health, and a no-compromise approach to gentle cleansing, Bare Necessity is an outstanding choice for every skin type.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate
Cleansing, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Chloride
Masking, Viscosity Controlling, Bulking Agent
|
|




