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Calmwise Soothing Cleanser

Calmwise Soothing Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

An ultra-mild, chlorophyll-infused foaming cleanser formulated with Teprenone, Vitamin K2 and Turmeric to gently remove impurities while visibly reducing redness and soothing sensitised, reactive or post-treatment skin without stripping the natural barrier.

Vegan Certified Cruelty-Free Dermatologically Tested Non-Comedogenic Sulphate-Free Soap-Free Paraben-Free No Artificial Fragrance pH Balanced Alcohol-Free
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Caution
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
150ml / 5.0 fl oz
Type
Foaming Cleanser
Target
Redness & Sensitivity
Use
AM & PM
pH
Balanced (~5.5)
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Anti-Redness Teprenone Technology

Patented active ingredient that helps prolong the life of skin cells, enhancing the protective barrier and visibly reducing redness and sensitivity over time.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Light foam
Scent
Mild natural citrus
Absorption
Rinse-off
Finish
Clean, comfortable

Anti-Redness Teprenone Technology

Patented active ingredient that helps prolong the life of skin cells, enhancing the protective barrier and visibly reducing redness and sensitivity over time.

Chlorophyll Purification

Natural green pigment with powerful antioxidant properties that detoxifies the skin while gently supporting the natural regenerative cycle for a healthier glow.

Vitamin K2 Redness Support

Helps calm the visible appearance of redness while strengthening skin resilience against future sensitisation and broken capillaries.

Barrier-Friendly Surfactants

Ultra-mild, coconut-derived cleansing agents (Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside) gently remove impurities without disrupting the compromised skin barrier.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Medik8 confirms no ingredients they would recommend avoiding during pregnancy. Contains organic sweet orange oil — consult your GP if you have concerns about essential oils.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) — Use With Caution

Contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, an ester that some fungal acne databases flag as potentially feeding malassezia. However, it is present in a rinse-off product at low concentration, which significantly reduces risk. SkinSort classifies this product as FA-safe.

Non-Comedogenic — Rating 1/5

Zero comedogenic risk ingredients detected by WIMJ analysis. Dermatologically tested and confirmed non-comedogenic by Medik8. Safe for acne-prone skin types.

Post-Treatment Safe

Specifically formulated for post-aesthetic treatment skin. Ultra-mild surfactants and soothing actives make this ideal for use after chemical peels, laser treatments, or microneedling.

Contains Natural Allergens

Contains Limonene, Citral, and Linalool (from organic sweet orange oil) which are classified as EU allergens. Patch testing is recommended for very reactive skin types.

Compatible With Active Ingredients

As a gentle cleanser, it pairs well with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs in your routine. Does not contain exfoliating acids that could interact negatively with other actives.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

TeprenonePatented Active

A patented anti-redness active derived from geranylgeraniol that helps prolong the life of skin cells by preserving telomere length. It enhances the skin's protective barrier and significantly reduces sensitivity and visible flushing over time.

  • Clinical trial (Sederma): Visibly reduced skin redness in 1 month of use
  • Mechanism: Supports cellular longevity and barrier repair by stabilising telomeres
  • Benefit: Reduces redness at its root cause rather than masking symptoms
Well-tolerated by sensitive and reactive skin types. Low irritation potential.

Chlorophyllin-Copper ComplexProven

A stabilised form of chlorophyll — the green pigment found in plants — with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Gives this cleanser its distinctive green colour.

  • Research: Demonstrated antioxidant activity that neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
  • Skin benefit: Supports the skin's natural regenerative cycle and helps purify the complexion
  • Anti-aging: Contributes to a more even-toned, youthful-looking complexion with continued use

Menaquinone-4 (Vitamin K2)Proven

A fat-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in supporting blood vessel integrity and skin healing. Helps calm the visible appearance of redness by strengthening capillary walls and reducing flushing.

  • Function: Helps regulate calcium metabolism in vascular tissue, supporting stronger capillaries
  • Skin benefit: Reduces the appearance of broken capillaries and persistent redness
  • Long-term: Helps build skin resilience against future sensitisation

Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root ExtractProven

Turmeric root extract rich in curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound used in traditional medicine for centuries. It helps soothe irritated skin and brighten the overall complexion.

  • Studies: Curcumin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity in skin
  • Brightening: Helps improve skin radiance and even out tone over time
  • Sebum regulation: A 2013 study showed turmeric may help regulate sebum production

Glycerin ~5-8%Gold Standard

One of the most effective and well-researched humectant moisturisers available. Naturally present in skin, it attracts and retains water in the upper layers, preventing dryness and maintaining hydration during cleansing.

  • Function: Humectant that draws moisture from the environment into the skin
  • In this formula: Counteracts any drying effects of surfactants to keep skin hydrated post-wash

Yucca Vera ExtractPromising

A botanical extract known for its natural cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties. Rich in saponins that act as gentle, skin-friendly cleansing agents while soothing irritation.

  • Natural saponins: Provide mild foaming and cleansing without harsh chemical surfactants
  • Soothing: Helps calm irritated, reactive skin

25 ingredients

Aqua (Water), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Coco-Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Menaquinone-4, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Curcuma Longa (Tumeric) Root Extract, Sodium Bicarbonate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Yucca Vera Extract, Teprenone, Maltodextrin, Limonene, Citral, Linalool, CI 75810 (Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex).

FREE FROM: Parabens, Sulphates (SLS/SLES), Artificial Fragrance, Synthetic Colours, Alcohol (Ethanol), Silicones, PEGs, Phthalates, Gluten, Microbeads, Mineral Oil, Animal-Derived Ingredients
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser (This Product)
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Eye Cream
5
Moisturiser
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as Step 1 in both your AM and PM routines. For best results, follow with Medik8 Calmwise Serum and Calmwise Colour Correct moisturiser. Can also be used as a second cleanse after an oil-based makeup remover in the evening.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash your face and neck with lukewarm water to dampen the skin before application.

2

Pump & Lather

Dispense 1-2 pumps of Calmwise Soothing Cleanser into the palm of your hand and gently massage onto your moistened face and neck in soft, circular motions.

3

Rinse Gently

Splash your face with warm water to remove the foam. Avoid rubbing — gently pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel.

4

Continue Your Routine

Follow with your toner, targeted serum (such as Calmwise Serum), and moisturiser. Apply sunscreen in the morning.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have redness-prone, sensitised, or reactive skin
  • You need a post-treatment cleanser after peels, lasers, or microneedling
  • You want a sulphate-free, soap-free cleanser that does not strip the skin
  • You are looking for a gentle daily cleanser that calms visible redness
  • You have a compromised skin barrier and need barrier-supportive cleansing
  • You prefer vegan, cruelty-free skincare with no artificial fragrance

Consider alternatives if:

  • You need a deep-cleansing or exfoliating wash for very oily skin
  • You want a completely fragrance-free cleanser (this contains natural orange peel oil)
  • You need a heavy-duty makeup remover — this is better as a second cleanse
  • You are highly sensitive to EU allergens like Limonene or Linalool
  • You are looking for a budget-friendly option under $15
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Purpose-built for sensitive and reactive skin. Ultra-mild surfactants and soothing actives provide comfort without irritation. Patch test first if extremely reactive.

Dry Skin
Excellent

Glycerin-enriched formula cleanses without stripping natural oils. Leaves skin feeling hydrated and comfortable — never tight or dry.

Combination Skin
Good

Balances well across different face zones. Effective at cleansing without over-drying cheeks or under-cleaning the T-zone.

Oily Skin
Moderate

May feel too gentle for very oily skin types. Lightweight foam is not designed for deep pore cleansing. Better suited as a morning cleanser for oily-sensitive combination.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Non-comedogenic and gentle enough for irritated acne-prone skin. Ideal when skin is inflamed or over-treated — not designed as an acne-fighting cleanser.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2 – MONTH 3
Day 1 – Week 1

Immediate Comfort & Soothing

Skin feels instantly more comfortable after cleansing. No tightness, stinging, or dryness. Redness-prone skin notices less irritation from the very first use.

85% noticed immediate soothing
Week 2 – Week 4

Visible Redness Reduction

With consistent daily use, Teprenone begins to strengthen the skin barrier. Visible flushing and redness become less pronounced. Complexion appears calmer and more even-toned.

70% saw reduced redness
Month 2 – Month 3

Barrier Resilience & Long-Term Calm

Skin barrier becomes noticeably stronger. Fewer reactive episodes from environmental stressors. Overall complexion looks healthier, more balanced, and visibly younger.

65% reported improved skin resilience
09

Ratings by platform

125+ REVIEWS
Sephora UK
5.0
Rating
Limited
Reviews
Main note: Very few reviews so far — early adopters rate it highly for rosacea-prone skin
Lookfantastic
4.3
Rating
50+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some combination skin users found it too gentle / not cleansing enough for heavy makeup
Space NK
4.7
Rating
20+
Reviews
Main complaint: A few users initially felt it was not cleansing deeply enough, but grew to love it for sensitive days
Medik8 Website
4.9
Rating
55+
Reviews
Main complaint: Frequently out of stock on the official website — high demand for this niche product
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Incredibly gentle — does not sting, burn, or dry out sensitised skin
  • Visibly reduces redness and flushing with continued use
  • Ideal post-treatment cleanser after peels, lasers, and microneedling
  • Rosacea-sufferers report significant comfort and calming
  • Sulphate-free, soap-free, vegan, and cruelty-free formulation
  • Pleasant, very subtle natural citrus scent from organic sweet orange oil
  • Convenient pump dispenser for hygienic, controlled application
  • Leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated — never tight

Criticized

  • May feel too mild for oily skin or heavy makeup removal
  • Premium price point compared to drugstore alternatives (~$29 for 150ml)
  • Contains natural allergens (Limonene, Linalool) from orange oil
  • Not widely available in US retail stores — mostly online or UK-based
  • 150ml bottle size may not last long with twice-daily use
  • Some users initially felt it was not cleansing the skin thoroughly enough
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
$16.99
Budget Pick

Similar ultra-gentle approach with ceramides and niacinamide for barrier support. Lacks the anti-redness Teprenone and Vitamin K2 actives, but excellent for general sensitive skin cleansing at a lower price point. Fragrance-free.

72% Match
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
$15.99
Budget Pick

Gentle, non-foaming cleanser with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Great for general sensitive/dry skin but has no targeted anti-redness actives like Teprenone or chlorophyll. Much larger bottle sizes available. Fragrance-free.

68% Match
Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion
$24.00
Similar Price

French pharmacy gentle cleanser with Avène Thermal Spring Water. Minimalist formula focused on calming sensitive skin. No active anti-redness ingredients like Teprenone, but very gentle and well-tolerated. Non-rinse option available.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Key Actives Niacinamide + Ceramide-3 + Thermal Water
Size 200ml
Anti-Redness General soothing only
Fragrance Fragrance-free
Best For Dry-sensitive skin, daily gentle cleansing
Comedogenic Non-comedogenic
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Key Actives 3 Ceramides + Hyaluronic Acid
Size 473ml
Anti-Redness No
Fragrance Fragrance-free
Best For General sensitive/dry skin, budget-conscious
Comedogenic Non-comedogenic
Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion
Key Actives Avène Thermal Spring Water
Size 200ml
Anti-Redness Thermal water soothing only
Fragrance Fragrance-free
Best For Hypersensitive skin, minimalist approach
Comedogenic Non-comedogenic
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the pump cap closed when not in use to preserve freshness and prevent contamination.

Packaging

Opaque pump bottle that protects light-sensitive chlorophyll and active ingredients from degradation.

Travel Friendly

Yes — 150ml is above the 100ml carry-on limit, but Medik8 also offers a 40ml travel size. The full size can go in checked luggage.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, Calmwise Soothing Cleanser does not contain any of the commonly flagged pregnancy-unsafe ingredients such as retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Medik8 states that this product does not contain any ingredients they would recommend avoiding during pregnancy. However, it does contain organic sweet orange peel oil, so if you are particularly cautious about essential oils during pregnancy, consult your GP or midwife before use.

This cleanser contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, which some strict fungal acne databases flag as a potential concern. However, SkinSort classifies this product as fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and the ingredient appears in a rinse-off product at a very low concentration, which significantly reduces the risk of feeding malassezia. If you have active fungal acne, you may want to exercise caution or patch test first.

Absolutely. Calmwise Soothing Cleanser is a gentle, rinse-off cleanser that does not contain any exfoliating acids or active ingredients that would interact negatively with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs. In fact, its soothing and barrier-supportive formula makes it an excellent companion for routines that include potent actives, helping to minimise irritation from those treatments.

This cleanser is specifically designed for sensitive, redness-prone, and post-treatment skin. It is excellent for dry and sensitive skin types and works well for combination skin. It may feel too gentle for very oily skin types that require deeper cleansing. It is also ideal for anyone recovering from aesthetic procedures such as chemical peels, laser treatments, or microneedling.

Most users report immediate comfort and soothing from the very first use. Visible reduction in redness typically begins within 2-4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. For long-term barrier strengthening and improved resilience against redness triggers, expect to see meaningful improvements over 2-3 months of regular use, based on clinical data for Teprenone.

Calmwise Soothing Cleanser is used as Step 1 in both your morning and evening skincare routines. In the evening, you can use it as a second cleanse after an oil-based cleanser or makeup remover. Follow with your toner, targeted serum (Medik8 recommends Calmwise Serum), eye cream, moisturiser, and sunscreen in the morning.

No. Calmwise Soothing Cleanser is confirmed non-comedogenic by Medik8 and is dermatologically tested. Analysis by WIMJ found zero comedogenic risk ingredients in the formula. With a comedogenic rating of 1/5, it is very unlikely to clog pores and is safe for acne-prone skin types.

The Period After Opening (PAO) for Calmwise Soothing Cleanser is 12 months. With twice-daily use, the 150ml bottle typically lasts approximately 6-8 weeks depending on how much product you dispense per use. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for best results.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: Medik8 Calmwise Soothing Cleanser is one of the best targeted anti-redness cleansers on the market, thanks to its unique combination of patented Teprenone, Vitamin K2, and Chlorophyll. It excels at what it promises: providing immediate comfort to sensitised, redness-prone, and post-treatment skin while building long-term barrier resilience. The ultra-mild surfactant system genuinely avoids irritation, and the overall formulation is thoughtfully free from common sensitisers. The main trade-off is a premium price point for a cleanser, and it may feel too gentle for oily skin types or heavy makeup removal. If redness and sensitivity are your primary concerns, this is one of the most scientifically-backed and effective soothing cleansers available.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
47% 21% 30%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 23 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
4 B
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Hydrotrope, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Foaming
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS