Calmwise Soothing Cleanser
Calmwise Soothing Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
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.
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.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAnti-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.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains 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.
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.
Zero comedogenic risk ingredients detected by WIMJ analysis. Dermatologically tested and confirmed non-comedogenic by Medik8. Safe for acne-prone skin types.
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 Limonene, Citral, and Linalool (from organic sweet orange oil) which are classified as EU allergens. Patch testing is recommended for very reactive skin types.
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.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSTeprenonePatented 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
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).
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse 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.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash your face and neck with lukewarm water to dampen the skin before application.
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.
Rinse Gently
Splash your face with warm water to remove the foam. Avoid rubbing — gently pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel.
Continue Your Routine
Follow with your toner, targeted serum (such as Calmwise Serum), and moisturiser. Apply sunscreen in the morning.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect 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
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESPurpose-built for sensitive and reactive skin. Ultra-mild surfactants and soothing actives provide comfort without irritation. Patch test first if extremely reactive.
Glycerin-enriched formula cleanses without stripping natural oils. Leaves skin feeling hydrated and comfortable — never tight or dry.
Balances well across different face zones. Effective at cleansing without over-drying cheeks or under-cleaning the T-zone.
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.
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.
Results timeline
MONTH 2 – MONTH 3Immediate 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 soothingVisible 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 rednessBarrier 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 resilienceRatings by platform
125+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- 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
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar 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.
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.
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.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
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.
Opaque pump bottle that protects light-sensitive chlorophyll and active ingredients from degradation.
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.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, 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.
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
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
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Hydrotrope, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Foaming
|
|





