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Cica & Ceramide Gentle Cleanser

Cica & Ceramide Gentle Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A hydrating, cream-based gentle cleanser formulated with Centella Asiatica (Cica), Ceramide EOS, and 5% Glycerin to cleanse without stripping moisture. Designed by three generations of dermatologists for sensitive, dry, and barrier-compromised skin.

Dermatologist Formulated Fragrance-Free Sulfate-Free Paraben-Free Silicone-Free Vegan & Cruelty-Free Pregnancy Safe Non-Foaming pH-Balanced
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Caution
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
125ml
Type
Cream Cleanser
Best For
Dry / Sensitive
Key Active
Cica + Ceramide
Surfactant
SCI (Gentle)
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Barrier-Strengthening Cleanse

Ceramide EOS and Panthenol work together to reinforce the skin barrier while cleansing, so skin never feels stripped or tight after washing.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Rich Cream
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
Rinse-Off
Finish
Hydrated, Soft

Barrier-Strengthening Cleanse

Ceramide EOS and Panthenol work together to reinforce the skin barrier while cleansing, so skin never feels stripped or tight after washing.

Cica-Powered Calming

Centella Asiatica extract soothes redness, irritation, and inflammation, making this ideal for reactive or post-procedure skin.

5% Glycerin Hydration

A generous 5% concentration of glycerin draws moisture into the skin, leaving it plump and hydrated even after cleansing.

Ultra-Gentle SCI Surfactant

Uses Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, one of the mildest cleansing agents available, which barely impacts the skin barrier while providing a light, creamy lather.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) — Use with Caution

Contains Cetyl Alcohol, a fatty alcohol that may feed Malassezia yeast in some individuals. Since this is a rinse-off product, risk is lower, but those with active fungal acne should patch test first.

Low Comedogenic Risk (1/5)

Minimal pore-clogging potential. Cetyl Alcohol rates 2/5 on its own, but in a rinse-off formula the effective comedogenic rating drops to approximately 1/5.

Compatible with Active Ingredients

Safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. This gentle cleanser is ideal as a morning or evening wash when using potent actives in your routine.

Allergy-Friendly Formula

Free from common allergens, artificial fragrances, essential oils, dyes, parabens, and sulfates. Minimal 14-ingredient formula reduces sensitization risk.

Patch Test Recommended

As with any new skincare product, apply a small amount behind your ear or on your jawline for 24 hours before full-face use, especially if you have very reactive skin.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Centella Asiatica (Cica) ExtractProven

Also known as Tiger Grass or Gotu Kola, Cica has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Its active compounds — asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid — work together to calm inflammation, promote wound healing, and boost collagen synthesis.

  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness, irritation, and inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
  • Wound healing: Stimulates collagen type I synthesis, accelerating skin repair and recovery from damage.
  • Antioxidant: Protects skin cells from oxidative stress caused by UV exposure and pollution.
Exceptionally well-tolerated even on the most sensitive skin types. A gold-standard soothing ingredient in dermatology.

Ceramide EOS (Oat Lipid E)Proven

Ceramide EOS is a long-chain ceramide naturally present in the skin's outer layer. It accounts for a significant portion of the lipid matrix that holds skin cells together. Oat-derived Ceramide EOS helps restore a damaged barrier, reduce transepidermal water loss, and improve overall skin hydration.

  • Barrier repair: Ceramides make up approximately 50% of the skin's lipid barrier — replenishing them strengthens skin defense.
  • Moisture retention: Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), keeping skin hydrated for longer periods.
  • Clinically validated: Published research shows ceramide-based products improve skin hydration and barrier function in atopic dermatitis and dry skin conditions.

Glycerin 5%Proven

One of the most effective and well-studied humectants in skincare. At 5% concentration, glycerin draws moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to keep the outer layer hydrated. A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than both AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

  • Humectant power: Pulls water into the skin's upper layers, improving hydration and plumpness.
  • Barrier support: Naturally found in skin; helps maintain the integrity of the skin barrier.
  • Antimicrobial: Has demonstrated antimicrobial and antiviral properties in research settings.

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)Proven

A coconut-derived, ultra-mild surfactant that provides gentle cleansing with a creamy, low-foam lather. SCI is widely regarded as one of the gentlest cleansing agents in dermatology — so gentle it barely disrupts the skin barrier.

  • Ultra-mild cleansing: Dermatologist Leslie Baumann notes that SCI's unique molecular structure sets a new standard in cleansing mildness.
  • Biodegradable: Derived from coconut fatty acids and is readily biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly surfactant choice.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)Proven

A multi-functional skincare superstar with clinically proven benefits for anti-aging, brightening, anti-inflammation, and barrier repair. Even in a rinse-off product, niacinamide provides contact benefits for skin calming and mild brightening over time.

  • Barrier repair: Increases ceramide synthesis in the skin, leading to a stronger barrier and better hydration.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Helps manage conditions like acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis.
  • Brightening: Reduces the transfer of melanosomes to skin cells, helping to even out skin tone gradually.

Panthenol (Dexpanthenol / Vitamin B5)Proven

Pro-Vitamin B5 is a powerful moisturizer with proven anti-inflammatory, skin-protecting, and wound-healing properties. It penetrates the skin and converts to pantothenic acid, which is essential for normal skin function.

  • Deep hydration: Penetrates into the skin to provide sustained moisture from within.
  • Wound healing: Accelerates the skin's natural repair processes after irritation or damage.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and soothes irritated or compromised skin.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractProven

The most commonly used species of Aloe in skincare, Aloe Barbadensis provides gentle moisturizing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Positioned as the second ingredient in this formula, it serves as a hydrating base alongside water.

  • Soothing: Calms inflamed and irritated skin, reduces redness from environmental stressors.
  • Moisturizing: Acts as both a humectant and emollient, adding hydration without heaviness.

14 ingredients

Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Pantolactone, Cetyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Ceramide EOS

FREE FROM: Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Parabens, Artificial Fragrance, Essential Oils, Silicones, Mineral Oil, Dyes/Colorants, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Alcohol (Denat.), PEGs, Phenoxyethanol
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Oil Cleanser
2
This Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen

Use as your second cleanser (after oil cleanser) in PM, or as your only cleanser in AM. Ideal for double-cleansing routines and when using potent active ingredients.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash lukewarm water onto your face. Avoid hot water as it can further dry out sensitive skin and strip natural oils.

2

Apply the Cleanser

Squeeze a coin-sized amount onto your fingertips and gently massage onto damp skin in upward circular motions for 30–60 seconds.

3

Rinse & Pat Dry

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Gently pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel — do not rub.

4

Follow Up

Apply your toner, serum, and moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration. Use sunscreen in the morning.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have dry, sensitive, or compromised skin that feels tight after washing
  • You use strong actives (retinol, AHAs, BHAs) and need a gentle cleanser
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe, simple cleanser
  • You experience redness, irritation, or rosacea-like symptoms
  • You want a minimalist, short-ingredient-list cleanser
  • You prefer fragrance-free, non-foaming formulas

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very oily skin and prefer a deep-cleansing, foaming wash
  • You need a cleanser to remove heavy or waterproof makeup on its own
  • You have active fungal acne and are strictly avoiding all fatty alcohols
  • You prefer a satisfying foamy lather feel when cleansing
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Dry Skin
Excellent

This cleanser was designed for dry skin. The cream formula with 5% glycerin, ceramide, and panthenol leaves skin hydrated and never tight after washing.

Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Fragrance-free, minimal 14-ingredient formula with soothing Cica and Aloe Vera. Ultra-gentle SCI surfactant barely touches the skin barrier.

Normal Skin
Excellent

A perfectly balanced everyday cleanser that maintains skin health without over-stripping or leaving residue. Great for morning use.

Combination Skin
Good

Works well as a morning cleanser for combo skin. Oily-skin users who use actives appreciate its gentleness. May not deep-clean oily T-zones in the PM.

Oily Skin
Moderate

May feel insufficiently cleansing for very oily skin due to its non-foaming, cream-based nature. Better suited as an AM cleanser if you have oily skin.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Low comedogenic rating (1/5) and no irritating ingredients. Ideal gentle cleanser when pairing with acne-fighting actives. Contains Cetyl Alcohol — patch test if fungal acne is a concern.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2+
Day 1

Immediate Comfort

Skin feels clean without tightness or dryness. No stripping sensation. The cream texture leaves skin soft and hydrated right from the first wash.

90% noticed immediately
Week 1–2

Reduced Irritation & Dryness

Redness and flakiness start to subside as the gentle formula allows your skin barrier to begin repairing itself. Skin feels calmer and less reactive.

75% noticed improvement
Week 3–4

Barrier Recovery

Ceramide EOS and Panthenol support measurable improvement in skin barrier function. Skin retains moisture better throughout the day and feels resilient.

65% noticed stronger barrier
Month 2+

Healthy, Balanced Complexion

Continued use helps maintain a healthy, calm complexion. Skin tone appears more even and the overall texture feels smoother and more hydrated.

70% reported sustained improvement
09

Ratings by platform

860+ REVIEWS
Dr. Sheth's Website
4.7
Rating
60+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small tube size (125ml) runs out quickly with twice-daily use
Amazon India
4.2
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Does not lather or foam, which some users find unsatisfying
Nykaa
4.5
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: May not remove heavy makeup on its own without double cleansing
Flipkart
4.3
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Oily skin users find it too mild and not cleansing enough for PM use
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Extremely gentle — never leaves skin tight, dry, or stripped
  • Short, clean ingredient list (only 14 ingredients)
  • Fragrance-free and free from common irritants
  • Excellent for use with retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and other actives
  • Very affordable price point for the quality of ingredients
  • Dermatologist-formulated by three generations of skin doctors
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and pregnancy safe
  • Hydrating finish — skin feels moisturized after cleansing

Criticized

  • Does not foam or lather, which some users dislike
  • 125ml tube may run out quickly with twice-daily use
  • Too mild for very oily skin or heavy makeup removal
  • Contains Cetyl Alcohol — not ideal for strict fungal acne avoidance
  • Limited international availability outside India
  • Tube packaging can be messy near the end of the product
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash
$7.99
Budget Pick

Also a gentle, fragrance-free cream cleanser. Uses similar mild surfactants and panthenol but lacks Cica extract and ceramides. Good basic option for sensitive skin on a budget.

72% Match
2% Niacinamide Gentle Skin Cleanser
$4.50
Budget Pick

Another Indian brand offering a gentle, non-irritating cleanser with niacinamide. Soap-free formula, but has a different surfactant system and lacks Cica and ceramide for barrier repair.

68% Match
Minimalist 5% Aquaporin Booster Face Wash
$5.00
Budget Pick

Indian brand with a hydrating, gentle approach. Focuses on aquaporin boosters rather than Cica/Ceramide. Different mechanism of hydration but similarly gentle cleansing experience.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Key Actives 3 Ceramides + Hyaluronic Acid
Size 473ml
Surfactant PEG-based (Mild)
Ingredient Count 24
Fragrance None
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Key Actives Ceramide NP + Niacinamide + Prebiotic Thermal Water
Size 400ml
Surfactant Coco-Betaine (Gentle)
Ingredient Count 20
Fragrance None
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Key Actives BHA (Betaine Salicylate) + Tea Tree Oil
Size 150ml
Surfactant Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Moderate)
Ingredient Count 18
Fragrance Essential Oil (Tea Tree)
Pregnancy Safe Caution (BHA)
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 cap tightly closed after each use to maintain product integrity.

Packaging

Squeezable tube with flip-top cap

Travel Friendly

Yes — 125ml is above the 100ml carry-on limit for flights, so pack in checked luggage or decant into a smaller container for air travel.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes. This cleanser contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or chemical sunscreen filters. All 14 ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is one of the safest cleanser options available for expecting and nursing mothers.

Use with caution. This cleanser contains Cetyl Alcohol, a fatty alcohol that can potentially feed Malassezia yeast in susceptible individuals. However, since this is a rinse-off product (not a leave-on), the actual risk is significantly lower. If you have active fungal acne, patch test first or consider a fungal-acne-safe alternative.

Absolutely. This cleanser is specifically designed to be gentle enough for use alongside potent actives. Many users choose it precisely because it does not strip or compromise the skin barrier, making it ideal when your routine includes retinol, vitamin C, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid. It helps maintain barrier integrity while your actives do the heavy lifting.

This cleanser is best suited for dry, sensitive, and normal skin types. It is also highly recommended for anyone with a compromised skin barrier, rosacea, eczema, or post-procedure skin. Combination skin users find it excellent as a morning cleanser. Very oily skin types may find it too mild for evening use.

You will notice immediate comfort — skin feels clean and hydrated from the very first use without any tightness. Within 1–2 weeks, you should see reduced redness and irritation. After 3–4 weeks of consistent use, your skin barrier will be noticeably stronger and more resilient. Full benefits are typically experienced after 6–8 weeks of regular use.

This cleanser goes in Step 1 (or Step 2 if you double cleanse with an oil cleanser first). In the morning, use it as your only cleanser before toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. In the evening, use it as the second step after an oil-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.

This cleanser has an overall comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it has very low pore-clogging potential. Cetyl Alcohol individually rates 2/5, but in a rinse-off formula the risk is minimal since the product does not stay on the skin. Most acne-prone users report no breakouts from this cleanser.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The 125ml tube typically lasts 6–8 weeks when used twice daily (morning and evening). Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap tightly closed to maintain potency throughout its shelf life.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Dr. Sheth's Cica & Ceramide Gentle Cleanser is an outstanding value-for-money gentle cleanser, especially for those with dry, sensitive, or barrier-compromised skin. Its minimalist 14-ingredient formula packs proven actives like Cica, Ceramide EOS, and 5% Glycerin into an ultra-gentle, fragrance-free base — all at a fraction of the price of Western competitors like CeraVe and La Roche-Posay. It is pregnancy-safe, vegan, cruelty-free, and pairs beautifully with active-heavy routines. The only drawbacks are its small size, limited international availability, and insufficient cleansing power for very oily skin. If you prioritize skin barrier health and gentle cleansing, this is one of the best affordable options in the market.

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 3 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide Centella Asiatica Extract Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Niacinamide Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 5 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Panthenol Niacinamide Centella Asiatica Extract Citric Acid
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide
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
2 1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
2
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
71% 14% 14%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 14 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
0 Unknown
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
3 B
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
Hydrating
1 B
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS