Clarifying Gentle Face Wash Niacinamide + Botanical Extracts
Clarifying Gentle Face Wash Niacinamide + Botanical Extracts
Product Description
Product overview
An ultra-gentle cooling gel cleanser from Dermorepubliq, a Filipino science-based skincare brand. Formulated with Niacinamide, Green Tea, Witch Hazel, and Peppermint Oil, this sulfate-free face wash deeply cleanses, controls excess oil, soothes irritation, and helps fight acne-causing bacteria — all while leaving skin feeling fresh, calm, and blemish-free.
Cooling Sensation
Peppermint oil delivers a signature cooling effect that refreshes tired, oily skin on contact.
Texture & feel
SENSORYCooling Sensation
Peppermint oil delivers a signature cooling effect that refreshes tired, oily skin on contact.
Triple Botanical Complex
Green Tea, Witch Hazel, and Peppermint work synergistically to soothe, clarify, and balance.
Niacinamide Boost
Brightens complexion, refines texture, minimizes the look of pores, and calms inflammation.
Gentle Sulfate-Free Wash
Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Decyl Glucoside clean without stripping your skin barrier.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from fatty acids, esters, and polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast.
Contains Peppermint Oil and Bergamot Oil essential oils; consult your OB before use.
Formula scores 1/5 on the comedogenic scale; unlikely to clog pores.
Compatible with retinol, Vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs — it rinses off before actives go on.
Peppermint and bergamot oils may tingle on reactive skin; patch test on inner arm first.
Free from parabens, sulfates, silicones, PEGs, drying alcohols, and synthetic fragrance.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSNiacinamide ~2-5%Proven
Vitamin B3 is a multitasking powerhouse that strengthens the skin barrier, regulates sebum, minimizes pores, fades dark spots, and calms redness — all while being exceptionally well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
- Bissett et al. (2005): Clinically shown to reduce fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and skin yellowing over 12 weeks.
- Mechanism: Inhibits melanosome transfer to keratinocytes, reducing visible dark spots.
- Sebum control: Shown to reduce sebum excretion rate, ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract BotanicalProven
Rich in catechins and polyphenols (especially EGCG), green tea extract is one of the most researched natural antioxidants in skincare. It neutralizes free radicals, calms inflammation, and offers mild antimicrobial benefits against acne-causing bacteria.
- Katiyar et al.: Topical green tea polyphenols reduce UV-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Anti-acne: EGCG shown to reduce sebum production and C. acnes activity in clinical studies.
- Anti-aging: Slows collagen and elastin breakdown caused by oxidative damage.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract BotanicalProven
A natural astringent packed with tannins, flavonoids, and gallic acid. Witch hazel tightens the appearance of pores, reduces inflammation, and provides gentle antibacterial action without the sting of traditional astringents.
- Reuter et al. (2010): Documented anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in dermatology.
- Leaf vs. bark: Leaf extract is milder and better tolerated than bark extract.
- Pore refinement: Tannins provide a temporary tightening effect on enlarged pores.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine + Decyl Glucoside SurfactantsProven
This mild, coconut-derived surfactant duo creates a gentle lather that removes oil, sunscreen, and impurities without disrupting the skin's acid mantle. A kinder alternative to harsh sulfates like SLS/SLES.
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Amphoteric surfactant, reduces irritation from other surfactants.
- Decyl Glucoside: Non-ionic glucose-based cleanser, biodegradable and baby-safe.
- pH-balanced: Keeps cleanser close to skin's natural 5.5 pH.
Peppermint & Bergamot Essential Oils FragrancePromising
Peppermint oil (menthol) provides the signature cooling sensation and offers antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Bergamot oil adds a fresh citrus aroma alongside mild antimicrobial benefits.
- Menthol: Activates TRPM8 cold receptors, creating a perceived cooling effect.
- Antibacterial: Both oils show in-vitro activity against C. acnes strains.
Glycerin + Propylene Glycol HumectantsProven
These humectants draw water to the skin, keeping it hydrated even during cleansing — preventing the dreaded "tight" feeling many cleansers leave behind.
- Glycerin: Gold-standard humectant, attracts water from both air and deeper skin layers.
- Propylene Glycol: Enhances penetration of other actives while hydrating.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) AntioxidantProven
A lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects the formula from oxidation and helps defend skin against free radical damage from pollution and UV exposure.
- Synergy: Works with green tea polyphenols for enhanced antioxidant protection.
- Skin barrier: Supports lipid barrier function and wound healing.
14 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Tocopherol.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse asStep 1 — morning and evening. For oily or acne-prone skin, it can be the sole cleanser; for heavy makeup wearers, follow an oil cleanser (double cleanse).
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Face
Splash your face with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water — it strips the skin barrier.
Dispense & Lather
Squeeze a pea-sized amount into wet palms and rub to create a light, cooling foam.
Massage Gently
Apply to the face in upward circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Avoid the eye area.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Follow with toner and serum.
Frequency
Use morning and night. For very dry or sensitive skin, once daily at night may be enough.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
- You deal with clogged pores and frequent breakouts
- You want a non-stripping, sulfate-free cleanser
- You enjoy a refreshing, cooling wash in hot climates
- You're on a budget and want dermatologist-inspired formulations
- You follow a fungal-acne-safe routine
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or eczema-prone skin (menthol may sting)
- You're sensitive to essential oils or fragrance components
- You're pregnant or nursing (bergamot/peppermint oil precaution)
- You prefer thick cream or balm cleansers
- You have rosacea with heightened reactivity to cooling agents
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESNiacinamide regulates sebum and peppermint cools excess shine — a top match for oily skin.
Non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe, and packed with antibacterial botanicals that target breakouts.
Balances the oily T-zone while glycerin keeps drier cheek areas from feeling tight.
Sulfate-free and gentle, but peppermint and bergamot oils can trigger reactive skin. Patch test first.
Glycerin adds hydration, but very dry skin may find the witch hazel slightly astringent.
Antioxidants (green tea, vitamin E) fight free radicals, though richer cleansers may suit dehydrated mature skin better.
Results timeline
8–12 WEEKSCool, Clean, Refreshed
Immediate cooling sensation and squeaky-clean feel without tightness. Skin looks instantly calmer.
92% noticedLess Oily T-Zone
Niacinamide begins regulating sebum; midday shine is noticeably reduced.
76% noticedFewer New Breakouts
Antibacterial botanicals help interrupt the acne cycle; pores look clearer.
68% noticedBrighter, More Even Tone
Niacinamide fades post-acne marks (PIE/PIH) and skin tone looks more balanced.
61% noticedRefined Texture & Pores
Visible pore tightening from witch hazel tannins + long-term niacinamide benefits.
54% noticedRatings by platform
12K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Incredibly affordable at under ₱225 (roughly $4 USD)
- Cooling menthol feels amazing in tropical climates
- Sulfate-free without sacrificing cleansing power
- Niacinamide in a rinse-off format adds value
- Fungal-acne safe — rare for gentle cleansers
- Clean, transparent 14-ingredient formula
- Doesn't leave skin dry or tight after rinsing
Criticized
- Essential oils (peppermint, bergamot) limit use for sensitive skin
- Not ideal during pregnancy due to essential oils
- Small 100mL size requires more frequent repurchase
- Limited international availability outside Philippines
- Niacinamide percentage not explicitly disclosed
- Cooling sensation may feel too intense for some users
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESAlso gentle, low-pH, includes tea tree oil instead of peppermint. Niacinamide-free but equally non-stripping. Slightly gentler for sensitive skin.
Different texture (balm-to-milk) but similar price tier and gentle cleansing goal. Better for dry skin, lacks peppermint cooling.
Also includes niacinamide and targets oily skin. Uses ceramides instead of botanicals. No cooling sensation or essential oils.
Same decyl glucoside base surfactant but a minimalist formula without niacinamide, witch hazel, or botanicals.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid extreme temperatures.
100 mL squeeze bottle with flip-top cap — hygienic and easy to dispense.
Yes — under 100 mL TSA/carry-on limit. Perfect for weekend trips.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. The formula is free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens — all typically restricted during pregnancy. However, it does contain Peppermint Oil and Bergamot Essential Oil, which some OB-GYNs and dermatologists recommend avoiding during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Because it's a rinse-off product with limited contact time, the systemic risk is low, but we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use.
Yes. This cleanser is fungal-acne safe. It contains no fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, or oils longer than C13 that typically feed malassezia yeast. All 14 ingredients — including the essential oils — are considered safe for those managing malassezia folliculitis (pityrosporum folliculitis). It's one of the few niacinamide cleansers that meets this criteria.
Absolutely. Since this is a rinse-off cleanser, it doesn't chemically interact with your actives. Wash, rinse, pat dry, then apply your actives (Vitamin C in AM, retinol/AHA/BHA in PM). The niacinamide content actually pairs beautifully with all of these — it helps buffer irritation from retinoids and exfoliants, and modern research confirms it's fully compatible with L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C).
It's ideal for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. The niacinamide regulates sebum, witch hazel refines pores, and peppermint oil provides a cooling, anti-oil sensation. Dry and sensitive skin types can use it but may prefer a creamier cleanser or limit use to once per day. Very reactive or eczema-prone skin should patch test first due to the essential oils.
You'll notice immediate benefits after the first use — clean, cool, refreshed skin without tightness. Reduction in midday oiliness appears within 1 week. Fewer new breakouts and clearer pores become evident around weeks 2–3. For visible brightening and fading of post-acne marks from the niacinamide, allow 4–8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use.
It's your very first step — Step 1 of both your morning and evening routine. For PM routines when wearing sunscreen or makeup, use an oil cleanser or micellar water first (double cleanse), then follow with this face wash. After rinsing, continue with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM) or retinol/treatment (PM).
No. This formula scores 1/5 on the comedogenic scale — essentially non-comedogenic. It contains no pore-clogging oils, butters, or waxes. As a rinse-off cleanser, any potential buildup is washed away with water. It's actually a strong choice for people prone to clogged pores and blackheads.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within a year for best results and preservative efficacy. Discard if you notice changes in color, smell, or texture. The phenoxyethanol + ethylhexylglycerin preservative system keeps the formula stable and safe. Store at room temperature, away from sunlight and humidity.
Verdict: The Dermorepubliq Clarifying Gentle Face Wash is an exceptional value cleanser for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. Its thoughtful 14-ingredient formula pairs niacinamide with proven botanicals (green tea, witch hazel, peppermint) in a sulfate-free, fungal-acne-safe base that rarely exists at this price point. The cooling sensation is a standout for hot climates, and the clean ingredient deck beats many cleansers costing 4x more. Minor drawbacks — essential oils may not suit very sensitive or pregnant users, and the 100mL size disappears fast with twice-daily use — but for Filipino skincare fans and budget-conscious routine builders, this is a near-perfect daily cleanser.Highly recommended for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin.
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
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 3 |
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|







