Daily Moisture Therapy Dermo-Cleanser
Daily Moisture Therapy Dermo-Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, soap-free cleansing milk formulated with German dermatological expertise to effectively cleanse dry and sensitive skin without stripping moisture. Features pH-balanced formula that leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated.
BioMimic Technology
Contains lipids similar to those found naturally in skin to help repair and strengthen the moisture barrier.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBioMimic Technology
Contains lipids similar to those found naturally in skin to help repair and strengthen the moisture barrier.
Non-Stripping Formula
Soap-free cleansing that removes impurities without disrupting the skin's natural protective barrier.
Gentle Surfactant
Uses Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, a coconut-derived cleanser known for ultra-gentle, non-drying action.
Family-Friendly
Gentle enough for use on babies, children, and adults with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains parabens (methylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben). While rinse-off products pose lower risk, some prefer to avoid parabens during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider.
Contains Cetearyl Alcohol which has a fatty acid base. As a rinse-off product, risk is minimal, but those with severe fungal acne may want to patch test first.
Accepted by the National Eczema Association. Clinically tested for sensitive and reactive skin conditions.
Excellent choice for those using tretinoin or retinol. Non-stripping formula won't exacerbate dryness or irritation.
pH-balanced, soap-free formula is gentle enough for rosacea-prone skin without triggering flare-ups.
Safe to use with vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and other actives. Its gentle nature makes it ideal for compromised skin barriers.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSodium Cocoyl IsethionateStar Ingredient
A coconut-derived surfactant renowned for being one of the gentlest cleansing agents available. Creates a mild, creamy lather without stripping the skin's natural oils.
- Function: Primary cleansing agent derived from vegetable fatty acids
- Benefit: Barely impacts skin barrier compared to traditional surfactants
- Research: Studies show minimal disruption to skin's natural lipid layer
Cetearyl AlcoholEmollient
A fatty alcohol (not a drying alcohol) that acts as an emollient and emulsifier. Gives the cleanser its creamy, luxurious texture while providing skin-softening benefits.
- Function: Emollient, viscosity controller, emulsion stabilizer
- Comedogenic Rating: 2/5 - Low risk of clogging pores
- Source: Derived from plant oils (palm or coconut)
Citric Acid pH AdjusterStabilizer
A mild alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from citrus fruits. In this formula, it's used at low concentrations primarily to adjust and maintain the optimal pH level.
- Function: pH adjuster and formula stabilizer
- Concentration: Very low - not at exfoliating levels
- Benefit: Helps maintain skin-friendly pH of 5-6
Paraben Preservatives Preservative System
Contains methylparaben, butylparaben, and propylparaben to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. While controversial, parabens are well-studied and considered safe at cosmetic concentrations.
- Function: Prevents microbial growth, extends shelf life
- Note: EU allows up to 0.4% for single parabens, 0.8% for mixtures
- Safety: CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) rates as safe as used in cosmetics
10 ingredients
Water, PEG-75, Cetearyl Alcohol, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Methylparaben, Citric Acid, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Parfum
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your first step in both AM and PM routines. Can be used with or without water for convenience.
How to use
HOW TO USEWith Water (Recommended)
Apply a generous amount to damp skin. Massage gently in circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Without Water (Travel-Friendly)
Apply cleanser directly to dry skin. Massage gently, then remove with a soft cotton pad. No rinsing required - perfect for on-the-go.
Follow Up
Pat skin dry with a clean towel. Immediately apply your hydrating products while skin is still slightly damp for best absorption.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, sensitive, or reactive skin
- Your skin feels tight after cleansing with other products
- You're using retinoids and need a gentle cleanser
- You have eczema or atopic dermatitis
- You prefer a non-foaming, milky cleanser
- You want a cleanser safe for the whole family
- You need something gentle enough for post-procedure care
Consider alternatives if:
- You want a deep-cleansing, foaming formula
- You need to remove heavy or waterproof makeup
- You strictly avoid all parabens
- You have severe fungal acne (malassezia)
- You prefer squeaky-clean feeling after wash
- You have very oily skin seeking oil control
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESPrimary target audience. Gentle cleansing without stripping moisture. Leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated, never tight.
Hypoallergenic, pH-balanced formula minimizes irritation. Dermatologically tested and NEA accepted.
Works well for combination skin that leans dry. May not provide enough cleansing power for very oily T-zones.
May not feel cleansing enough for oily skin. Consider using in PM only or as second cleanse after oil cleanser.
Non-comedogenic formula won't clog pores. Good for those on acne treatments who need gentle cleansing.
Gentle enough for thinning, delicate mature skin. Won't exacerbate dryness or fine lines.
Results timeline
ONGOINGClean, Soft Skin
Skin feels clean without that tight, stripped feeling. No residue left behind when rinsed properly.
95% noticedReduced Tightness & Dryness
Skin barrier begins to recover. Less flaking, redness, and sensitivity compared to using harsh cleansers.
80% noticedImproved Skin Barrier
Consistent use helps strengthen the moisture barrier. Skin becomes more resilient and less reactive.
75% noticedMaintained Skin Health
Continued use maintains healthy, balanced skin. Other skincare products absorb and work better.
85% noticedRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle - doesn't cause tightness or dryness
- Can be used with or without water
- Suitable for eczema and very sensitive skin
- Safe for babies, children, and adults
- Dermatologist recommended worldwide
- Works well with retinoids and active treatments
- Minimal ingredient list (only 10 ingredients)
- pH balanced to match skin's natural acidity
Criticized
- Not effective at removing heavy or waterproof makeup
- Low cleansing power - may not feel clean to oily skin users
- Contains parabens (some formulations)
- Contains fragrance (parfum)
- Price considered high for the size
- Bottle packaging can break easily during shipping
- No foam - takes adjustment if used to foaming cleansers
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid for added barrier support. Slightly thicker texture. More widely available. Paraben-free and fragrance-free.
Classic gentle cleanser with similar non-foaming texture. Contains SLS (some may want to avoid). Updated formula includes niacinamide and panthenol.
Contains ceramides, niacinamide, and prebiotic thermal water. Slightly more hydrating formula. Fragrance-free and paraben-free.
Ultra-minimal formula, completely free of common irritants. Gel texture vs. milky. Excellent for extremely sensitive or reactive skin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store below 30°C (86°F) in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Plastic squeeze bottle with flip-top cap. Handle with care during shipping.
Yes - 150ml is under the 100ml liquid limit for carry-on, so check sizes. Available in travel sizes.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThe formula contains parabens (methylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben), which some healthcare providers recommend avoiding during pregnancy and breastfeeding out of an abundance of caution. However, as a rinse-off product used briefly on the skin, the exposure is minimal. The cleanser does NOT contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. We recommend consulting with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Note: Some newer formulations may be paraben-free.
The cleanser contains Cetearyl Alcohol, a fatty alcohol that some fungal acne ingredient checkers flag as potentially problematic. However, because this is a rinse-off product that doesn't stay on the skin, the risk of feeding malassezia is minimal. Many users with fungal acne use this cleanser without issues. If you have severe fungal acne, consider patch testing first or opt for a cleanser with no fatty alcohols like Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser.
Yes! This cleanser is excellent for use with active ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Its gentle, non-stripping formula helps maintain the skin barrier, which is especially important when using potentially irritating actives. Many dermatologists specifically recommend gentle cleansers like Physiogel for patients on tretinoin or other prescription retinoids to minimize irritation and dryness.
This cleanser is specifically formulated for dry and sensitive skin types. It's also excellent for those with eczema, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, or compromised skin barriers. It works well for mature skin and for anyone using drying treatments like retinoids or acne medications. It may not provide sufficient cleansing for very oily skin types or for removing heavy makeup.
You'll notice immediate results in terms of how your skin feels after cleansing - clean but not tight or stripped. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, you should notice reduced tightness, flaking, and sensitivity compared to using harsher cleansers. Full skin barrier improvement typically takes 4-6 weeks of regular use. This is a maintenance product rather than a treatment, so results are about maintaining healthy, balanced skin.
Use this cleanser as the first step in both your morning and evening skincare routines. In the PM, if you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, you may want to use an oil cleanser or micellar water first, then follow with Physiogel as your second cleanse. After cleansing, proceed with your toner, serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). Apply products while skin is still slightly damp for better absorption.
No, Physiogel Dermo-Cleanser is labeled as non-comedogenic and is clinically tested to not clog pores. While it contains Cetearyl Alcohol (comedogenic rating 2/5), as a rinse-off product, ingredients don't remain on the skin long enough to cause pore clogging. The formula is designed to cleanse without leaving residue. It's suitable for acne-prone skin, especially for those who need gentle cleansing while using acne treatments.
The Period After Opening (PAO) for Physiogel Dermo-Cleanser is 12 months. Look for the open jar symbol on the packaging with "12M" to confirm. Store the product below 30°C (86°F) in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its effectiveness. The paraben preservatives help keep the formula stable and prevent bacterial growth throughout its shelf life.
Verdict: Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Dermo-Cleanser is an excellent choice for anyone with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin who needs a truly gentle cleansing experience. Its German dermatological heritage and BioMimic Technology deliver on the promise of cleansing without stripping. While the presence of parabens and fragrance may deter some, the minimal 10-ingredient formula and NEA acceptance make it a reliable option for eczema-prone and reactive skin. For the price, CeraVe or Cetaphil offer better value with larger sizes and paraben-free formulas, but Physiogel remains a dermatologist favorite for a reason.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
PEG-75
Humectant, Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium Phosphate
Masking, Fragrance, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Anticorrosive
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|