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DeliKate Soothing Cleanser

DeliKate Soothing Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A gentle, fragrance-free cream cleanser formulated with a ceramide complex, ectoin, and soothing botanicals to calm stressed, sensitized skin while restoring the protective barrier without stripping moisture.

Fragrance-Free Dermatologist Tested Cruelty-Free Sulfate-Free Paraben-Free 3 Ceramides Non-Stripping Pregnancy Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
4 fl oz / 120 ml
Price
$46.00
Cost/ml
$0.38
Type
Cream Cleanser
Concern
Redness & Dryness
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Triple Ceramide Complex

Contains Ceramides NP, AP, and EOP along with cholesterol and phytosphingosine to repair and reinforce the skin barrier while cleansing.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Soft cream
Scent
Fragrance-free
Absorption
Rinse-off (30 sec)
Finish
Soft, hydrated

Triple Ceramide Complex

Contains Ceramides NP, AP, and EOP along with cholesterol and phytosphingosine to repair and reinforce the skin barrier while cleansing.

Soothing Botanicals

Ginger Root Extract reduces visible redness while Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit Extract calms irritated, sensitized skin.

Ectoin Stress Shield

Ectoin and Hydroxyectoin provide extremolyte-level protection, shielding skin from environmental stress and boosting hydration up to 200%.

Cucumber Seed Oil

Rich in linoleic acid (60-69%), this lightweight oil calms and soothes while providing essential fatty acids without heaviness.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Free of retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. Contains no known teratogenic ingredients. Generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Not Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Linoleic Acid, Stearic Acid, Cucumber Seed Oil, and Sunflower Seed Oil — fatty acids and esters that can feed Malassezia yeast.

Low Comedogenic Risk (1/5)

Despite containing oils and fatty alcohols, the wash-off formulation and low comedogenic ingredient profile make pore-clogging very unlikely.

Sensitive Skin Friendly

Dermatologist tested safe for sensitive skin. Free of common irritants including sulfates, parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates, mineral oil, and added fragrance.

Post-Treatment Safe

Perfected at Kate Somerville's Skin Health Experts Clinic to soothe post-treatment irritation including after chemical peels and laser treatments.

Retinol Companion

An excellent cleanser to use alongside prescription retinoids. Ectoin has been shown to help skin tolerate 0.5-1% retinol treatments better.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Ceramide Complex (NP, AP, EOP)Proven

A triple ceramide blend identical to those found naturally in the skin barrier. These lipids work with cholesterol and phytosphingosine to repair the intercellular matrix, restoring barrier integrity and preventing transepidermal water loss.

  • Function: Ceramides make up ~50% of the skin barrier's lipid content and are critical for moisture retention
  • Clinical data: Topical ceramides have been shown to improve skin hydration, reduce TEWL, and relieve symptoms of eczema and irritated skin
  • Synergy: Combined with cholesterol and phytosphingosine to mimic the skin's natural lipid ratio
Ceramides are universally well-tolerated and beneficial for all skin types, including the most reactive sensitive skin.

Ectoin & Hydroxyectoin ~0.5-1%Proven

Extremolyte molecules naturally produced by microorganisms living in extreme environments (salt lakes, deserts). They form a protective hydration shell around skin cells, offering multi-level defense.

  • Hydration: A 5-person study found 1% Ectoin increased skin hydration up to 200% vs placebo, sustained 7 days after discontinuation
  • Anti-redness: 1% Ectoin cream matched 0.25% hydrocortisone in reducing surfactant-irritated skin redness in a 20-person study
  • Retinol support: A 23-person study found 1% Ectoin helped subjects tolerate 0.5-1% retinol with significantly less irritation

Ginger Root Extract (Zingiber Officinale)Promising

A potent anti-inflammatory botanical that targets the biological pathways responsible for visible redness and skin irritation. Used in the Kate Somerville clinic for calming post-treatment skin.

  • Action: Contains gingerols and shogaols with documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity
  • Benefit: Reduces and soothes visible skin redness, as highlighted by the brand's clinical testing

Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf ExtractPromising

Derived from the Tasmanian Mountain Pepper, this botanical is known for its calming properties. It works synergistically with ginger root to reduce skin irritation and soothe sensitized complexions.

  • Source: Native to Tasmania, Australia — known for potent anti-inflammatory polygodial compounds
  • Benefit: Calms irritation and works to restore skin comfort after stress or harsh treatment

Cucumber Seed Oil (Cucumis Sativus)Promising

A lightweight, easily absorbed oil rich in linoleic acid (60-69%) and vitamin E. Provides essential fatty acid nourishment without heaviness, making it ideal for a soothing cleanser formulation.

  • Composition: High in linoleic acid (omega-6), oleic acid, vitamin E, phytosterols, and trace minerals
  • Texture: Very light oil that absorbs easily — excellent for moisturization without residue

BisabololProven

A naturally occurring compound found in chamomile. Widely recognized for its skin-soothing, anti-irritant, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a staple in sensitive skin formulations.

  • Research: Multiple studies confirm anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antimicrobial benefits
  • Tolerance: Extremely well-tolerated even by the most sensitive and reactive skin types

41 ingredients

Aqua/Water/Eau, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Xylitylglucoside, Betaine, Phospholipids, Linoleic Acid, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Oil, Ectoin, Hydroxyectoin, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Bisabolol, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Carbomer, Anhydroxylitol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Saccharide Isomerate, Xylitol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate

FREE FROM: Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Parabens, Formaldehydes, Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Oxybenzone, Coal Tar, Hydroquinone, Triclosan, Triclocarban, Added Fragrance, Dyes, Silicones, Harsh Alcohols
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Makeup Remover
2
DeliKate Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use morning and evening. Gentle enough to be your only cleanser — no double cleansing required for most users. Pairs exceptionally well with the DeliKate Recovery Serum and Recovery Cream.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash lukewarm water on your face. Avoid hot water, especially if your skin is already sensitized or red.

2

Apply a Small Amount

Dispense a nickel-sized amount of the cream cleanser onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way with this formula.

3

Massage for 30 Seconds

Gently massage onto wet skin using circular motions for 30 seconds. The cream texture will emulsify and lift impurities without foaming.

4

Rinse & Pat Dry

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and gently pat dry with a soft towel. Do not rub — your skin should feel soft, hydrated, and calm.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • Your skin is dry, tight, or sensitized and needs a non-stripping cleanser
  • You experience redness, burning, or irritation from other cleansers
  • You are using prescription retinoids and need a gentle wash
  • You want a fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested formula
  • Your skin is recovering from chemical peels, laser, or other professional treatments
  • You need a pregnancy-safe cleanser with barrier-repairing ingredients

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (Malassezia) — this formula contains fatty acid triggers
  • You prefer a foaming or gel cleanser with a squeaky-clean feel
  • You need a cleanser that removes heavy or waterproof makeup on its own
  • You are on a strict budget — at $46 for 4 oz, there are more affordable ceramide cleansers
  • You have very oily skin and want oil-control properties
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Dry Skin
Excellent

This cleanser was made for dry skin. Ceramides, glycerin, and ectoin replenish moisture while cleansing, leaving zero tightness.

Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Dermatologist tested for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and loaded with anti-inflammatory botanicals. A top pick for reactive complexions.

Combination Skin
Good

Cleanses effectively without over-drying cheeks or feeding oiliness. May feel slightly rich on very oily T-zones.

Oily Skin
Moderate

Non-foaming cream texture may not feel cleansing enough for very oily skin. Some users report it leaves a slight film. Better suited as a morning cleanser for oily types.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Low comedogenic rating (1/5) and non-stripping formula. Great for acne-prone skin on retinoids. However, not suitable for fungal acne.

08

Results timeline

6+ WEEKS
Immediate

Instant Comfort & Softness

Skin feels immediately softer, hydrated, and calm after the very first wash. No tightness, stinging, or stripping sensation.

100% reported skin feels moisturized after cleansing
1 Week

Reduced Redness & Tightness

Noticeable improvement in baseline redness and skin tightness. Skin barrier starts to feel more resilient and less reactive to triggers.

100% reported moisturized skin after 1 week
2-4 Weeks

Barrier Restoration

Continued improvement in skin barrier strength. Users report less sensitivity to weather changes, products, and environmental triggers.

96% reported skin barrier feeling restored
6+ Weeks

Visible Skin Transformation

Significant improvement in overall skin texture and tone. Users with rosacea-type redness report noticeably calmer, more even complexions and increased confidence.

Users report going makeup-free with confidence
09

Ratings by platform

820+ REVIEWS
Sephora
4.3
Rating
350+
Reviews
Main complaint: High price point for a cleanser that rinses off quickly
Amazon
4.6
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small 4 oz bottle runs out quickly with twice-daily use
Ulta
4.4
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Doesn't remove heavy makeup — needs a first cleanser step
Brand Website
4.7
Rating
170+
Reviews
Main complaint: Wish it came in a larger size option
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Incredibly gentle — doesn't strip, sting, or leave skin tight
  • Triple ceramide complex actively repairs the skin barrier while cleansing
  • Completely fragrance-free with no noticeable scent
  • Excellent post-treatment cleanser (peels, laser, retinoids)
  • Dermatologist tested and clinically proven results
  • Leaves skin feeling soft, hydrated, and genuinely clean
  • Effective enough as a standalone cleanser (no double cleanse needed for most)
  • Contains ectoin — a well-researched soothing and hydrating active

Criticized

  • Premium price ($46 for 4 oz) — significantly more expensive than drugstore alternatives
  • Small bottle runs out fast with twice-daily use (about 6-8 weeks)
  • Doesn't remove waterproof or heavy makeup on its own
  • Non-foaming texture may feel insufficient for those used to gel/foam cleansers
  • Not fungal acne safe — contains multiple Malassezia triggers
  • May feel too rich or leave a film for very oily skin types
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
66% Match
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
$16.99
Budget Pick

Also contains 3 ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and a non-stripping formula. Lacks ectoin and soothing botanicals, but at 16 oz for $17, offers exceptional value. The most popular community-recommended dupe.

60% Match
Gentle Facial Cleanser
$9.49
Budget Pick

Ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formula ideal for the most sensitive skin. Lacks ceramides and soothing actives, but is fungal acne safe — a key advantage for those with Malassezia concerns.

63% Match
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
$16.99
Budget Pick

Contains ceramide NP, niacinamide, and thermal spring water. Similar cream texture and non-stripping approach. Slightly more hydrating feel but lacks the ectoin and ginger root extract.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Size473 ml (16 fl oz)
Cost per ml$0.04
Key Actives3 Ceramides + Hyaluronic Acid
Fragrance-FreeYes
Fungal Acne SafeNo
Pregnancy SafeYes
Best ForNormal to dry skin, daily use
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Size400 ml (13.5 fl oz)
Cost per ml$0.04
Key ActivesCeramide NP + Niacinamide + Thermal Water
Fragrance-FreeYes
Fungal Acne SafeNo
Pregnancy SafeYes
Best ForDry to normal sensitive skin
Gentle Facial Cleanser
Size237 ml (8 fl oz)
Cost per ml$0.04
Key ActivesNo active ingredients (gentle surfactants only)
Fragrance-FreeYes
Fungal Acne SafeYes
Pregnancy SafeYes
Best ForUltra-sensitive, allergic, FA-prone skin
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 cap tightly closed between uses.

Packaging

Squeeze tube with flip-top cap — hygienic dispensing with minimal air exposure

Travel Friendly

Yes — 4 fl oz (120 ml) exceeds the 3.4 oz TSA limit. Decant into a travel container or purchase the mini size for flights.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes. The DeliKate Soothing Cleanser is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the most commonly flagged ingredients during pregnancy. The formula relies on gentle ceramides, plant-derived soothing agents, and ectoin, all of which have excellent safety profiles. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.

No. This cleanser is not fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients known to feed Malassezia yeast, including Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Linoleic Acid, Stearic Acid, Cucumber Seed Oil, and Sunflower Seed Oil. If you have Malassezia folliculitis, consider a fungal-acne-safe alternative like Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser instead.

Absolutely — this is one of the best cleansers to pair with active treatments. The ceramide complex and ectoin help reinforce your skin barrier, which can be compromised by retinol, vitamin C, AHA, and BHA use. In fact, clinical studies show ectoin helps skin tolerate retinol treatments significantly better. Use it morning and night to keep your skin calm and hydrated while your actives do their work.

This cleanser is best suited for dry, sensitive, and normal skin types. It excels for anyone experiencing redness, tightness, burning, or itching — including those recovering from professional treatments (peels, laser) or using prescription retinoids. Combination skin can also benefit, though those with very oily skin may prefer a lighter gel or foam cleanser. It is dermatologist tested and specifically designed for sensitive, stressed skin.

Most users notice immediate comfort — skin feels softer and more hydrated from the very first wash. Within 1 week, 100% of clinical study participants reported skin feels moisturized after cleansing. Visible improvements in redness, tightness, and barrier strength typically develop over 2-6 weeks of consistent use. Some users with rosacea-type redness report significant improvement in skin texture within 6 weeks.

Use it as your primary cleanser (step 1 or step 2 if you double cleanse) both morning and evening. Apply a small amount to wet skin, massage for 30 seconds, and rinse. Follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). It's gentle enough to use as your sole cleanser, but can also serve as a second cleanse after an oil or micellar water if you wear heavy makeup.

The DeliKate Soothing Cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it is very unlikely to clog pores. While it does contain some oils and fatty alcohols, these are in a wash-off formula that stays on skin for only 30 seconds before rinsing. The product is also non-comedogenic according to the brand. However, if you have extremely acne-prone skin, patch testing is always recommended.

The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months, meaning it should be used within 12 months of first opening. With twice-daily use, the 4 oz (120 ml) tube typically lasts about 6-8 weeks. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap tightly closed. The unopened product has a shelf life of approximately 3 years from the manufacturing date.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.4 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The Kate Somerville DeliKate Soothing Cleanser is a genuinely exceptional cleanser for dry, sensitive, and compromised skin. Its triple ceramide complex, ectoin, and soothing botanicals deliver real, clinically-backed results — not just marketing claims. It earns its place in the routine of anyone using retinoids, recovering from treatments, or dealing with persistent redness and barrier damage. The main drawback is the premium price ($0.38/ml vs $0.04/ml for CeraVe), which makes it hard to justify as an everyday cleanser for budget-conscious consumers. If your skin is severely stressed or you want a best-in-class soothing cleanser and don't mind the investment, this is one of the best options available. For a similar (but less luxurious) experience at a fraction of the cost, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane are excellent alternatives.

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 5 ingredient(s):
Ceramide NP Ceramide AP Ectoin Tocopherol Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 5 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Linoleic Acid Zingiber Officinale Root Extract Tocopherol 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
2
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
60% 39%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 41 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
0 Unknown
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
1 Unknown
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS