Acne Clearing Skin Wash

Dermalogica

Where to buy Possibly in stock

About this product

The Dermalogica Acne Clearing Skin Wash is a cleanser. Our analysis of its 56 ingredients (39 low-risk) rates it Excellent (98/100). Based on its ingredients, it looks well-suited to oily / acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Vegan-friendly Reef-safe

Summarised from our ingredient analysis — not brand marketing copy.

At a glance

Type
Cleansers
Ingredients
56
Low-risk
39
Fragrance
Fragrance-free
Origin
United States
Data updated
Jun 2026

The evidence

Quick Product Notes

Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Alcohol-Free Silicone-Free EU Allergen-Free Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe Cruelty-Free

PH Level

(Know the PH? Submit it here! )

N/A - No submissions yet

Notable Effects & Ingredients

No Notable Effects & Ingredients

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Good   Bad — tap a skin type to see which ingredients · estimated from ingredient functions
Dry Skin 12/16
Good for dry skin
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Benzyl PCA Fucus Vesiculosus Extract Echinacea Angustifolia Leaf Extract Butylene Glycol Sodium PCA Glycerin Palmitic Acid Hydroxypropyl Bis-Hydroxyethyldimonium Chloride Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Zinc PCA Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
Caution for dry skin
Maltodextrin Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Passiflora Incarnata Extract Kaolin Glycerin Salicylic Acid Palmitic Acid Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Sodium Hydroxide Polysorbate 80 Menthol Silica Camphor
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin 3/0
Good for oily/acne-prone skin
Passiflora Incarnata Extract Salicylic Acid Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Sensitive Skin 11/11
Good for sensitive skin
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract Echinacea Angustifolia Leaf Extract Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract Kaolin Glycerin Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Menthol Camphor Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract Melissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Caution for sensitive skin
Sodium Chloride Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract Butylene Glycol Glycerin Salicylic Acid Palmitic Acid Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Menthol Phenoxyethanol Camphor

Ingredients list

56 total
Lower hazard (1) Higher hazard (4)
All56 Skin Conditioning37 Fragrance11 Humectant10 Masking7 Denaturant6 Hair Conditioning6 Viscosity Controlling5 Surfactant5
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
4
B
Salicylic Acid
(Antiacne Agent, Antidandruff Agent, Corn/Callus/Wart Remover, Denaturant, Exfoliant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Keratolytic, Masking, Preservative)
Good for Oily Skin
Good for Oily Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
1
Water
(Solvent)
2
A
Glycerin
(Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care Agent, Oral Health Care Drug, Skin Protecting, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Perfuming, Solvent)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
1
Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate
(Cleansing, Emulsifying, Foam Boosting, Hydrotrope, Surfactant)
1
B
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
(Cleansing, Foaming, Surfactant)
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
4
B
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
(Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Viscosity Controlling)
1
Hydroxypropyl Bis-Hydroxyethyldimonium Chloride
(Humectant, Skin Conditioning)
3
A
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
(Sufactant, Emulsifying)
1
A
Butylene Glycol
(Fragrance, Skin Conditioning, Solvent, Viscositydecreasing Agent, Humectant, Masking, Viscosity Controlling)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
1
B
Sodium PCA
(Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Antistatic Agent, Skin Conditioning)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
1
Phytic Acid
(Chelating Agent, Oral Care Agent)
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
(Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling)
1
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
(Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing)
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
(Fragrance, Perfuming)
1
3
B
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
(Emollient, Skin Conditioning)
Good for Sensitive Skin
Good for Sensitive Skin
Allium Sativum Bulb Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
1
Passiflora Incarnata Extract
(Astringent)
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
(Anti Seborrheic, Cleansing, Oral Care, Skin Conditioning, Tonic)
2
Camphor
(Denaturant, External Analgesic, Fragrance, Plasticizer, Masking)
Good for Oily Skin
Good for Oily Skin
1
Menthol
(Denaturant, External Analgesic, Flavoring Agent, Fragrance, Oral Health Caredrug, Masking, Refreshing, Soothing)
Good for Oily Skin
Good for Oily Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
Bad for Dry Skin
Bad for Dry Skin
1
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
(Perfuming, Skin Conditioning)
Bad for Sensitive Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA LEAF EXTRACT
(Skin Conditioning)
Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
2
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
(Antistatic Agent, Emulsifying, Hair Conditioning, Surfactant)
1
B
Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate
(Antistatic Agent, Cleansing, Foaming, Surfactant)
1
A
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
(Flavoring Agent, Skin Conditioning, Humectant)
1
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
(Chelating Agent)
3
B
Polysorbate 80
(Denaturant, Emulsifying, Surfactant)
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
(Antioxidant, Perfuming)
1
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
(Antimicrobial, Skin Protecting)
1
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
1
Corallina Officinalis Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
Melissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
(Soothing, Tonic)
1
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
Angelica Archangelica Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA FLOWER EXTRACT
(Fragrance, Skin Conditioning)
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
(Fragrance, Skin Conditioning)
1
Echinacea Angustifolia Leaf Extract
(Moisturising, Skin Conditioning, Soothing, Tonic)
1
A
Ethylhexylglycerin
(Deodorant, Skin Conditioning)
Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract
(Tonic)
1
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
1
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
(Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning)
Good for Sensitive Skin
Good for Sensitive Skin
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
ASCORBIC ACID
(Antioxidant, Buffering, Fragrance, Skin Conditioning)
1
B
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
(Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent, Emollient, Humectant, Masking, Oral Care Agent, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Tonic, Uv Absorber)
Good for Oily Skin
Good for Oily Skin
1
A
Maltodextrin
(Absorbent, Binding Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Suspending Agent Nonsurfactant, Binding)
1
2
A
Silica
(Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking Agent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Viscosity Controlling)
1
A
Palmitic Acid
(Fragrance, Opacifying, Sufactant, Surfactant Emulsifying Agentsurfactant Cleansing Agent Is Included As A Function For The Soap Form Of Palmitic Acid., Emollient)
Bad for Oily Skin
Bad for Oily Skin
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
3
Zinc PCA
(Skin Conditioning, Humectant)
1
A
Kaolin
(Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking Agent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Skin Protecting, Slip Modifier)
1
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
(Skin Conditioning)
3
A
Aminomethyl Propanol
(Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent)
1
Sodium Chloride
(Bulking Agent, Masking, Oral Care Agent, Viscosity Controlling)
3
B
Sodium Hydroxide
(Denaturant, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent)
1
Benzyl PCA
(Humectant)
4
A
Phenoxyethanol
(Fragrance, Preservative)
Paraben
Paraben

My Ingredient Notes

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Key ingredients

Antioxidants
Shields skin from free radical damage.
Exfoliators
Removes dead skin cells to smoothe texture.
AHA
Exfoliates skin for a brighter complexion.
BHA
Unclogs pores and reduces excess oil.
Vitamin C
Brightens, evens tone, and supports collagen.
Peptides
Supports skin hydration and improves firmness.
Zinc
Helps control oil and supports healing.
Show all 7 key ingredients

Benefits

HydratingBoosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Redness ReducingSoothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Reduces IrritationEases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Good For Oily SkinBalances oil and helps reduce shine.
Barrier RepairStrengthen and restore your skin's natural barrier.
Reduces Large PoresMinimizes the look of enlarged pores.
Acne FightingFights acne and helps prevent breakouts.
Anti-AgingSoftens lines and helps skin look youthful.

Concerns

Contains paraben
Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
May not suit dry skin

Ingredients explained

Water
Solvent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Solvent
Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CleansingEmulsifyingFoam boostingHydrotropeSurfactant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Antistatic agent, Hair conditioning
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 4 CIR B Antistatic agentHair conditioningSkin conditioningSufactantFoam boostingViscosity increasing agentViscosity controlling
Hydroxypropyl Bis-Hydroxyethyldimonium Chloride
Humectant, Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 HumectantSkin conditioning
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
Sufactant, Emulsifying
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 3 CIR A SufactantEmulsifying
Phytic Acid
Chelating agent, Oral care agent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Chelating agentOral care agent
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin conditioning, Viscosity controlling
Limited public safety data.Read moreShow less
EWG N/A Skin conditioningViscosity controlling
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
Emollient, Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 EmollientSkin conditioningSmoothingSoothing
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Fragrance, Perfuming
Limited public safety data.Read moreShow less
EWG N/A FragrancePerfuming
Allium Sativum Bulb Extract
Skin conditioning
Limited public safety data.Read moreShow less
EWG N/A Skin conditioning
Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin conditioning
Limited public safety data.Read moreShow less
EWG N/A Skin conditioning
Passiflora Incarnata Extract
Astringent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Astringent
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
Anti seborrheic, Cleansing
Limited public safety data.Read moreShow less
EWG N/A Anti seborrheicCleansingOral careSkin conditioningTonic
HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA LEAF EXTRACT
Skin conditioning
Limited public safety data.Read moreShow less
EWG N/A Skin conditioning
Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin conditioning
Limited public safety data.Read moreShow less
EWG N/A Skin conditioning
+ 27 more — see the full ingredients list above
Salicylic Acid
Antiacne agent, Antidandruff agent
Skin irritation can occur at high concentrationRead moreShow less
EWG 4 CIR B Antiacne agentAntidandruff agentCorn/callus/wart removerDenaturantExfoliantFragranceHair conditioningSkin conditioningKeratolyticMaskingPreservative Good for Oily SkinBad for Sensitive Skin
Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 2 CIR A DenaturantFragranceHair conditioningHumectantOral care agentOral health care drugSkin protectingViscosity decreasing agentPerfumingSolvent Good for Dry SkinFungal-acne trigger
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Cleansing, Foaming
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR B CleansingFoamingSurfactant Fungal-acne trigger
Butylene Glycol
Fragrance, Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A FragranceSkin conditioningSolventViscositydecreasing agentHumectantMaskingViscosity controlling Good for Dry Skin
Sodium PCA
Hair conditioning, Humectant
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR B Hair conditioningHumectantAntistatic agentSkin conditioning Good for Dry Skin
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
Emollient, Skin conditioning
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 1–3 CIR B EmollientSkin conditioning Good for Sensitive Skin
Camphor
Denaturant, External analgesic
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 2 DenaturantExternal analgesicFragrancePlasticizerMasking Good for Oily Skin
Menthol
Denaturant, External analgesic
Potentially a skin irritantRead moreShow less
EWG 1 DenaturantExternal analgesicFlavoring agentFragranceOral health caredrugMaskingRefreshingSoothing Good for Oily SkinBad for Sensitive SkinBad for Dry Skin
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Perfuming, Skin conditioning
Potentially a skin irritantRead moreShow less
EWG 1 PerfumingSkin conditioning Bad for Sensitive Skin
Polysorbate 80
Denaturant, Emulsifying
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 3 CIR B DenaturantEmulsifyingSurfactant Fungal-acne trigger
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking, Perfuming
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 MaskingPerfumingSkin conditioning Good for Sensitive SkinGood for Dry Skin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial, Antioxidant
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR B AntimicrobialAntioxidantAstringentEmollientHumectantMaskingOral care agentSkin conditioningSkin protectingTonicUv absorber Good for Oily Skin
Palmitic Acid
Fragrance, Opacifying
Potentially comedogenic - can block poresRead moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A FragranceOpacifyingSufactantSurfactant -emulsifying agentsurfactant-cleansing agent is included as a function for the soap form of palmitic acid.Emollient Bad for Oily SkinFungal-acne trigger
Phenoxyethanol
Fragrance, Preservative
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 4 CIR A FragrancePreservative Paraben

How to use

How to use

  • 1 Where it fits: Use as the first step, on clean hands, before the rest of your routine.
  • 2 Morning only: Apply as the last step of your AM routine, after moisturiser, and reapply every ~2 hours of sun exposure.

General guidance from this product's category and active ingredients — always follow the directions on the package.

Trust & honesty

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Contains ingredients some choose to avoid or double-check while pregnant or nursing.

Use with caution
BHA (salicylic) (Salicylic Acid)

Low-strength topical salicylic acid (BHA) is generally considered fine. Caution is usually reserved for high-strength leave-on products and salicylic peels.

This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy guidance varies and depends on concentration and your individual situation — always check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist. How we flag this.

Effective levels — general guide

The concentrations these actives are typically effective at in research — not a measurement of this product.

Vitamin C (ascorbic) 5–20%

L-ascorbic acid is usually used at 5–20% (around 10–15% is common). Above ~20% adds little and tends to irritate more; it also needs a low pH to work.

ASCORBIC ACID

BHA (salicylic) 0.5–2%

Salicylic acid is OTC-capped at 2%; 0.5–2% is the usual leave-on range. Much below that it acts more as a soothing agent than an exfoliant.

Salicylic Acid

INCI lists don't disclose amounts, and we don't claim to know this product's levels — these are the ranges these ingredients are usually effective at, so you can tell a real formula from "fairy-dusting" a marketed active. How we estimate this.

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