Enzyme Cleansing Gel
Enzyme Cleansing Gel
Product Description
Product overview
A bestselling non-foaming gel cleanser infused with papaya and grapefruit enzymes that gently exfoliates while removing excess oil and surface impurities. This oil-free formula leaves skin feeling clean, bright, and refreshed without stripping moisture.
Enzyme Exfoliation
Papaya enzymes (papain) gently break down dead skin cells for brighter, smoother skin without harsh scrubbing.
Texture & feel
SENSORYEnzyme Exfoliation
Papaya enzymes (papain) gently break down dead skin cells for brighter, smoother skin without harsh scrubbing.
Natural AHAs
Grapefruit extract provides natural alpha hydroxy acids that help dissolve surface buildup and refine pores.
Non-Stripping Formula
Glycerin and propylene glycol help maintain hydration while cleansing, preventing that tight, dry feeling.
Brightening Effect
Regular use helps improve dull complexions by removing dead skin buildup that causes uneven tone.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben) which some prefer to avoid during pregnancy. No retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone present. Consult your healthcare provider.
Contains PEG-8 Stearate which may potentially feed malassezia in some individuals. Results vary - patch test recommended for fungal acne concerns.
Non-foaming gel formula is gentler than traditional surfactant-based cleansers. However, contains fragrance which may irritate very reactive skin.
Safe to use with most actives including retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide. The gentle exfoliation may enhance absorption of subsequent products.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSPapaya Fruit Extract (Carica Papaya)Key Active
Contains papain enzyme that provides gentle enzymatic exfoliation by breaking down keratin proteins in dead skin cells. This natural enzyme helps reveal brighter skin without physical scrubbing.
- Mechanism: Papain dissolves dead skin cell bonds for gentle chemical exfoliation
- Benefits: Brightening, smoothing, helps reduce appearance of dullness
- Source: Naturally derived from papaya fruit
Grapefruit Fruit Extract (Citrus Grandis)Key Active
Provides natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) including citric acid that help dissolve surface impurities and dead skin buildup. Also contains antioxidant vitamin C.
- Mechanism: Natural AHAs loosen bonds between dead skin cells
- Benefits: Exfoliation, brightening, refreshing sensation
- Source: Extracted from grapefruit fruit
Glycerin High PositionProven
A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin and helps maintain hydration during cleansing. Prevents the tight, dry feeling common with many cleansers.
- Research: Studies show glycerin may be more effective than hyaluronic acid as a humectant
- Benefits: Hydration, skin barrier support, non-irritating
- Rating: Comedogenic 0, Irritancy 0
Preservative System Low
Contains phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, propylparaben, and diazolidinyl urea to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life.
- Parabens: Effective preservatives; some consumers prefer paraben-free options
- Diazolidinyl Urea: Formaldehyde-releaser preservative, safe at concentrations below 0.5%
19 ingredients
Aqua (Water, Eau), Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, PEG-8 Stearate, PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Chloride, Parfum (Fragrance), Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Triethanolamine, Diazolidinyl Urea, Mica, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 15985 (Yellow 6).
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your primary cleanser morning and night. For heavy makeup, consider double cleansing with an oil cleanser first. Can also be used as a 1-5 minute mask for deeper exfoliation.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water onto your face to dampen the skin. Avoid hot water which can strip natural oils.
Apply a Small Amount
Squeeze a dime-sized amount onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated gel formula.
Massage Gently
Work the gel in circular motions across your face, avoiding the eye area. The formula won't foam - this is normal.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with warm water until all product is removed. Pat dry with a clean towel - don't rub.
Follow with Toner
Apply your toner immediately while skin is still slightly damp. Mario Badescu recommends their Cucumber or Aloe Vera toner.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have combination or oily skin
- You want gentle daily exfoliation
- You dislike tight, stripped feeling after cleansing
- You have dull skin that needs brightening
- You prefer non-foaming cleansers
- You want an affordable, effective cleanser
- You enjoy fresh, citrus scents
Consider alternatives if:
- You wear heavy makeup (needs double cleanse)
- You prefer paraben-free products
- You have very reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin
- You need foaming action to feel clean
- You're strictly avoiding all formaldehyde-releasers
- You have confirmed fungal acne
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESOil-free formula effectively removes excess sebum without over-drying. Enzyme exfoliation helps prevent clogged pores.
Balances oily T-zone while glycerin maintains hydration on drier areas. Well-suited for combination concerns.
Gentle enough for daily use, provides brightening benefits without disrupting balanced skin.
Non-stripping formula with glycerin helps, but may need a richer moisturizer afterward. Good for dry skin that's not severely dehydrated.
Contains fragrance which may irritate very sensitive skin. Patch test first. Many sensitive skin users report good tolerance.
Enzyme exfoliation helps prevent dead skin buildup that clogs pores. Low comedogenic rating (2/5). Not a targeted acne treatment.
Results timeline
8+ WEEKSClean, Refreshed Skin
Skin feels clean and soft without tightness. Fresh citrus scent provides an invigorating cleansing experience. Surface oil and light impurities removed.
95% noticed after first useSmoother Texture
Gentle enzyme exfoliation begins smoothing rough patches and refining skin texture. Pores may appear less congested as buildup is gradually removed.
78% noticed improvementBrighter Complexion
Consistent use reveals more radiant, even-toned skin as dead cell turnover improves. Dullness visibly reduced. Overall complexion appears healthier.
82% reported brighter skinMaintained Results
Continued use maintains clear, balanced skin. Many users report fewer breakouts and a consistently fresh complexion. Best results with consistent twice-daily use.
85% continued using long-termRatings by platform
17K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Gentle yet effective cleansing
- Doesn't leave skin tight or stripped
- Pleasant fresh citrus scent
- Excellent value for the amount
- Works well for sensitive skin
- Visible brightening over time
- Can double as an enzyme mask
- Leaves skin soft and smooth
Criticized
- Contains parabens and fragrance
- Doesn't remove heavy makeup alone
- Non-foaming texture unfamiliar to some
- May sting if it gets in eyes
- Contains formaldehyde-releasing preservative
- Not ideal for very dry skin
- Contains artificial dyes
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESFragrance-free, paraben-free formula with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. More hydrating but lacks enzyme exfoliation. Better for dry/sensitive skin.
Creamy, non-foaming formula at drugstore price. No enzyme exfoliation but very gentle. Fragrance-free option available.
French pharmacy brand with thermal spring water and niacinamide. Fragrance-free, very gentle. Better for sensitive/reactive skin but no exfoliation.
Oat-based balm formula that melts makeup. Different texture (balm vs gel) but similarly gentle. Better makeup removal but no enzymatic action.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep container closed when not in use to prevent contamination.
Squeezable plastic tube with flip-top cap. Allows easy dispensing and portion control.
8oz size exceeds TSA 3.4oz carry-on limit. Transfer to smaller container or check in luggage. 2oz travel size available.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThis product contains parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben) and diazolidinyl urea which some healthcare providers recommend avoiding during pregnancy. It does NOT contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens - the primary ingredients to avoid. However, due to the preservative system, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
There is conflicting information on this. The product contains PEG-8 Stearate, which some sources flag as potentially feeding malassezia. However, other ingredient databases mark it as fungal acne safe. Since cleansers are rinse-off products with minimal skin contact time, they're generally less problematic than leave-on products. If you have confirmed fungal acne, patch test first or consider a verified FA-safe cleanser.
Yes, this cleanser is compatible with most active ingredients. Since it provides gentle enzymatic exfoliation, you may want to reduce frequency of other exfoliants (AHA/BHA) to avoid over-exfoliation. Use retinol and vitamin C in subsequent steps after cleansing. If you're new to actives, introduce them gradually to assess your skin's tolerance.
This cleanser is ideal for oily, combination, and normal skin types. It's particularly good for those with dull skin who want gentle brightening. While it can work for dry skin due to its non-stripping formula, very dry skin types may prefer a more hydrating cleanser. Sensitive skin users should patch test first due to the fragrance content.
You'll notice cleaner, softer skin immediately after the first use. Texture improvements typically appear within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. Visible brightening and more even skin tone usually become apparent after 4-6 weeks of twice-daily use. Best results come from consistent long-term use as part of a complete skincare routine.
Use as Step 1 in both your morning and evening routines. For heavy makeup days, use an oil cleanser first (double cleansing method) then follow with Enzyme Cleansing Gel. After cleansing, apply toner, serums, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only) in that order.
This cleanser has a relatively low comedogenic rating of 2/5. The main potentially comedogenic ingredient is PEG-8 Stearate (rated 3/5). However, since this is a rinse-off product that doesn't stay on the skin, pore-clogging is less of a concern than with leave-on products. Most users with acne-prone skin report no issues with breakouts.
The product has a 12-month Period After Opening (PAO). With twice-daily use, the 8oz bottle typically lasts 3-4 months and the 16oz bottle lasts 6-8 months. Store in a cool, dry place and keep the cap closed when not in use. Discard if you notice any changes in color, smell, or texture.
Verdict: Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel is a solid, budget-friendly cleanser that delivers on its promises of gentle exfoliation and brightening. The papaya and grapefruit enzymes provide effective yet non-irritating exfoliation, making it an excellent choice for those with oily, combination, or dull skin. While the paraben content and fragrance may be dealbreakers for some, the majority of users praise its gentle effectiveness and excellent value. It's a true cult favorite for good reason - simple, effective skincare that doesn't break the bank. Just don't expect it to remove heavy makeup on its own.
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
|
|
| 3 |
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
PEG-8 Stearate
|
|
|
| 0 |
PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide
Emulsifying
|
|









