Even Tone Gentle Gel Cleanser
Even Tone Gentle Gel Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, pH-balanced foaming gel cleanser from Urban Skin Rx, powered by 4% Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid and a potent ClearTone Advanced Technology® blend. Designed to deep-clean pores, remove makeup and visibly brighten uneven skin tone and dark spots without stripping sensitive skin.
Fades Dark Spots
Multi-ingredient brightening complex targets hyperpigmentation, melasma and post-blemish marks.
Texture & feel
SENSORYFades Dark Spots
Multi-ingredient brightening complex targets hyperpigmentation, melasma and post-blemish marks.
Deep Pore Cleanse
Lush lather lifts oil, dirt and makeup without stripping the moisture barrier.
pH-Balanced
Formulated at skin-friendly pH to protect the acid mantle during cleansing.
Gentle Enough Daily
Sulfate-free surfactant system (Cocamidopropyl Betaine + Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate) suitable for sensitive skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains Retinol (vitamin A) and Kojic Acid. Most OB-GYNs recommend avoiding topical retinoids during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult your doctor.
Contains Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, which can feed Malassezia yeast.
No SLS, SLES, parabens, phthalates or mineral oil. Uses Phenoxyethanol + Potassium Sorbate as preservatives.
Wash-off format with mild surfactants. Rated 1/5 on the comedogenic scale — unlikely to clog pores for most users.
Contains Retinol and brightening actives. Daily SPF 30+ is essential when using this cleanser, especially AM.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a known allergen for a small percentage of users. Patch test on neck for 15 minutes first.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSNiacinamide 4%Proven
Vitamin B3 is a multi-functional superstar: it inhibits melanosome transfer to reduce hyperpigmentation, strengthens the skin barrier, regulates sebum and calms inflammation.
- Source: Clinical studies show 4–5% Niacinamide visibly reduces hyperpigmentation and evens skin tone in 4–8 weeks.
- Bonus: Tolerated even by sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.
Azelaic Acid ~1–2%Proven
A dicarboxylic acid produced by yeast on human skin. It inhibits tyrosinase (the enzyme that produces melanin), kills acne-causing bacteria and gently exfoliates without irritation.
- Source: Prescription-strength Azelaic Acid (15–20%) is FDA-approved for rosacea and acne; even lower OTC concentrations support tone evening.
- Bonus: Safe for sensitive skin and considered pregnancy-friendly at prescription strength (but this product has retinol too).
Kojic Acid <1%Proven
A naturally derived brightener from fermented rice (a koji byproduct). Works by blocking tyrosinase activity, reducing melanin overproduction in dark spots and sun damage.
- Source: Dermatology studies rank Kojic Acid among the most effective non-prescription alternatives to hydroquinone.
- Synergy: Works powerfully when paired with Niacinamide and Alpha-Arbutin.
Alpha-Arbutin <1%Proven
A stable, water-soluble glycoside of hydroquinone found in bearberry plants. It slowly releases hydroquinone-like activity without the harsh irritation, making it safer for daily use.
- Source: 2% Alpha-Arbutin has demonstrated significant reduction in UV-induced pigmentation in clinical trials.
- Suitable: For all skin tones including darker Fitzpatrick types IV–VI.
Glutathione <1%Promising
A master antioxidant tripeptide that scavenges free radicals and can inhibit melanin production by converting eumelanin (dark) to pheomelanin (lighter).
- Source: Topical Glutathione studies show mild skin-lightening benefits, particularly in combination formulas.
Black Tea Ferment <1%Promising
Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment (kombucha-derived) delivers polyphenols and antioxidants that fight oxidative stress and help even skin tone.
- Source: Rich in EGCG and theaflavins — flavonoids with proven anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects.
Phytic Acid <1%Proven
A gentle antioxidant and mild exfoliant derived from rice bran. Chelates metal ions, reducing oxidative damage, and lightly accelerates cell turnover.
- Source: Considered one of the gentlest chemical exfoliants — safer for sensitive skin than AHAs.
Retinol traceProven
Vitamin A derivative that accelerates cell turnover, unclogs pores, fades pigmentation and smooths fine lines. Included at very low concentration in this rinse-off cleanser.
- Source: Retinol is the most clinically validated anti-aging ingredient available over-the-counter.
22 ingredients
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Niacinamide, Polyacrylate-33, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Polyquaternium-10, Azelaic Acid, Phytic Acid, Glutathione, Alpha-Arbutin, Kojic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phospholipids, Retinol, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit/Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Glycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Sodium Hydroxide.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEFirst step in both AM and PM routines. If removing heavy makeup, use as a second cleanse after an oil cleanser or micellar water.
How to use
HOW TO USEMoisten Skin
Splash your face with lukewarm water to soften the skin and open pores for a better clean.
Dispense a Dime-Sized Amount
Pump a small amount into damp hands and add a few drops of water to activate the lather.
Massage for 30–60 Seconds
Work into a rich foam and gently massage in upward circular motions. Let the lather sit on skin up to 2 minutes for extra brightening benefits.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat skin dry with a clean towel — avoid rubbing.
Follow with Skincare
Apply toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). Use 1–2 times daily; avoid eye area.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You struggle with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or melasma
- You have melanin-rich skin (Fitzpatrick III–VI)
- You found the Even Tone Cleansing Bar too strong
- You want gentle daily brightening without harsh scrubs
- You have post-acne marks that won't fade
- You have sensitive or normal skin types
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (contains Retinol)
- You struggle with fungal acne (Malassezia)
- You have very dry or compromised skin barrier
- You are already using prescription retinoids
- You have a known allergy to Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- You prefer a makeup-melting oil cleanser format
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESDeep-cleansing gel format lifts excess sebum and debris while Niacinamide helps regulate oil production.
Cleanser is non-drying but not hydrating enough for very dry skin. Follow with a rich moisturizer immediately.
Balances oily T-zone without over-drying cheeks. pH-balanced formula respects all zones.
Fragrance-free and sulfate-free, but Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a possible allergen — patch test first.
Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, and Retinol all target blemishes and post-acne marks. Comedogenic rating 1/5.
Formulated by experts in darker skin tones; addresses PIH and hyperpigmentation common to Fitzpatrick IV–VI.
Results timeline
8–12 WEEKSClean, Soft & Non-Stripped
Skin feels thoroughly cleansed without the tight, squeaky sensation of harsh cleansers. Makeup lifts away easily.
92% noticed immediatelyBrighter, More Radiant Look
Dullness begins to lift. Skin looks fresher and more luminous, especially in the morning.
74% noticedSmoother Texture & Fewer Breakouts
Phytic Acid and trace Retinol accelerate turnover. Pores look refined and breakouts reduce.
68% noticedVisibly Faded Dark Spots
Consistent daily use of the ClearTone Advanced Technology® blend visibly reduces hyperpigmentation, melasma and post-acne marks.
61% noticed significant improvementRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin yet effective on dark spots
- 4% Niacinamide is a clinically meaningful concentration
- Removes makeup without needing a double cleanse
- Multi-ingredient ClearTone® brightening blend (Kojic + Arbutin + Glutathione + Azelaic)
- Expertly formulated for melanin-rich skin by a medical aesthetician
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny)
Criticized
- Contains Retinol — not pregnancy-safe
- Not fungal-acne safe (contains ferments + fatty esters)
- Only 4 oz — pricier per ounce than drugstore cleansers
- Licorice scent may not suit fragrance-averse users
- Active concentrations beyond Niacinamide aren't disclosed
- Limited international availability outside the USA
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESClay-based cream cleanser with Niacinamide and Allantoin. Also pore-decongesting and brightening, but lacks Azelaic and Kojic Acid complex.
Pair with their serum: balm-to-milk cleanser followed by 10% Niacinamide. Requires two steps but delivers a higher B3 dose at lower cost.
Drugstore cleanser with ceramides and newer Melasyl complex for dark spots. More hydrating, but milder brightening punch.
Not a cleanser, but pairs any gentle wash with Niacinamide + Licorice Root + Tranexamic Acid for similar tone-evening results.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening — consume within 1 year for best efficacy of Retinol and actives.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the pump closed between uses to protect Retinol.
Opaque plastic pump bottle — protects light-sensitive Retinol from oxidation.
Yes — 4 fl oz (120 ml) is just above TSA carry-on limit. Decant into a 100 ml bottle for flights.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo — we recommend avoiding this cleanser during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains Retinol (Vitamin A), and although the concentration is low and the product is rinsed off, most OB-GYNs and dermatologists recommend avoiding all topical retinoids during pregnancy due to potential risks to fetal development. Safer alternatives include CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm.
No. The formula contains Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride — both of which can potentially feed Malassezia yeast, the organism behind fungal acne. Since it's a wash-off product, exposure is brief, but users with active fungal acne may want to choose a safer alternative such as La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.
Yes, but space your actives. As a cleanser, it rinses off, so it works with all serums and treatments. However, since it already contains trace Retinol and exfoliating acids (Azelaic, Phytic, Kojic), layering strong AHAs/BHAs afterwards may increase irritation. If you're using a retinoid or vitamin C serum, introduce this cleanser slowly: start 3x per week to check tolerance, then build up.
It's best for normal, combination, oily and acne-prone skin dealing with hyperpigmentation, dullness or post-blemish marks. It's especially suited to melanin-rich skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) thanks to its ingredient blend targeting PIH. Sensitive skin can generally tolerate it (patch test first), but very dry or barrier-compromised skin may prefer a cream cleanser.
Expect clean, soft skin from day one and a more radiant, even look within 1–2 weeks. Visible fading of dark spots and hyperpigmentation typically takes 8–12 weeks of consistent twice-daily use, combined with daily SPF 30+. Because it's a rinse-off cleanser, pairing it with a leave-on brightening serum will speed up results.
It's the first step — used both morning and evening. In the AM, cleanse, tone, treat, moisturize and apply SPF. In the PM, you can use it solo on a no-makeup day or as the second step of a double cleanse after an oil cleanser or micellar water. Leave lather on skin for up to 2 minutes to maximize brightening benefits before rinsing.
No. It rates 1/5 on the comedogenic scale and is considered non-comedogenic. As a wash-off product using mild surfactants (Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate), it effectively removes sebum and debris. Niacinamide further helps regulate oil production, making it a great pick for acne-prone skin.
The PAO (Period After Opening) symbol on the bottle indicates 12 months. For best results, use within 1 year of opening — after that, Retinol oxidizes and loses potency, and the preservative system becomes less effective. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the pump closed between uses.
Verdict: The Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Gentle Gel Cleanser delivers a rare combination: a genuinely gentle cleanser with a potent brightening complex. With 4% Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, and Glutathione, it outperforms most single-active drugstore cleansers for fading dark spots and evening melanin-rich skin. We dock half a star for the small 4 oz size, the presence of Retinol (ruling out pregnancy use), and fragrance sensitivity from the licorice note. But for daily dark-spot defense on sensitive or combination skin, it's an unusually complete, dermatologist-credentialed formula at a fair $16 price point.
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 3 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 8 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 5 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 4 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
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 0 |
Polyacrylate-33
|
|
|
| 0 |
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Cleansing, Emulsifying, Foaming, Skin Conditioning
|
|