Gel De Limpeza GL-02
Gel De Limpeza GL-02
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle yet effective gel cleanser formulated with 10% glycerin, 1% Sodium PCA and an 11.5% surfactant blend. Designed for sensitive and oily skin, it deeply cleanses without stripping moisture, controls oiliness, minimizes pores, and leaves skin soft, hydrated, and radiant. Often called "the Brazilian The Ordinary" cleanser — high performance at a fraction of the price.
Deep Hydrating Cleanse
10% glycerin penetrates the skin barrier, retaining moisture even during cleansing — no tight or dry feeling after rinsing.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDeep Hydrating Cleanse
10% glycerin penetrates the skin barrier, retaining moisture even during cleansing — no tight or dry feeling after rinsing.
Natural Moisturizing Factor Support
1% Sodium PCA replenishes the skin's natural hydration molecule that gets depleted during washing, keeping your barrier intact.
Gentle Surfactant Blend
11.5% mix of mild surfactants effectively removes oil, makeup residue, and impurities without irritation or over-stripping.
Acid-Free for Sensitive Skin
Unlike GL-01, this formula contains no salicylic acid — perfect for those using acids separately or with reactive skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy. The brand advises consulting a doctor as standard precaution.
Contains PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate and Cocamide DEA which may feed malassezia. However, as a rinse-off product with very short skin contact time, the risk is minimal for most users.
Comedogenic rating 0/5. Rinse-off formula with no comedogenic oils or heavy occlusives. Will not clog pores.
Safety and efficacy have been tested and confirmed safe for the eye area, according to Principia.
No restrictions for use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA, niacinamide, or other actives. Ideal as the gentle cleansing step in an active-heavy routine.
Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which is much milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Effective for cleansing, well-tolerated by most skin types including sensitive skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin 10%Proven
One of the most effective humectants in skincare. Glycerin attracts and retains water in the skin, penetrating the barrier to deliver deep, long-lasting hydration. In this cleanser, 10% glycerin ensures that the cleansing process does not strip the skin's natural moisture.
- Study: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Function: Hydrates deeper skin layers due to its low molecular weight.
- Bonus: Also has antimicrobial and skin barrier-strengthening properties.
Sodium PCA 1%Proven
A skin-identical ingredient that is a key component of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). Derived from glutamic acid via sugarcane molasses, Sodium PCA prevents transepidermal water loss and maintains optimal hydration levels.
- NMF Role: Naturally present in skin but decreases with age and during cleansing.
- Irritancy: 0 — Comedogenicity: 0 (completely non-irritating).
- Function: Replenishes the natural PCA lost during the cleansing process.
Surfactant Blend 11.5%Proven
A carefully balanced mix of SLES, Decyl Glucoside, and Cocamide DEA that provides effective cleansing without over-stripping. Each surfactant plays a specific role in the formula.
- SLES: Primary cleanser — milder than SLS, creates effective foaming action.
- Decyl Glucoside: Plant-derived (coconut/glucose), ultra-gentle, biodegradable. Used in baby shampoos.
- Cocamide DEA: Foam booster and viscosity builder that enhances the cleansing experience.
Sodium Gluconate <5%Promising
A mild PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid) derivative that serves multiple roles: chelating agent to stabilize the formula, gentle humectant, and pH regulator. Ecocert and Cosmos approved natural ingredient.
- Chelating: Neutralizes metal ions (iron, copper) to prevent formula degradation.
- Humectant: Helps skin retain water, boosting overall hydration.
- Natural: Considered natural and approved by major organic certifying bodies.
11 ingredients
Aqua, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamide DEA, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide, Sodium PCA, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as Step 1 in the AM (no oil cleanser needed) and Step 2 in the PM after oil/balm cleansing. Perfect as a second cleanse in double cleansing routines. Pairs well with Principia OL-01 Oil Cleanser.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash your face with lukewarm or cool water to prepare the skin for cleansing.
Apply a Small Amount
Dispense one pump of gel onto your palms. A little goes a long way with this formula.
Massage Gently
Work the gel into your skin using soft circular motions for about 30 seconds until a light foam forms. Avoid harsh rubbing.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with running water until all product is removed. Pat dry gently with a clean towel — do not rub.
Follow With Your Routine
Apply toner, serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). Use twice daily, morning and evening, for best results.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive skin that reacts to harsh cleansers or acids
- You use active ingredients (retinol, AHA, BHA) and need a gentle cleanser
- You want oiliness control without stripping or drying
- You're looking for a budget-friendly cleanser with proven ingredients
- Your skin feels tight or dry after cleansing with other products
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need an acid-free option
Consider alternatives if:
- You need a cleanser with active exfoliation (try GL-01 with 2% salicylic acid instead)
- You prefer a completely sulfate-free formula
- You have severe fungal acne / malassezia folliculitis (due to PEG-150 content)
- You want a very dense, thick foam — this produces a lighter, softer lather
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESEffectively controls oiliness throughout the day without over-stripping. Leaves skin clean and matte without dryness or rebound oil production.
Specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Acid-free, with high glycerin content and Sodium PCA to protect the skin barrier during cleansing.
Balances cleansing across oily and dry zones. Removes excess sebum from the T-zone while keeping cheeks hydrated and comfortable.
10% glycerin helps maintain hydration, but very dry skin may still need a richer cleanser. Works well when followed by a hydrating moisturizer.
Non-comedogenic (0/5) formula. While it doesn't contain active acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, it cleanses without aggravating breakouts. Pair with a BHA serum for acne treatment.
Results timeline
MONTH 2-3Immediate Softness & Comfort
Skin feels noticeably softer, cleaner, and more hydrated right after the first use. No tightness, dryness, or burning sensation.
95% noticedOiliness Control & Improved Radiance
Consistent use shows visible reduction in excess oiliness throughout the day. Skin begins to look more balanced with a natural, healthy glow.
80% noticedPore Refinement & Smoother Texture
Enlarged pores appear reduced as sebum production normalizes. Overall skin texture becomes smoother and more even.
70% noticedStrengthened Barrier & Long-Term Hydration
Skin barrier is visibly stronger. Less sensitivity, better moisture retention, and the skin maintains a balanced, dewy-clean finish with each use.
65% noticedRatings by platform
7K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Cleanses effectively without drying or causing tightness
- Skin feels incredibly soft and hydrated after use
- Excellent value — 350g lasts 3-5 months of daily use
- Acid-free formula perfect for sensitive skin and alongside retinol
- Practical pump packaging with travel lock
- Minimal, clean ingredient list (only 11 ingredients)
- ANVISA-registered with tested efficacy claims
- Can be used morning and night without irritation
Criticized
- Contains SLES (some prefer sulfate-free formulas)
- Foam is light and soft — not dense or thick
- Contains parfum (fragrance), though very subtle
- Pump may leak slightly without travel lock engaged
- Not a makeup remover — use with oil cleanser for heavy makeup
- Limited international availability outside of Brazil
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Similar gentle gel cleanser approach with no harsh chemicals, fragrance-free, and vitamin-enriched. Lacks the 10% glycerin and Sodium PCA concentration but similarly gentle on sensitive skin.
Creamy rather than gel texture. Good for sensitive skin with a milder surfactant system, but doesn't offer the same oiliness control or high glycerin concentration as the GL-02.
Another Brazilian brand with a sulfate-free formula containing niacinamide and panthenol. More complex ingredient list but pricier per gram. Good alternative if you strictly avoid SLES.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEPrincipia GL-02
Principia GL-01 (Sibling Product)
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Unopened shelf life is 3 years from manufacture date.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Pump bottle (350g) with travel-lock mechanism on the dispenser nozzle. Also available in 200g and 500g sizes.
The 200g size is travel-compatible. The 350g bottle has a locking pump for safe transport but exceeds airline carry-on liquid limits.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The GL-02 formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — all common pregnancy-concern ingredients. All 11 ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Principia's label recommends consulting your physician during pregnancy as a standard legal precaution, but the formulation itself is free from known pregnancy-unsafe actives.
With caution. The formula contains PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate and Cocamide DEA, which some databases flag as potentially feeding malassezia yeast. However, since GL-02 is a rinse-off product with a very short contact time on the skin (30-60 seconds), the practical risk is minimal for most users. If you have severe or chronic fungal acne, you may want to choose a strictly malassezia-safe cleanser.
Absolutely. GL-02 is specifically designed to be an acid-free, gentle cleanser that pairs perfectly with active-heavy routines. In fact, Brazilian skincare bloggers particularly recommend GL-02 if you are starting retinol or using AHA/BHA treatments, because it won't add additional irritation to your routine. There are virtually no restrictions on combining GL-02 with other active ingredients.
GL-02 is formulated primarily for sensitive and oily skin types, but it works well for combination and normal skin too. It's especially suited for people who find most cleansers too drying or stripping. Those with very dry skin may want to follow it with a richer moisturizer. If you have acne-prone skin needing active exfoliation, consider the sibling product GL-01 with 2% salicylic acid instead.
The softness and hydration benefits are noticeable from the very first use. Most users report visible improvement in oiliness control within 1-2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Pore refinement and overall skin radiance improvements typically appear after 3-4 weeks. Long-term barrier strengthening benefits build over 2-3 months of regular use.
GL-02 is your water-based cleanser. In the morning, use it as Step 1 on damp skin. In the evening, use it as Step 2 after an oil cleanser or micellar water (double cleansing method). Follow with toner, serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). It pairs particularly well with the Principia OL-01 Oil Cleanser for a complete double cleanse.
No. GL-02 has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. It contains no comedogenic oils, heavy occlusives, or pore-clogging ingredients. As a rinse-off product, even trace amounts of any ingredient are washed away. The brand confirms that GL-02 is beneficial for acne-prone skin and does not cause breakouts. It also helps reduce enlarged pores with consistent use.
The product has a 12-month Period After Opening (PAO). The unopened shelf life is 3 years from the manufacture date. With twice-daily use, the 350g bottle typically lasts between 3 to 5 months depending on how much product you dispense per wash. The preservative system (Phenoxyethanol + Caprylyl Glycol) keeps the formula stable and effective throughout its use period.
Verdict: The Principia Gel de Limpeza GL-02 is an outstanding gentle cleanser that delivers on every promise — effective cleansing without compromising your skin barrier. The 10% glycerin and 1% Sodium PCA combination is genuinely innovative for a face wash at this price point. It's particularly impressive for sensitive skin users and those on active-ingredient-heavy routines who need a non-aggravating cleansing step. The only deductions come from containing SLES and a subtle fragrance, which may not suit purists seeking completely "clean" formulations. At roughly $10 for 350g, the value proposition is exceptional — this is truly premium performance at a drugstore price. A must-try for anyone in the Brazilian skincare space and well worth the import for international buyers.
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
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.