Gentle Cleanser
Gentle Cleanser
Product Description
A dermatologically tested, pH-balanced gentle cleanser formulated with colloidal oat kernel flour to soothe, cleanse, and protect sensitive skin. This multi-benefit complex is free from soap, fragrance, parabens, and harsh sulfates—making it ideal for eczema-prone, dry, and irritated skin types.
✨ Texture & Feel
Colloidal Oat Formula
Contains Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour rich in beta-glucan for soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Barrier Protection
Helps promote skin's natural protection barrier while cleansing without stripping essential moisture.
Multi-Benefit Complex
Cleanses, moisturizes, and soothes in one step with Panthenol and Glycerin for added hydration.
Gentle Surfactants
Uses mild Cocamidopropyl Betaine instead of harsh SLS/SLES for a low-foam, non-irritating cleanse.
🛡️ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Free from fatty acids, esters, and fermented ingredients that feed Malassezia yeast. Safe for fungal acne sufferers.
Dermatologically tested and proven suitable for eczema-prone, dry, and itchy skin conditions.
Formulated to not clog pores. Comedogenic rating of 0-1 makes it safe for acne-prone skin.
While considered safe by regulators, some may prefer to avoid. The concentration is minimal and rinses off quickly.
Contains oat kernel flour. Those with known oat allergies should patch test before full use.
🔬 Ingredient Breakdown
🌾 Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour Proven
Colloidal oatmeal is an FDA-recognized skin protectant loaded with beta-glucan (5-6%), anti-inflammatory avenanthramides, and moisturizing carbohydrates. A gold-standard ingredient for dry, irritated, and eczema-prone skin.
- Beta-Glucan: Forms a protective film that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
- Avenanthramides: Unique polyphenols with anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties
- Clinical Evidence: Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (2015) confirms anti-inflammatory effectiveness
💧 Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) Proven
A powerful humectant that penetrates the skin and converts to Vitamin B5. Known for its moisturizing, soothing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties.
- Moisturizing: Attracts and retains water in the skin for long-lasting hydration
- Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces irritation and redness in sensitive skin
- Barrier Support: Helps repair and strengthen the skin's protective barrier
🧊 Glycerin Proven
A classic humectant that's naturally found in skin. Studies show glycerin is more effective than hyaluronic acid at holding moisture, working effectively from concentrations as low as 3%.
- Humectant: Draws water from the environment into the skin
- Skin-Identical: Maintains healthy skin lipid structure
- Comedogenic Rating: 0 - will not clog pores
🫧 Cocamidopropyl Betaine Gentle
A mild, amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil. Provides gentle cleansing with excellent foam-boosting abilities while being hydrating to the skin. Recommended for baby products and sensitive skin cleansers.
- Amphoteric Structure: Contains both positive and negative charges for gentler cleansing
- 2012 Study: High-grade pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions
- Foam Stabilizer: Creates a gentle lather without harsh stripping
💦 Betaine Promising
A natural humectant known for being exceptionally gentle on skin. Helps balance hydration and soothes irritated skin while improving overall texture.
- Hydration: Promotes moisture retention in the skin
- Soothing: Calms and comforts irritated skin
- Texture: Improves skin's overall smoothness and feel
14 ingredients
Aqua, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Betaine, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Cocamide DEA, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerin, Sorbic Acid.
🔄 Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as your first cleansing step both morning and evening. Can also be used as a body wash for sensitive skin.
📝 How to Use
Wet Your Skin
Splash lukewarm water on your face and/or body. Avoid hot water as it can strip natural oils.
Dispense & Lather
Dispense desired amount onto palms or a soft sponge. Lather gently with water to create a light foam.
Massage Gently
Apply to skin using gentle circular motions. Avoid harsh rubbing, especially on sensitive or irritated areas.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse well with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a soft towel—don't rub. Follow with moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp.
👤 Who Is It For?
✅ Perfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, dry, or eczema-prone skin
- You prefer fragrance-free, minimal ingredient formulas
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe cleanser
- You experience irritation from SLS/SLES sulfates
- You're looking for a Cetaphil alternative at a better price
- You have fungal acne and need a malassezia-safe cleanser
- You want a gentle cleanser for both face and body
❌ Consider alternatives if:
- You need heavy makeup removal (pair with an oil cleanser)
- You prefer rich, foamy lathers
- You have oat allergies or sensitivities
- You want active ingredients like salicylic acid or AHAs
- You prefer scented products for a spa-like experience
- You have very oily skin and want deep oil control
🎯 Skin Type Compatibility
Specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free, pH-balanced, and dermatologically tested.
Oat, Panthenol, and Glycerin provide moisture without stripping. Leaves skin soft, not tight.
Colloidal oatmeal is clinically proven to soothe eczema. Free from common irritants.
Gentle enough for dry areas, cleanses oily zones effectively without over-drying.
Works for gentle cleansing but may not provide deep oil control. Consider foaming cleansers for very oily skin.
Non-comedogenic and fungal acne safe. Panthenol helps with post-acne healing.
📈 Results Timeline
Immediate Comfort
Skin feels clean without tightness or dryness. The gentle formula doesn't strip natural oils, leaving skin soft and comfortable immediately after use.
95% noticed softer skinReduced Irritation
Redness and irritation begin to subside as the oat-based formula soothes inflammation. Skin feels calmer and more balanced.
88% noticed less rednessImproved Skin Barrier
With consistent use, the skin's protective barrier strengthens. Dryness and flaking reduce as hydration levels improve.
82% noticed improved hydrationHealthier, Calmer Skin
Long-term users report significantly healthier skin with fewer flare-ups, better texture, and maintained moisture balance.
78% noticed overall improvement⭐ Ratings by Platform
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Praised
- Extremely gentle—doesn't irritate sensitive or eczema-prone skin
- Affordable compared to Cetaphil and CeraVe alternatives
- Minimal, clean ingredient list with only 14 ingredients
- Fragrance-free and paraben-free formula
- Versatile—works for both face and body
- Pregnancy and fungal acne safe
- Leaves skin soft and hydrated, not tight
- Dermatologically tested in Australia
❌ Criticized
- Low foam may feel unfamiliar to some users
- Not effective for heavy makeup removal
- May be too gentle for very oily skin types
- Contains Cocamide DEA (some prefer to avoid)
- Limited retail availability—often sold out
- Some users report mild stripping effect
💰 Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
The original gentle cleanser. Uses similar mild surfactants but contains propylene glycol. Lacks oat for soothing but proven track record since 1947.
Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid for added barrier support. Slightly more hydrating but no oat. Better for very dry skin types.
Ultra-minimal formula with no oat or Panthenol. More affordable and widely available. Great for extremely reactive skin.
French pharmacy formula with ceramides and niacinamide. No oat but excellent for barrier repair. Higher price point but prestigious brand.
🔄 Comparison with Competitors
Derma365 Gentle Cleanser
~$12Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
~$15CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
~$16La Roche-Posay Toleriane
~$17📦 Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed between uses.
Flip-top bottle (250ml/500ml) or pump dispenser (1L). Hygienic dispensing minimizes contamination.
250ml size available for travel. 500ml exceeds carry-on limits—decant into smaller container.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Derma365 Gentle Cleanser is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or other ingredients that are contraindicated during pregnancy. The formula uses gentle, well-established ingredients like oat kernel flour, panthenol, and glycerin that have excellent safety profiles.
Yes, Derma365 Gentle Cleanser is fungal acne safe. It does not contain fatty acids (C12-C24), esters, fermented ingredients, or oils that feed Malassezia yeast. The formula has been verified through ingredient analysis tools like Skincarisma and SkinSort as being safe for those with fungal acne or Malassezia folliculitis.
Yes, Derma365 Gentle Cleanser pairs well with active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. As a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser without active ingredients, it provides a clean canvas for your actives without causing irritation or interfering with their efficacy. It's actually ideal for use with potent actives because it won't over-strip or sensitize your skin.
Derma365 Gentle Cleanser is best suited for sensitive, dry, eczema-prone, and normal skin types. It's dermatologically tested and proven suitable for even the most sensitive skin. While it works for combination skin, those with very oily skin may prefer a foaming cleanser for deeper oil control. It's also excellent for anyone who experiences irritation from sulfates or fragranced products.
You'll notice immediate comfort after the first use—skin feels clean without tightness. Within 1 week, most users report reduced redness and irritation. By weeks 2-3, the skin barrier typically shows improvement with better hydration. For eczema or severely irritated skin, consistent use over 4+ weeks shows the most significant improvement in overall skin health.
Derma365 Gentle Cleanser is your first step in any skincare routine. Use it morning and evening to cleanse your face and/or body. Follow with toner (optional), serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). If you wear makeup, you may want to double cleanse by using an oil cleanser first, then Derma365 as your second cleanser.
No, Derma365 Gentle Cleanser is non-comedogenic with a rating of 0-1 out of 5. It contains no oils or heavy emollients that could clog pores. The formula is specifically designed to cleanse without leaving residue. It's safe for acne-prone skin and has been dermatologically tested to confirm it won't cause breakouts.
Derma365 Gentle Cleanser has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. This means it remains effective and safe to use for 12 months after you first open the bottle. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap tightly closed to maximize shelf life. The 500ml bottle typically lasts 3-4 months with twice-daily use.
Verdict: Derma365 Gentle Cleanser is an excellent, affordable option for those with sensitive, dry, or eczema-prone skin. Its standout feature is the colloidal oat kernel flour—a clinically proven skin protectant that soothes and calms irritated skin. At a lower price point than Cetaphil, with a cleaner ingredient list (only 14 ingredients), it delivers comparable results while being pregnancy-safe and fungal acne-safe. The main drawbacks are its limited retail availability and low-foam texture that may take getting used to. If you're looking for a gentle, no-frills cleanser that actually cares for your skin barrier, this Australian-made cleanser is a solid choice worth trying.
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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 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 |
Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Avena Sativa Kernel Flour
Absorbent, Abrasive
|
Texture
|
|
| 0 |
Cocamide DEA
Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
|
|