Gentle Cleansing Gel
Gentle Cleansing Gel
Product Description
Product overview
A light-lathering, soap-free gel cleanser enriched with Aloe Vera and White Tea antioxidants. Gently removes makeup, excess oil, and impurities in one step while maintaining your skin's natural moisture balance. Designed for all skin types, especially sensitive and easily irritated skin.
Light-Lathering Foam
Creates a gentle, creamy foam that cleanses without stripping your skin's natural oils or disrupting its moisture barrier.
Texture & feel
SENSORYLight-Lathering Foam
Creates a gentle, creamy foam that cleanses without stripping your skin's natural oils or disrupting its moisture barrier.
Aloe Vera Soothing
Natural anti-inflammatory and hydrator that calms irritation, reduces redness, and nourishes sensitive skin during cleansing.
White Tea Antioxidants
Powerful polyphenol-rich extract that protects against free radical damage and environmental stressors while gently cleansing.
One-Step Makeup Removal
Effectively removes daily makeup, sunscreen, and impurities in a single cleansing step without excessive scrubbing or rubbing.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains zero fungal acne triggers. No ferments, fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates. Two ingredients (White Tea, Cocamidopropyl Betaine) have antifungal properties.
Extremely low comedogenic risk. Gel-based, rinse-off formula does not leave pore-clogging residue. Safe for acne-prone skin.
Soap-free pH-balanced formula with soothing Aloe Vera. Free from parabens, SLS/SLES, mineral oil, and artificial fragrances.
Includes grapefruit, bergamot, and lime oils which provide natural fragrance. Those with extreme citrus sensitivity should patch test first.
Gentle enough for use around the eye area according to the brand, though avoid direct contact with eyes.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSAloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf ExtractProven
A well-researched natural soother positioned as the second ingredient, meaning it's present in a high concentration. Aloe Vera calms inflammation, deeply hydrates, and supports skin healing — making this cleanser feel more like a treatment than a wash.
- Anti-inflammatory: Contains acemannan and polysaccharides that reduce redness and irritation on contact
- Hydration: Rich in vitamins A, C, E, B12, folic acid, and amino acids that nourish the skin
- Healing: Supports wound healing and strengthens the skin barrier during the cleansing process
Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf ExtractProven
A potent antioxidant derived from the tea plant. White tea undergoes minimal processing compared to green or black tea, retaining a higher concentration of protective polyphenols.
- Antioxidant: Polyphenols neutralize free radicals from UV exposure and pollution
- Anti-inflammatory: Catechins and flavonoids calm irritated skin and reduce inflammatory response
- Protective: Provides supplementary UV defense (does not replace sunscreen)
Glycerin HumectantProven
A powerhouse humectant that draws moisture into the skin. In a cleanser, it prevents the tight, dry feeling that can occur after washing by maintaining hydration during and after use.
- Hydration: Attracts water molecules from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface
- Barrier support: Helps reinforce the skin's moisture barrier during cleansing
Cocamidopropyl Betaine SurfactantProven
A gentle, coconut-derived surfactant that creates the cleanser's light, creamy lather. Known for being significantly milder than traditional sulfates while still effectively removing oil and impurities.
- Gentle cleansing: Amphoteric surfactant that cleanses without over-stripping natural oils
- Biodegradable: Environmentally friendly and highly biodegradable despite being synthetic
- Foam boost: Creates a pleasant, luxurious lather while remaining mild on sensitive skin
Citrus Essential Oil Blend FragranceNatural
A blend of Grapefruit Peel Oil, Bergamot Fruit Oil, and Lime Oil providing the cleanser's fresh citrus scent. These essential oils also offer mild antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Aromatherapy: Uplifting citrus scent enhances the cleansing experience
- Antimicrobial: Limonene (the main component) has documented antibacterial and antifungal activity
13 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your primary cleanser morning and night. For heavy makeup, consider using a micellar water or oil cleanser first (double cleansing method), followed by this gel as your second cleanse.
How to use
HOW TO USEDampen Your Face
Wet your face and neck with lukewarm water. Warm water helps open pores for a more effective cleanse.
Apply a Pea-Sized Amount
Squeeze a small amount onto moistened fingertips. A little goes a long way — no need to use a large dollop.
Massage Gently for 30–60 Seconds
Work the gel into a light lather using slow, circular motions across your face and neck. Avoid the inner eye area.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel — never rub. Follow with your serum and moisturizer.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, easily irritated, or reactive skin
- You want a gentle cleanser that removes makeup without stripping
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe cleanser
- You use retinol or active treatments and need a non-irritating wash
- You prefer a minimal, clean ingredient list (only 13 ingredients)
- You want a vegan, cruelty-free, Australian-made product
Consider alternatives if:
- You need a deep-cleansing wash for very heavy or waterproof makeup
- You want a completely fragrance-free formula (contains citrus essential oils)
- You prefer a rich, thick foam or cream-type cleanser
- You want active exfoliating ingredients (AHA/BHA) in your cleanser
- You're on a strict budget — drugstore alternatives are more affordable per ml
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically formulated for sensitive skin. Soap-free, with soothing Aloe Vera to calm redness and irritation. Patch test recommended if you have citrus sensitivity.
Glycerin and Aloe Vera maintain hydration during cleansing. Does not strip natural oils. Follow with a rich moisturizer for best results.
Effectively removes excess oil without over-drying. Some very oily skin types may prefer a slightly stronger foaming cleanser for deeper cleansing.
Balances cleansing across oily and dry zones without stripping one area while under-cleansing another. Ideal daily cleanser for combination types.
Non-comedogenic and fungal acne safe. Great as a gentle daily cleanser alongside acne treatments. Does not contain active acne-fighting ingredients itself.
White Tea antioxidants help protect against free radical damage. Non-stripping formula preserves moisture in aging skin that tends to be drier.
Results timeline
MONTH 2–3+Immediate Comfort
Skin feels clean, soft, and hydrated after the very first wash — no tightness, dryness, or irritation. Light citrus scent provides a refreshing cleansing experience.
95% noticed immediatelyReduced Irritation & Redness
Sensitive skin users report a noticeable reduction in daily redness, irritation, and post-cleansing tightness compared to their previous cleanser.
80% noticed within 2 weeksBalanced, Clearer Complexion
Consistent use helps maintain a balanced sebum production. Pores appear cleaner and skin texture improves. Breakouts from over-cleansing are minimized.
70% noticed within 4 weeksLong-Term Skin Health
Ongoing antioxidant protection from White Tea and Aloe Vera supports overall skin health. Users report consistently calm, clear, and well-balanced skin as part of their daily routine.
85% report sustained improvementRatings by platform
800+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle — no tightness, burning, or dryness after use
- Minimalist formula with only 13 clean, functional ingredients
- Effectively removes makeup and oil without stripping moisture
- Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- A little product goes a very long way — excellent cost-per-use value
- Pleasant, natural citrus scent without synthetic fragrance
- Suitable for the whole family — all ages and skin types
- Cruelty-free, vegan, and Australian-made
Criticized
- Pump dispenser can be imprecise, leading to product waste
- Not ideal for removing very heavy or waterproof makeup alone
- Contains citrus essential oils — not suitable for those with citrus allergies
- Higher upfront price compared to drugstore alternatives
- Not widely available outside Australia — limited international stockists
- No active exfoliating or acne-fighting ingredients
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Classic gentle cleanser suitable for all skin types. Fragrance-free but lacks antioxidant-rich ingredients like White Tea and Aloe Vera. Lotion-like (not gel) texture. Much larger size (473ml) for a fraction of the price.
Creamy, non-foaming cleanser with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for added barrier repair. Fragrance-free. Richer texture may feel heavier, but provides superior hydration for very dry skin types. 473ml bottle.
French pharmacy favorite with prebiotic thermal spring water, ceramides, and niacinamide. Fragrance-free. More hydrating but less of a gel texture. Ideal for those who want extra barrier support. 400ml bottle.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required.
Squeeze tube with flip-cap lid (200ml) or pump bottle (300ml). Recyclable packaging.
Yes — 200ml size is within most airline carry-on limits. A small amount goes a long way, making it ideal for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, asap Gentle Cleansing Gel is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or chemical sunscreen filters. Its 13-ingredient formula relies on gentle, pregnancy-compatible ingredients like Aloe Vera, Glycerin, and White Tea extract. Multiple retailers and skin professionals have confirmed this product as pregnancy-safe. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes, this cleanser is fungal acne safe. According to ingredient analysis on Folliculitis Scout, the formula contains zero fungal acne triggers — no ferments, fatty acids (C11–C24), fatty acid esters, or polysorbates. In fact, two of its ingredients (White Tea extract and Cocamidopropyl Betaine) have documented antifungal activity. Since it's also a rinse-off product, the already-minimal risk is further reduced.
Absolutely. This is an ideal companion cleanser for active skincare routines. Because it contains no active exfoliating or treatment ingredients itself, it won't interfere with or over-sensitize your skin when using retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs. Many users specifically choose this cleanser because it provides a gentle, non-aggravating base when they're already using potent actives in the rest of their routine.
This cleanser is formulated for all skin types but excels for sensitive, dry, combination, and mature skin. Its soap-free, non-stripping formula makes it particularly beneficial for easily irritated or reactive skin. Those with very oily skin who prefer a deeper, more foaming cleanse may find it slightly too gentle for their T-zone, but it still works well as a morning cleanser alongside a stronger evening option.
You'll feel the immediate difference from the very first use — skin feels clean, soft, and comfortable without tightness. Within 1–2 weeks, most users notice reduced redness and irritation, especially if switching from a harsher cleanser. After 3–4 weeks of consistent AM/PM use, expect a more balanced, clearer complexion with fewer breakouts caused by over-cleansing. As a gentle, maintenance cleanser, its benefits compound over time.
Use it as Step 1 (or Step 2 if you double cleanse). Apply to damp skin morning and night before toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. For heavy makeup days, use an oil cleanser or micellar water first, then follow with the asap Gentle Cleansing Gel as your second cleanse. This ensures thorough but gentle removal of all impurities.
No. The asap Gentle Cleansing Gel has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5 — extremely low risk of clogging pores. The gel-based, rinse-off formula means ingredients don't stay on your skin long enough to cause blockages. It contains no heavy oils, silicones, or known pore-clogging ingredients. Many users with acne-prone and blackhead-prone skin have reported positive results with consistent use.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal efficacy and safety. The formula is preserved with Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin, a modern, gentle preservative system. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. With twice-daily use and a pea-sized amount per application, the 200ml bottle typically lasts 3–4 months.
Verdict: asap Gentle Cleansing Gel is an outstanding everyday cleanser for anyone who values gentle, effective skin cleansing with a minimal ingredient list. Its soap-free, antioxidant-rich formula with Aloe Vera and White Tea is particularly well-suited for sensitive, dry, and reactive skin types. While it carries a premium price compared to drugstore alternatives, the quality of ingredients, Australian-made formulation, and pregnancy/fungal acne safety make it a trusted choice for health-conscious skincare routines. Best for those who want a reliable, no-fuss cleanser that cleans thoroughly without compromising skin health.
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 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 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
|
|
|
| 0 |
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 0 |
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial, Astringent, Emollient, Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant, Skin Protecting, Tonic
|
Anti-Aging
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
Pores
|
|
| 0 |
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion Stabilising, Stabilising
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|