Gentle Daily Wash
Gentle Daily Wash
Product Description
Product overview
A soothing, sulfate-free gel facial cleanser infused with botanical saponins and lavender essence that gently removes makeup, impurities, and pore-clogging oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier. Developed at the Kate Somerville Skin Health Clinic in Los Angeles.
Sulfate-Free Cleansing
Uses Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine instead of harsh SLS/SLES for effective yet gentler cleansing.
Texture & feel
SENSORYSulfate-Free Cleansing
Uses Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine instead of harsh SLS/SLES for effective yet gentler cleansing.
Botanical Saponins
Quillaja Saponaria (Soapbark) and Yucca Schidigera provide natural plant-based cleansing power from saponins.
Lavender & Sage Calming
Lavender oil soothes and calms the skin while sage oil delivers anti-inflammatory conditioning benefits.
Zinc PCA Sebum Control
Zinc PCA helps regulate oil production and may help reduce blemishes while calming inflammation.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains essential oils (bergamot, lavender, sage) which some dermatologists advise avoiding during pregnancy. No retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone present. Consult your OB-GYN before use.
Contains PEG/PPG-8/3 Diisostearate (an ester-based emulsifier) which may potentially feed malassezia yeast. However, as a wash-off product with short skin contact time, risk is lower than leave-on products.
Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. Cleanser rinses off quickly and does not contain heavy pore-clogging oils or waxes.
Some formulations contain Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone (MI/MCI), known contact allergens. Also contains fragrance components (limonene, linalool). Patch test recommended.
Free from SLS and SLES. Uses milder surfactant alternatives that are less likely to strip the skin's moisture barrier.
Contains Bergamot Fruit Oil which is known to be phototoxic. Since this is a wash-off product, risk is minimal, but always wear sunscreen during the day.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin ~3-5%Proven
A powerful humectant naturally found in skin that draws moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to keep the surface hydrated. Helps maintain the skin's moisture barrier even during cleansing.
- Function: Humectant, moisturizer, skin-barrier support
- Research: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid
Zinc PCA ~0.5-1%Promising
A compound combining zinc with pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA). May help regulate sebum production, reduce blemishes, and calm inflammation. PCA is a natural component of the skin's moisturizing factor.
- Function: Sebum regulation, anti-blemish, anti-inflammatory
- Research: Zinc compounds have shown antibacterial properties and may help reduce acne lesions, though evidence for Zinc PCA specifically is limited
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil <1%Traditional
Essential oil with calming and soothing aromatherapeutic properties. Has demonstrated some antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies. Adds a gentle, relaxing scent to the cleansing experience.
- Function: Soothing, antimicrobial, fragrance
- Research: Lavender oil has shown anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties in some studies
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Oil <1%Traditional
Essential oil from bergamot orange fruit with natural antiseptic and toning qualities. Helps purify the skin and inhibit bacterial growth. Contains limonene (37%) and linalool (8.8%).
- Function: Antiseptic, toning, fragrance
- Research: Known antibacterial properties; used traditionally in skincare for purifying benefits
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil <1%Traditional
Sage essential oil known for its anti-inflammatory and conditioning properties. Helps calm and condition the skin during the cleansing process.
- Function: Anti-inflammatory, conditioning, fragrance
- Research: Sage extracts have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in studies
Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract <1%Traditional
Soapbark tree extract rich in natural saponins that provide gentle, plant-based cleansing. These natural surfactants help lift dirt and impurities without harsh synthetic detergents.
- Function: Natural surfactant, gentle cleansing
- Research: Saponins are plant-derived surfactants used for centuries in traditional cleansing preparations
21 ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG/PPG-8/3 Diisostearate, Glycerin, Acrylates Copolymer, Silicone Quaternium-8, Saponins, Butylene Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Hydroxide, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Zinc PCA, Citric Acid, Limonene, Linalool.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse AM and PM as your daily cleanser. For heavy makeup days, double cleanse with an oil cleanser first, then follow with Gentle Daily Wash.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash face and neck with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can strip the skin's natural oils.
Apply a Small Amount
Squeeze a pea-to-dime-sized amount of gel onto fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Massage for 30 Seconds
Gently massage in circular motions across your face and neck for approximately 30 seconds. The gel will lightly lather.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with tepid water and gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Follow with the rest of your routine.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a gentle, non-foaming gel cleanser for daily use
- You have normal, combination, or oily skin that needs effective cleansing without stripping
- You prefer sulfate-free formulas with botanical ingredients
- You enjoy a subtle lavender-bergamot scent during cleansing
- You need a light second cleanser in a double-cleansing routine
- You appreciate clinic-developed, PETA-certified cruelty-free products
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin (may still feel slightly stripping)
- You have extremely sensitive or reactive skin (contains essential oils and fragrance allergens)
- You need a fragrance-free cleanser
- You are looking for a heavy-duty makeup remover (better as a second cleanse)
- You prefer a rich, foamy lather (this produces very light foam)
- You want active exfoliating ingredients like AHAs or BHAs
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESZinc PCA helps regulate sebum. Effectively removes excess oil and pore-clogging impurities without over-drying.
Glycerin provides some hydration, but some users with dry skin report it can feel slightly stripping with twice-daily use. Follow with a rich moisturizer.
Ideal balance of cleansing power and gentleness. Manages oily T-zone without parching drier cheeks.
Despite the "gentle" label, contains essential oils and fragrance allergens (limonene, linalool). Patch test first. Some users report irritation.
Low comedogenic rating and Zinc PCA support blemish-prone skin. However, no active acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Clean Feel
Skin feels clean, soft, and refreshed immediately after first use. Light lavender scent provides a calming cleansing experience. No tight or stripped feeling for most users.
90% noticed immediate softnessBalanced Complexion
Skin begins to feel more balanced as the sulfate-free formula preserves the natural moisture barrier. Oily areas may appear less congested as Zinc PCA starts to regulate sebum.
75% noticed improved balanceClearer, Calmer Skin
Continued use helps maintain a consistently clean, conditioned complexion. Botanical ingredients contribute to a calmer, less irritated appearance over time.
65% noticed calmer complexionLong-Term Maintenance
Best results come from consistent daily use as part of a full routine. The gentle formula supports long-term barrier health without the cumulative drying effects of harsher cleansers.
70% would repurchaseRatings by platform
750+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Sulfate-free formula that effectively cleanses without harsh stripping
- A little product goes a long way, extending the bottle's life
- Relaxing lavender-bergamot scent during use
- Removes foundation and light makeup effectively
- Leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed
- Cruelty-free (PETA certified) and paraben-free
- Clinic-developed by a trusted esthetician brand
Criticized
- High price ($45/4oz) for a basic cleanser without standout actives
- Some users find it drying despite "gentle" marketing
- Contains essential oils and fragrance allergens (not truly fragrance-free)
- Squeeze tube can be messy; doesn't dispense cleanly
- Very low foam — not satisfying for those who prefer a rich lather
- Won't remove heavy or waterproof makeup on its own
- Mixed reviews from sensitive skin users — some report irritation
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Fragrance-free gel cleanser with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Better for sensitive skin as it lacks essential oils. Provides barrier support that Kate Somerville's formula doesn't offer. Similar gel texture with light foam.
Gentle foaming cleanser with ceramide NP, niacinamide, and thermal spring water. Fragrance-free and designed specifically for sensitive skin. Produces more foam than KS. Contains zinc pidolate for oil control similar to Zinc PCA.
Ultra-gentle, fragrance-free, dye-free gel cleanser ideal for the most sensitive and reactive skin. Simpler formula with fewer ingredients. Lacks the botanical extracts and Zinc PCA but far less likely to cause irritation.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed between uses to preserve botanical ingredients.
Squeeze tube with twist-open cap (4 oz). Also available in 16 oz pump bottle (economy size).
Yes — 4 oz / 120ml meets the TSA 3.4 oz limit when partially used, but exceeds it when brand new. Consider decanting for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. The cleanser does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. However, it does contain essential oils (bergamot, lavender, and sage), which some healthcare providers recommend limiting during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Since it is a wash-off product with brief skin contact, the overall risk is low, but consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist for personalized guidance.
Use with caution. The formula contains PEG/PPG-8/3 Diisostearate, an ester-based emulsifier that may potentially feed malassezia yeast. However, since this is a wash-off cleanser with very short skin contact time (roughly 30 seconds), the practical risk is significantly lower than with leave-on products. If you have active fungal acne, you may want to choose a confirmed fungal-acne-safe cleanser instead.
Yes. As a basic gel cleanser without active exfoliating acids, it pairs well with most treatment products. It does not contain AHAs, BHAs, or retinol, so there is no risk of over-exfoliation from the cleanser itself. Use it as your cleansing step before applying retinol, vitamin C serums, or chemical exfoliants. The citric acid in the formula is present at pH-adjusting levels only, not at exfoliating concentrations.
This cleanser works best for normal, combination, and oily skin types. The Zinc PCA helps with sebum control, making it particularly good for those with excess oil. It can work for sensitive skin, but since it contains essential oils and fragrance allergens (limonene, linalool), those with highly reactive skin should patch test first. Dry skin types may find it slightly stripping with twice-daily use.
You will notice immediately cleaner, softer-feeling skin from the first use. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, expect a more balanced complexion as the sulfate-free formula supports your skin's moisture barrier. By week 3-4, skin should feel consistently calmer and better conditioned. Remember, a cleanser is a foundational step — visible improvements in concerns like acne or texture depend largely on your treatment products (serums, moisturizers, etc.).
Use it as Step 1 (morning) or Step 2 (evening, after an oil-based makeup remover or cleansing balm). Apply to wet skin, massage for 30 seconds, then rinse. Follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). It works for both morning and evening routines.
The cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. Since it is a wash-off product that stays on the skin for only about 30 seconds, the risk of clogging pores is very low. It does not contain heavy oils, waxes, or known pore-clogging ingredients. The Zinc PCA may actually help keep pores clearer by regulating sebum production.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. With twice-daily use and a small amount each time, the 4 oz tube typically lasts 2-3 months. The 16 oz economy pump bottle can last 6-12 months depending on usage. Store in a cool, dry place and keep the cap sealed to maintain the formula's integrity.
Verdict: Kate Somerville Gentle Daily Wash is a well-formulated, sulfate-free gel cleanser that effectively removes daily impurities and light makeup while leaving skin feeling soft and refreshed. The botanical saponins and Zinc PCA provide a nice touch beyond basic cleansing. However, thehigh price point ($11.25/oz) is difficult to justify when drugstore alternatives like CeraVe and La Roche-Posay offer similar or superior cleansing performance with barrier-supporting ceramides and niacinamide at a fraction of the cost. The presence ofessential oils and fragrance allergens also makes it less suitable for truly sensitive skin than the name implies. Best suited for normal-to-oily skin types who value the cruelty-free certification and enjoy the lavender-bergamot sensory experience.
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 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting 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 |
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 0 |
PEG/PPG-8/3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|