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Gentle Face Cleaning Gel For Sensitive Skin

Gentle Face Cleaning Gel For Sensitive Skin

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A gentle yet effective gel cleanser formulated with Salicylic Acid (BHA) to deeply cleanse pores, balance oil production, and leave skin refreshed without stripping moisture. Enriched with soothing chamomile and aloe vera for a calm, purified complexion.

Fragrance-Free Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Silicone-Free Oil-Free Cruelty-Free Vegan Fungal Acne Safe
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
0/5
Size
400ml / 13.5 fl oz
Key Active
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
pH Level
~5.0-5.5
Skin Concern
Acne, Oily Skin
Formula
Clean Beauty
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Deep Pore Cleansing

Salicylic acid penetrates pores to dissolve impurities, reduce blackheads, and prevent breakouts.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Clear Gel
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
Rinses Clean
Finish
Clean, Matte

Deep Pore Cleansing

Salicylic acid penetrates pores to dissolve impurities, reduce blackheads, and prevent breakouts.

Oil Balance Control

Regulates sebum production for a fresh, matte finish without over-drying skin.

Gentle Surfactants

Sugar-derived cleansers (Lauryl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside) cleanse effectively without stripping.

Soothing Botanicals

Chamomile and Aloe Vera calm irritation while Panthenol hydrates and repairs.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains salicylic acid. While topical BHA at low concentrations in wash-off products is generally considered low-risk, consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Free from ferments, fatty acids, and esters that feed malassezia yeast. Safe for pityrosporum folliculitis-prone skin.

Non-Comedogenic

Oil-free formula with a comedogenic rating of 0/5. Will not clog pores or cause breakouts.

Sensitive Skin Friendly

Free from harsh alcohols, fragrances, sulfates, and common allergens. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Salicylic Acid 0.5-2%Proven

A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into pores to dissolve sebum, dead skin cells, and debris. Recognized by the FDA as an effective OTC acne treatment.

  • Mechanism: Exfoliates inside pores to prevent blackheads and breakouts
  • Anti-inflammatory: Chemically related to aspirin, helps calm redness and irritation
  • Research: Concentrations of 0.5-2% proven effective for acne treatment
May cause initial dryness. Always follow with moisturizer and use sunscreen daily.

Glycerin HighProven

A powerful humectant that attracts water to the skin, providing hydration without heaviness. Helps maintain the skin barrier and prevents the drying effects of salicylic acid.

  • Research: Studies show glycerin is more effective than hyaluronic acid as a humectant
  • Comedogenic Rating: 0 - Will not clog pores

Chamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractPromising

Chamomile extract rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like bisabolol. Soothes irritation and calms redness, making the cleanser gentler on sensitive skin.

  • Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, skin-soothing properties
  • Best for: Reactive, acne-prone skin needing calming ingredients

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractProven

A soothing botanical extract that hydrates and calms the skin. Contains polysaccharides and amino acids that support skin healing and reduce inflammation.

  • Benefits: Hydrating, soothing, supports wound healing
  • Synergy: Balances the exfoliating effects of salicylic acid

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)Proven

A versatile ingredient that moisturizes, soothes, and supports skin barrier repair. Converts to vitamin B5 in the skin to promote healing and hydration.

  • Comedogenic Rating: 0 - Non-pore-clogging
  • Benefits: Hydrating, anti-inflammatory, wound healing

18 ingredients

Aqua, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Cocamide MIPA, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Sodium PCA, C12-25 Alkyl Benzoate, Tetrasodium EDTA

FREE FROM: Harsh Alcohols, Fragrances, Parabens, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Silicones, Mineral Oil, Artificial Colors, Common Allergens
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
This Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as your first step in both AM and PM routines. Can be used as a single cleanser or as the second step after an oil cleanser for double cleansing.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash lukewarm water on your face to prepare the skin for cleansing.

2

Apply Cleanser

Dispense a small amount of gel into your palms and work into a gentle lather.

3

Massage Gently

Apply to face using circular motions for 30-60 seconds, focusing on oily areas. Avoid the eye area.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse completely with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily or combination skin
  • You struggle with blackheads and clogged pores
  • You want to control excess sebum production
  • You have acne-prone skin and need a gentle daily cleanser
  • You have fungal acne and need a malassezia-safe option
  • You prefer fragrance-free, clean formulas
  • You want a large, value-sized cleanser

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have extremely dry or dehydrated skin
  • You have a severely compromised moisture barrier
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult doctor first)
  • You are allergic to salicylic acid or aspirin
  • You prefer a moisturizing, creamy cleanser
  • You already use multiple BHA/AHA products
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Perfect match. Controls sebum, unclogs pores, and leaves skin matte without over-drying.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances T-zone oil while glycerin and panthenol prevent dryness on cheeks.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

BHA targets acne at the source. Non-comedogenic, fungal acne safe formula.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Fragrance-free with soothing chamomile and aloe. Patch test recommended.

Dry Skin
Moderate

BHA may be too drying for very dry skin. Use sparingly and always follow with rich moisturizer.

08

Results timeline

8+ WEEKS
Week 1

Initial Cleansing

Skin feels cleaner and less oily immediately after use. Pores appear cleaner. Some may experience mild purging as BHA works to clear congestion.

85% noticed cleaner skin feel
Weeks 2-4

Visible Improvement

Blackheads begin to reduce. Skin texture improves as dead cells are exfoliated. Breakouts may temporarily increase (purging) before improving.

70% saw reduced blackheads
Weeks 4-8

Clearer Complexion

Noticeable reduction in acne and clogged pores. Skin appears more balanced and less shiny. Pore size may appear minimized.

78% reported clearer skin
8+ Weeks

Long-term Results

With consistent use, skin maintains a clear, balanced complexion. Fewer breakouts and well-controlled oil production. Best results with continued daily use.

82% saw sustained improvement
09

Ratings by platform

650+ REVIEWS
Brand Website
4.5
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can be drying if overused without moisturizer
SkinSort Community
4.3
Rating
28
Routines
Main complaint: Wish salicylic acid percentage was disclosed
Boozyshop
4.7
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Limited availability outside of Europe
INCI Beauty
4.4
Rating
50+
Reviews
Main complaint: Initial purging period can be discouraging
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Excellent value - large 400ml bottle lasts months
  • Effective at reducing blackheads and breakouts
  • Fragrance-free and clean formula
  • Fungal acne safe - verified by ingredient analysis
  • Gentle surfactants that don't strip skin
  • Contains soothing botanicals (chamomile, aloe)
  • Sulfate-free, paraben-free, silicone-free
  • Affordable compared to Western alternatives

Criticized

  • Salicylic acid percentage not clearly disclosed
  • Can be drying for those with dry skin
  • May cause initial purging period
  • Limited availability in some countries
  • Brand less well-known outside Turkey
  • Plain packaging - not aesthetically luxurious
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Acne Control Cleanser
$15.99
Similar Price

Contains 2% salicylic acid plus ceramides and niacinamide for barrier support. More widely available but contains PEG ingredients (not fungal acne safe).

80% Match
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
$11.99
Budget Pick

2% salicylic acid in a simple formula. Smaller bottle size (150ml) but very affordable. Contains zinc for additional oil control.

75% Match
Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash
$8.99
Budget Pick

Classic drugstore option with 2% salicylic acid. Contains fragrance and more aggressive surfactants. Very affordable but may be more drying.

70% Match
Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
$15.00

0.5% salicylic acid - gentler but less potent. Fragrance-free, designed for sensitive acne-prone skin. Smaller bottle (177ml).

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
EFFACLAR K+
Key Active 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA
Size 200ml
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Fungal Acne Safe No (contains PEG)
Sulfate-Free No (contains SLES)
SA Smoothing Cleanser
Key Active Salicylic Acid + Ceramides
Size 236ml
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Fungal Acne Safe No (contains fatty acids)
Sulfate-Free Yes
DermoPure Cleansing Gel
Key Active 6% Ampho-Tensides + Lactic Acid
Size 400ml
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Sulfate-Free Yes
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed.

Packaging

Plastic squeeze bottle with flip-top cap - easy to dispense and travel-friendly

Travel Friendly

No - 400ml exceeds carry-on liquid limits. Consider decanting into a smaller container for travel.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use with caution. This cleanser contains salicylic acid (BHA), which is chemically related to aspirin. While topical salicylic acid at concentrations of 2% or less in wash-off products is generally considered low-risk by dermatologists, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends caution. The brief contact time of a cleanser minimizes absorption, but we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Yes! This cleanser is fungal acne safe. The formula is free from fatty acids, fermented ingredients, polysorbates, and esters that feed malassezia yeast. It's been verified by SkinSort as reef-safe and fungal acne safe. Salicylic acid itself can help manage fungal acne by exfoliating dead skin and preventing the buildup that allows yeast to thrive.

Yes, but with care. Since this cleanser contains salicylic acid (BHA), layering it with other actives requires caution. For retinol: Use this cleanser in the morning and retinol at night. For Vitamin C: Use Vitamin C serum after cleansing in the morning. For other AHAs/BHAs: Avoid using additional BHA products to prevent over-exfoliation. If using AHA toners or treatments, alternate days or use the cleanser in the morning and AHA at night. Always listen to your skin and reduce frequency if you notice irritation.

This cleanser is best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It excels at controlling sebum, unclogging pores, and preventing breakouts. Those with sensitive skin can also benefit from its fragrance-free, gentle formula, though a patch test is recommended. It's less ideal for very dry or dehydrated skin, as BHA can be drying - if you have dry skin and still want to use it, limit to once daily and always follow with a rich moisturizer.

Results vary by individual, but most users notice cleaner-feeling skin immediately. Visible improvements typically appear within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. You may experience initial purging (temporary increase in breakouts) during the first 2-4 weeks as BHA brings congestion to the surface - this is normal and usually resolves. For significant improvement in acne and blackheads, allow 6-8 weeks of consistent daily use.

Use this cleanser as the first step in your skincare routine, both morning and evening. For double cleansing (PM only): Use an oil cleanser first to remove sunscreen and makeup, then follow with this cleanser as your second cleanse. After cleansing, proceed with toner, serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). The cleanser should be on your skin for about 30-60 seconds before rinsing thoroughly.

No, this cleanser is non-comedogenic with a rating of 0/5. The formula is oil-free, silicone-free, and contains no pore-clogging ingredients. In fact, the salicylic acid actively works to unclog pores and prevent new comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) from forming. This makes it an excellent choice for acne-prone skin that's sensitive to pore-clogging products.

The cleanser has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for best results. The 400ml bottle is quite large and should last 3-4 months with twice-daily use. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap tightly closed to maintain product integrity. The preservatives (sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate) help maintain stability throughout the PAO period.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The Maru.derm Salicylic Acid Purifying Face Cleansing Gel is an excellent budget-friendly option for those with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. Its clean, fungal acne-safe formula sets it apart from many Western competitors like CeraVe and La Roche-Posay. The generous 400ml size offers exceptional value, and the fragrance-free, sulfate-free formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin while still delivering effective pore-cleansing results. The main drawbacks are the undisclosed salicylic acid percentage and limited international availability. If you can get your hands on it, this Turkish beauty gem deserves a spot in your anti-acne routine.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Panthenol
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
3
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
50% 16% 33%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 18 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
4 B
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
1 B
Lauryl Glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing
1 A
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS