Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, plant-derived foaming cleanser with only 8 simple ingredients that effectively removes dirt and impurities while maintaining your skin's moisture barrier. Formulated with ultra-mild glucoside surfactants commonly found in baby shampoos, this minimalist cleanser leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and never tight or stripped.
Plant-Derived Surfactants
Decyl Glucoside and Coco-Glucoside are gentle cleansers derived from coconut oil and glucose, mild enough for baby shampoos.
Texture & feel
SENSORYPlant-Derived Surfactants
Decyl Glucoside and Coco-Glucoside are gentle cleansers derived from coconut oil and glucose, mild enough for baby shampoos.
Barrier-Friendly Formula
Maintains skin's natural moisture barrier while cleansing. No tight, stripped feeling after washing.
Minimalist Ingredient List
Only 8 carefully selected ingredients. No unnecessary additives, fragrances, or potential irritants.
Antioxidant Protection
Contains Vitamin E (Tocopherol) and Phytic Acid to provide antioxidant benefits and reduce redness.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and nursing.
Free from oils, ferments, fatty acids, esters, and polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. Ideal for pityrosporum folliculitis.
Rating 0/5. Contains no pore-clogging ingredients. Safe for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin types.
Fragrance-free, sulfate-free formula with gentle glucoside surfactants. Clinically proven to be suitable for even baby skin.
Pairs well with retinoids, vitamin C, AHAs/BHAs, and other actives. Gentle enough to use with prescription treatments.
While extremely gentle, patch testing is always advised for those with very reactive or compromised skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSDecyl GlucosideKey Cleanser
A mild, plant-derived surfactant made by combining glucose (from corn starch) with decanol (from coconut). One of the gentlest cleansing agents available, commonly used in baby products.
- Source: Derived from coconut oil and corn glucose
- Function: Primary cleansing agent that lifts away dirt and oil
- Safety: Non-irritating, biodegradable, and non-toxic
Coco-GlucosideKey Cleanser
Another ultra-gentle, plant-derived surfactant made from coconut oil and fruit sugars. Works synergistically with Decyl Glucoside to provide effective yet non-stripping cleansing.
- Source: Coconut oil and glucose
- Function: Secondary cleansing agent, creates soft lather
- Benefit: Non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Antioxidant
A powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stressors and free radical damage while providing conditioning benefits.
- Function: Antioxidant protection and skin conditioning
- Benefit: Helps maintain healthy skin lipids and barrier function
- Research: Provides photoprotection against UVB rays
Phytic AcidAntioxidant
A plant-derived ingredient with antioxidant properties that helps neutralize metal ions in the formula and provides gentle skin-brightening benefits.
- Source: Derived from rice bran, seeds, and grains
- Function: Chelating agent and antioxidant
- Benefit: Helps reduce redness and scavenge free radicals
8 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Decyl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Phytic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse AM & PM. For double cleansing, pair with The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser first to remove makeup/SPF, then follow with this cleanser.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water on your face to prepare skin for cleansing. Shake the tube before use if product appears watery.
Dispense & Lather
Squeeze a small amount (pea to dime-sized) into your palms. Add a little water and work into a gentle foam.
Massage Gently
Apply to face using gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Avoid the eye area.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Follow with your skincare routine.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a no-fuss, gentle cleanser with minimal ingredients
- You have sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated skin
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe skincare
- You struggle with fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You use strong actives like retinoids or acids
- You have fragrance sensitivities or allergies
- You prefer sulfate-free, plant-derived formulas
- You want an affordable daily cleanser
Consider alternatives if:
- You wear heavy makeup and need stronger makeup removal
- You prefer a rich, luxurious cleansing experience
- You want a cleanser with active treatment ingredients
- You have extremely dry skin that needs oil-based cleansing
- You prefer a cleanser with significant lather/foam
- You want exfoliating benefits in your cleanser
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESEffectively removes excess sebum without over-stripping. Lightweight formula won't add shine or clog pores.
Gentle and non-stripping. May benefit from following with hydrating products. Consider Squalane Cleanser if very dry.
Balances well across different face zones. Cleans T-zone without drying cheeks.
Fragrance-free, sulfate-free formula with baby-gentle glucoside surfactants. Clinically proven to be comforting.
Non-comedogenic (0/5), fungal acne safe, oil-free. Won't trigger breakouts or feed acne-causing bacteria/yeast.
Results timeline
ONGOINGClean, Soft Skin
Skin feels clean and refreshed without the tight, stripped feeling common with foaming cleansers. No residue left behind.
97% felt cleanser spreads smoothlyImproved Skin Comfort
Skin barrier adjusts to gentle cleansing. Reduced irritation if switching from harsh cleansers. Better tolerance for actives.
94% said formulation feels comfortingVisible Clarity Improvement
With continued use, users report improved skin clarity, texture, and radiance. Fewer breakouts for acne-prone users.
71% loved by Deciem Addicts communityMaintained Skin Health
Consistent gentle cleansing supports a healthy moisture barrier, allowing other products in your routine to work more effectively.
Ratings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Ultra-gentle, non-stripping formula
- Only 8 simple, recognizable ingredients
- Excellent value at $12.50 for 150ml
- Safe for pregnancy, fungal acne, and sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free and sulfate-free
- Works well with active treatments
- Leaves skin soft, not tight
- Allure Best of Beauty Award winner
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Criticized
- Doesn't remove heavy makeup well
- Minimal lather compared to traditional cleansers
- Gel texture can be inconsistent; needs shaking
- May not satisfy those who like "squeaky clean" feeling
- Very basic formula without treatment benefits
- Some find it too gentle/not cleansing enough
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESAlso uses Coco-Glucoside as primary surfactant. Slightly more ingredients but equally gentle. Larger 8oz size. National Eczema Association approved.
K-beauty alternative with similar gentle philosophy. pH 5.5 balanced. Contains panthenol for extra soothing. Also fungal acne safe.
Contains ceramides and niacinamide for added barrier support. More ingredients but still gentle. Larger 12oz bottle. Better for oily skin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed.
White squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Hygienic dispensing prevents contamination.
Yes, 150ml is over the 100ml TSA limit for carry-on. Transfer to smaller container or pack in checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cleanser is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or other ingredients typically advised to avoid during pregnancy. The glucoside surfactants are mild enough to be used in baby products. However, always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Yes, this cleanser is fungal acne safe. It's free from oils, ferments, fatty acids, esters, and polysorbates that can feed malassezia yeast. The formula contains no ingredients on the "avoid" list for pityrosporum folliculitis. It's an excellent choice for those dealing with fungal acne breakouts.
Absolutely! This gentle cleanser is ideal for use with active treatments like retinoids, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Its non-stripping formula won't compromise your skin barrier or increase irritation from these potent ingredients. In fact, many dermatologists recommend gentle cleansers like this when using prescription treatments.
This cleanser works well for all skin types but is especially excellent for sensitive, acne-prone, combination, and oily skin. It's also ideal for those with reactive skin, rosacea, or anyone using strong actives. Those with very dry skin may prefer the creamier Squalane Cleanser instead, or can follow with extra hydrating products.
You'll feel immediate results—skin that's clean but not tight or stripped. Within 1-2 weeks, you may notice improved skin comfort and reduced irritation. With continued use over 4-6 weeks, many users report improved skin clarity, texture, and radiance. Results vary based on your overall routine and skin concerns.
Use this as your cleanser—the first step in your routine, both morning and evening. If double cleansing (recommended for removing makeup/SPF), use an oil-based cleanser like The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser first, then follow with this water-based cleanser. After cleansing, continue with toner, serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM).
No, this cleanser has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. It contains no pore-clogging ingredients. It's oil-free, silicone-free, and uses only ultra-gentle glucoside surfactants. It's safe for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin and won't contribute to blackheads or breakouts.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The 150ml tube typically lasts about 3 months with twice-daily use. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the cap tightly closed to maintain freshness and efficacy.
Verdict: The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser is a standout for anyone seeking ano-nonsense, ultra-gentle cleanser with minimal ingredients. Its plant-derived glucoside surfactants effectively cleanse without stripping, making it ideal for sensitive skin, fungal acne sufferers, pregnant individuals, and those using strong actives. While it won't remove heavy makeup or provide a rich lather, it excels at what it promises:simple, effective, barrier-friendly cleansing at an exceptional price point. A worthy staple in any minimalist skincare routine.
Browse related
Product Overview
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
|
|
|
| 1 |
Decyl Glucoside
Surfactant, Emulsion Stabilising, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Coco-glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Xanthan Gum
Binding Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning, Surfactant -Emulsifying Agent, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Binding, Gel Forming, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Tocopherol
Masking, Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|





