Hydrating Ceramides Cleanser
Hydrating Ceramides Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, low-foam lotion cleanser by The Raw formulated with 5 essential ceramides (NP, NS, AS, AP, EOP), niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid, cholesterol and panthenol. Designed to cleanse without stripping, restore the skin barrier, and lock in moisture — leaving skin soft, calm and pH-balanced.
Barrier Repair Complex
5 ceramides + cholesterol + fatty acid mimic the skin's natural lipid ratio for true barrier restoration.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBarrier Repair Complex
5 ceramides + cholesterol + fatty acid mimic the skin's natural lipid ratio for true barrier restoration.
Hydrating Cleanse
Hyaluronic acid, panthenol and squalane keep skin soft and moisturised — never tight or squeaky.
Soothing Botanicals
Centella, green tea, licorice, chamomile and rosemary calm redness and reactive skin.
Free From Harsh Stuff
No sulfates, drying alcohols, essential oils, fragrance, parabens or silicones.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are pregnancy-friendly.
Cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate and hydrogenated lecithin are potential triggers. Rinse-off limits exposure but those highly reactive should patch test.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, sulfate-free with soothing botanicals. Dermatologically tested for tolerance.
Rinse-off cleanser — safe to use before retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA or any active serum.
Halal certified ingredients and not tested on animals. Backed by pharmaceutical science.
Ceramide + cholesterol + fatty acid combo is clinically supported for compromised barriers.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTS5 Essential Ceramides (NP, NS, AS, AP, EOP) ~0.1–0.5%Proven
The full ceramide spectrum mirrors what's naturally in your stratum corneum. Together they form the "mortar" between skin cells, locking in water and locking out irritants.
- Function: Make up roughly half of the lipids in the outer skin layer; deficiency is linked to dryness, eczema and atopic dermatitis.
- Synergy: Work best when paired with cholesterol and fatty acids in a near-physiological ratio — exactly what this formula provides.
- Benefit: Reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and visibly strengthen sensitised skin.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 1%Proven
A multi-tasking active that strengthens the barrier, regulates oil, calms redness and supports a more even tone — even in a rinse-off product.
- Mechanism: Boosts the skin's own ceramide production, amplifying the topical ceramides in this formula.
- Tolerance: 1% is a comfortable, non-irritating dose suitable for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin.
- Bonus: Helps minimize the look of pores with consistent use.
Squalane ~1–3%Proven
A skin-identical emollient that mimics natural sebum. Extremely lightweight, non-greasy and stable — ideal for replenishing lipids during cleansing.
- Comedogenicity: Rated 0–1 on the comedogenic scale — safe for acne-prone skin.
- Function: Acts as the "fatty acid" component in the ceramide-cholesterol-fatty acid trio that rebuilds the skin barrier.
Sodium Hyaluronate & Panthenol Hydrating duoProven
Sodium hyaluronate (the salt form of HA) attracts and binds water; panthenol (provitamin B5) hydrates and supports wound healing.
- HA: Holds up to 1,000× its weight in water for instant plumping.
- Panthenol: Anti-inflammatory and known to speed barrier recovery in compromised skin.
Cholesterol + Hydrogenated Lecithin Barrier LipidsProven
Cholesterol makes up around 25% of skin barrier lipids. Combined with ceramides and fatty acids in the right ratio, it triggers efficient barrier repair.
- Lecithin: Phospholipid that delivers other actives deeper and reinforces the lipid matrix.
- Trio Effect: Ceramides + cholesterol + fatty acid (squalane) = the gold-standard barrier-repair complex.
Centella + Green Tea + Licorice Botanical Blend SoothingPromising
Six calming plant extracts: Centella Asiatica, Green Tea, Polygonum Cuspidatum, Scutellaria Baicalensis, Licorice and Chamomile — plus dipotassium glycyrrhizate.
- Centella: Madecassoside-rich; supports collagen and reduces redness.
- Green Tea (EGCG): Powerful antioxidant; protects against pollution and UV stress.
- Licorice (Glabridin): Brightens and inhibits inflammation pathways.
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate Mild SurfactantProven
An ultra-mild, sulfate-free surfactant chosen specifically for sensitive and barrier-compromised skin. Cleans without stripping.
- vs. SLS/SLES: Significantly lower irritation potential and skin-friendly pH.
- Foam: Produces a low, creamy lather rather than aggressive bubbles — by design.
33 ingredients
Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Niacinamide, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Hydrolyzed Centella Asiatica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Cholesterol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Butanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your first or second cleanse, AM and PM. For heavy makeup or sunscreen, double cleanse with an oil cleanser first.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Face
Splash face with lukewarm (not hot) water. Hot water can strip the barrier you're trying to repair.
Dispense & Emulsify
Squeeze a 10-cent-coin-sized amount into wet hands and rub to emulsify into a soft, low-foam lather.
Massage Gently
Apply to face in circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Avoid the eye area. No need to scrub.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until clean. Pat dry with a soft towel — do not rub.
Follow With Moisturiser
Apply toner, serum and moisturiser to slightly damp skin to seal in hydration. Use sunscreen every morning.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, dehydrated or compromised skin
- Your barrier is irritated by retinol, AHA/BHA or actives
- You have sensitive, reactive or rosacea-prone skin
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You want a fragrance-free, sulfate-free daily cleanser
- You prefer a gentle, low-foam lotion texture
- You need a halal-certified, cruelty-free option
Consider alternatives if:
- You love a squeaky-clean, high-foam finish
- You wear heavy makeup (use as second cleanse only)
- You have severe fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You need an active acne-fighting cleanser with BHA
- You have very oily skin and prefer gel cleansers
- You're allergic to lecithin, propylene glycol or licorice
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThe barrier-repair trio and humectants leave dry skin soft, calm and never tight after cleansing.
Fragrance-free, sulfate-free with soothing centella and licorice. One of the gentlest cleansers available.
Balances both zones — hydrates dry cheeks without leaving the T-zone greasy.
Cleans well without overstripping. May feel too gentle if you prefer that "deep clean" foam feel.
Non-comedogenic with niacinamide for inflamed acne. Pair with a BHA serum for active breakouts.
Ceramides and niacinamide directly address barrier weakening that comes with mature skin.
Results timeline
8–12 WEEKSSoft, Comfortable Skin
Skin feels clean but never tight. No squeak, no stinging — just calm, hydrated skin ready for the next step.
94% noticed immediatelyReduced Redness & Sensitivity
Barrier-disrupted skin feels less reactive. Tight spots and flakiness from over-exfoliation begin to ease.
78% noticedStronger, Plumper Skin
Improved hydration, smoother texture and a healthier glow. Skin tolerates actives better between cleanses.
71% noticedVisibly Restored Barrier
Lasting reduction in dryness and reactivity. Skin tone looks more even thanks to consistent niacinamide use.
65% noticedRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Five ceramides + cholesterol + fatty acid trio is rare and clinically meaningful
- Genuinely non-stripping — skin is soft, not tight
- Fragrance-free and sulfate-free
- Calms reactive, irritated skin
- Halal certified and cruelty-free
- Affordable for the formulation depth
- pH-balanced and dermatologist-tested
- Backed by a pharmacist-founded brand
Criticized
- Low-foam texture isn't for everyone
- Not strong enough as a single cleanse for heavy makeup
- Contains potential fungal acne triggers (rinse-off limits exposure)
- Limited stockists outside Malaysia/Southeast Asia
- Propylene glycol may not suit ultra-reactive skin
- 140g tube can feel small with daily use
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
The closest mainstream dupe — 3 ceramides, hyaluronic acid, fragrance-free, low foam. Has 5 ceramides fewer than The Raw and lacks the niacinamide + botanical blend.
Plant-forward, low-pH and barrier-friendly, but uses matcha and hemp seed oil instead of the full ceramide trio. Less targeted for compromised barriers.
Ultra-gentle French pharmacy classic for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free and very mild but contains zero ceramides — purely a cleansing emollient.
Similar barrier-friendly philosophy at a low price. Oat-based balm format rather than a lotion — a different texture but a comparable "no-strip" outcome.
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.
Squeeze tube — hygienic, travel-safe and easy to dispense.
Yes — 140g tube is well under the 100ml liquid limit equivalent and TSA-friendly in checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. Ceramides, niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid and panthenol are all considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As always, consult your OB-GYN if you have specific concerns.
Caution advised. The formula contains cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate and hydrogenated lecithin which can feed malassezia. However, because this is a rinse-off cleanser, exposure time is limited and most users tolerate it well. If you have very active fungal acne, patch test or choose a malassezia-safe alternative.
Absolutely. As a rinse-off cleanser, it pairs perfectly with all actives. In fact, it's an excellent companion to retinol or AHA/BHA routines because the ceramides and barrier lipids help offset the dryness and irritation those actives can cause.
It's ideal for dry, dehydrated, sensitive, mature and barrier-compromised skin. Combination skin will love the balance, and oily/acne-prone skin can use it daily without irritation — though those preferring a deep-cleansing foam may want to pair it with a BHA toner.
Skin feels softer and less tight from the very first use. Reduced redness and sensitivity typically appear within 1–2 weeks. Visible barrier improvement, smoother texture and a more even tone usually develop over 4–8 weeks of daily use.
It's the very first step, used morning and evening on damp skin. For PM with makeup or sunscreen, use as your second cleanse after an oil cleanser or balm (the classic double-cleanse method).
No. The brand explicitly states the formula is non-comedogenic, with a comedogenic rating around 1/5. Squalane is non-comedogenic and the surfactant is mild enough to rinse cleanly. Acne-prone users have reported no breakouts in real-world reviews.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Stored in a cool, dry place with the cap closed, the formula stays stable. The squeeze-tube packaging keeps it hygienic by minimising air and finger contact.
Verdict: The Raw Hydrating Ceramides Cleanser is one of the most ingredient-thoughtful gentle cleansers in its price range. Five ceramides + cholesterol + squalane mirror the skin's natural lipid ratio for genuine barrier repair, while 1% niacinamide and a six-extract botanical blend calm and brighten. It's fragrance-free, halal certified, sulfate-free and pregnancy-safe — making it a near-perfect daily cleanser for dry, sensitive, mature or compromised skin. Two minor caveats: the low-foam lotion texture isn't for everyone, and a few cetyl alcohol / lecithin / stearate ingredients mean caution for severe fungal acne. Otherwise, this is a quietly excellent formula that punches well above its price.
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 6 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Cleansing, Foaming, Hydrotrope, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Opacifying, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 3 |
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient, Emulsifying
|
|