Intensive Cleanser
Intensive Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, soap-free body wash with 60% glycerin — the highest moisturiser concentration in the QV range — designed to deeply hydrate and cleanse extremely dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin without stripping natural oils.
60% Glycerin Concentration
The highest moisturiser content in the entire QV wash range, delivering intense hydration as it cleanses extremely dry skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORY60% Glycerin Concentration
The highest moisturiser content in the entire QV wash range, delivering intense hydration as it cleanses extremely dry skin.
Preservative-Free Formula
The elevated glycerin content reduces water activity, allowing the removal of preservatives entirely — ideal for ultra-sensitive and reactive skin.
Ultra-Mild Surfactant Blend
Uses four gentle, non-stripping cleansing agents (sarcosinate, isethionate, betaine, amphodiacetate) that cleanse without disrupting the skin barrier.
Minimalist 9-Ingredient Formula
Only 9 carefully selected ingredients. Free from soap, fragrance, colour, lanolin, propylene glycol, parabens, and SLS — reducing irritation risk to a minimum.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Free from oils, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and fermented ingredients. Contains no known triggers for pityrosporum folliculitis.
Dermatologically tested and used in clinical settings. Free from common irritants. Maintains skin barrier integrity during cleansing.
Gentle enough for use on newborns through to elderly patients. Recommended by dermatologists and used in hospital settings across Australia and the Middle East.
Free from the top common allergy-causing ingredients: fragrances, preservatives, lanolin, propylene glycol, parabens, formaldehyde, and SLS.
Safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHA/BHA treatments, and prescription medications like tretinoin and topical steroids.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin ~60%Proven
A powerful humectant and skin-identical ingredient that draws and holds water to the skin surface, maintaining deep hydration. Listed first in the INCI, glycerin makes up approximately 60% of this formula — the highest in the QV range.
- Study: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Function: Draws moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface, keeping skin plump and hydrated.
- Benefit: Strengthens the skin barrier, reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and accelerates wound healing.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate SurfactantProven
A mild, biodegradable amino acid-derived surfactant known for its excellent foam-boosting abilities while maintaining formula mildness. Derived from sarcosine, often sourced from coconut oil.
- Function: Gently lifts dirt, oil, and impurities to be rinsed away without stripping natural oils.
- Mildness: Performance comparable to isethionates, one of the gentlest surfactant groups available.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate SurfactantProven
An ultra-gentle coconut-derived surfactant that creates a rich, creamy lather without impacting the skin barrier. Widely used in "syndet bars" (soap-free cleansing bars).
- Research: Dr. Leslie Baumann notes in Cosmetic Dermatology that sodium cocoyl isethionate "has defined a new dimension in the mildness of cleansing bars."
- Function: Cleanses gently, readily biodegradable, and based on vegetable fatty acids.
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate SurfactantProven
An amphoteric (both positively and negatively charged) surfactant with excellent foaming abilities and extreme gentleness. Recommended for baby products and non-irritating cleansers.
- Structure: Amphoteric head group makes it exceptionally mild compared to standard anionic surfactants.
- Benefit: Boosts foam quality while softening the overall formula, reducing irritation potential.
Lauryl Betaine SurfactantProven
A mild co-surfactant that enhances foam, improves spreadability, and boosts the mildness of the overall cleansing system. Works synergistically with the other surfactants in this formula.
- Function: Helps water and oil mix together; acts as an emulsifier and foam stabiliser.
- Benefit: Very low irritation potential, suitable for sensitive skin formulations.
9 ingredients
Glycerin, Aqua (Water), Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse daily in the shower or bath. Follow with QV Intensive Body Moisturiser or QV Intensive Ointment for maximum hydration on extremely dry areas.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Skin
Step into the shower or bath and thoroughly wet your body with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water as it can strip moisture from dry skin.
Apply & Massage
Dispense a generous amount of cleanser onto your hands or a soft cloth. Massage gently onto wet skin, working into a light lather across the body.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off with lukewarm water. The cleanser will leave a protective moisturising film on your skin — this is normal and intentional.
Pat Dry & Moisturise
Gently pat skin dry with a soft towel (do not rub). Apply QV Intensive Body Moisturiser or Ointment to damp skin to lock in hydration.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have extremely dry, flaking, or itchy skin
- You suffer from eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis
- You need a soap-free, preservative-free body wash
- You want a minimalist formula with as few ingredients as possible
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for an infant
- Your skin reacts to fragrances, preservatives, or lanolin
- You are using prescription topicals (tretinoin, steroids) that dry skin
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very oily skin and prefer a deep-cleansing, matte-finish wash
- You want a foaming cleanser with a rich, bubbly lather
- You prefer a scented body wash experience
- You need an exfoliating cleanser with active acids
- You are looking specifically for an acne-fighting wash with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThis cleanser was specifically formulated for extremely dry skin. The 60% glycerin content delivers intense hydration while cleansing, leaving a protective moisturising film.
Preservative-free, fragrance-free, lanolin-free, and soap-free. Only 9 ingredients minimise the risk of irritation. Dermatologically tested and used in hospital settings.
A go-to cleanser for eczema sufferers. Maintains the skin barrier, does not sting compromised skin, and helps replace moisture lost during washing.
Works well on dry areas of the body. Those with combination facial skin may find it slightly too moisturising for the T-zone, but excellent for body use.
The high glycerin content may leave a film that oily skin types find too heavy. Better suited to body use rather than face for very oily skin.
Non-comedogenic and fungal acne safe. Does not contain pore-clogging ingredients. However, it is not a treatment cleanser — no active acne-fighting ingredients.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Comfort
Skin feels softer and more comfortable immediately after the first wash. No tightness, stinging, or dryness. A protective moisturising film is noticeable.
90% noticed immediatelyReduced Dryness & Itching
Daily use significantly reduces the itchiness and flaking associated with very dry or eczema-prone skin. Skin feels noticeably less tight after showering.
80% noticed improvementBarrier Strengthening
Consistent use helps restore and maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier. Skin retains hydration better throughout the day. Flare-ups may become less frequent.
70% reported fewer flare-upsLong-Term Skin Health
Skin is healthier, more resilient, and better able to tolerate other products in your routine. Night-time itching and scratch-related damage are significantly reduced.
75% reported lasting improvementRatings by platform
650+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- 60% glycerin — the most moisturising cleanser in the QV range
- Completely preservative-free, reducing irritation risk for ultra-sensitive skin
- Only 9 ingredients — one of the simplest formulas on the market
- Soap-free, fragrance-free, and lanolin-free
- Does not strip natural oils or disrupt the skin barrier
- Safe for infants, pregnant women, and elderly patients
- Leaves a protective hydrating film after rinsing
- Available in an economical 1kg pump size
- Pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing (TGA standards)
Criticized
- Thick, rich consistency can be slow to dispense from the pump
- May leave a residual film that oily skin types find too heavy
- Minimal lather compared to conventional body washes
- No active treatment ingredients (no salicylic acid, ceramides, etc.)
- Higher price when purchased outside Australia
- Basic, clinical packaging without luxury appeal
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Similar gentle, soap-free approach for sensitive skin. Contains more ingredients (including propylene glycol and parabens in some formulations) and less glycerin. Widely available worldwide.
Adds ceramides and hyaluronic acid for barrier repair. More complex formula with more ingredients. Lotion-like texture. May leave a film some find heavy. More widely available globally.
Excellent for ultra-sensitive skin with a simple formula free from dyes, fragrance, and common irritants. Gel texture rather than creamy. Less moisturising than QV Intensive but very gentle.
Contains prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, and niacinamide. More complex formula targeting sensitive/dry skin. Lighter texture with less moisturising power but added skin-repairing benefits.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight.
Pump bottle dispenser (500ml and 1kg sizes available)
500ml exceeds carry-on limit (100ml). Decant into a smaller container for air travel, or use in checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. QV Intensive Cleanser contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Its minimalist, 9-ingredient formula consists entirely of glycerin, water, and mild surfactants — all considered safe for use throughout pregnancy and while nursing. It is also safe for use on newborns.
Yes. QV Intensive Cleanser is free from oils, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and fermented ingredients — the known triggers for malassezia (pityrosporum) folliculitis. Multiple ingredient databases including SkinSort confirm this product as fungal acne safe. Its simple formula makes it one of the safest cleansers for those dealing with fungal acne.
Absolutely. QV Intensive Cleanser is a gentle, non-active cleanser that will not interfere with any of your active treatments. In fact, its moisturising, soap-free formula is ideal for use alongside potentially irritating actives like retinol, tretinoin, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs — it helps maintain skin hydration and barrier health while those actives do their work. Many Accutane (isotretinoin) users consider this their go-to cleanser.
QV Intensive Cleanser is formulated specifically for extremely dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. It is excellent for anyone with dermatitis, psoriasis, ichthyosis, or skin that reacts to regular body washes. It is also ideal for infants and elderly individuals with fragile skin. While it can be used on all skin types, those with very oily skin may prefer a lighter formulation for their face.
Most users notice an immediate improvement in skin comfort after the very first use — no tightness, no stinging, and softer skin. Within the first week of daily use, dryness and itching typically decrease noticeably. Over 2–4 weeks, the skin barrier strengthens and flare-ups may become less frequent. For chronic conditions like eczema, consistent daily use for several weeks provides the best results.
QV Intensive Cleanser is the first step in your routine — it is your cleanser. Use it daily in the shower or bath. After rinsing and patting dry, follow with any serums or treatments, then apply a moisturiser (such as QV Intensive Body Moisturiser or QV Cream) to damp skin to lock in hydration. In the morning, finish with sunscreen on exposed areas.
No. QV Intensive Cleanser is officially labelled non-comedogenic by the manufacturer and has a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5. It contains no oils, waxes, or known pore-clogging ingredients. The formula is a rinse-off product, meaning ingredients are not left on the skin for extended periods. It is safe for acne-prone skin.
QV Intensive Cleanser has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Store it below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The 1kg pump bottle size offers excellent value and typically lasts 2–3 months with daily full-body use. Despite being preservative-free, the high glycerin concentration (60%) reduces water activity in the formula, naturally inhibiting microbial growth.
Verdict: QV Intensive Cleanser is an outstanding choice for anyone with extremely dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin. Its 60% glycerin formula, minimalist 9-ingredient list, and preservative-free formulation set it apart from virtually every other cleanser on the market. Developed by Ego Pharmaceuticals in Australia and trusted by dermatologists across 20+ countries, it delivers genuine, science-backed hydration without any of the common irritants found in mainstream body washes. The only reason it does not receive a perfect score is its limited availability outside Australia and the fact that it does not contain active treatment ingredients. For pure, gentle cleansing that protects and nourishes extremely dry skin, this is one of the best options available.
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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Cleansing, Emulsifying, Foaming, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Hydrotrope, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauryl Betaine
Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent
|
|