Keep It Clean Hydrating Gel Cleanser
Keep It Clean Hydrating Gel Cleanser
Product Description
A hydrating, amino-acidβbased gel-to-cream cleanser from iNNBEAUTY PROJECT that lifts away makeup, SPF and excess oil in one step β without the tight, stripped feeling. Ceramides, a 10βamino acid blend and vegan collagen help support a soft, healthy moisture barrier as you wash. Ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested, and safe for contact lens wearers.
β¨ Texture & Feel
One-Step Makeup Removal
Lifts waterproof makeup, SPF and oil without a separate balm step β double cleansing becomes optional.
Barrier-Supporting
Ceramide NP, glucosyl ceramide and a 10βamino acid blend help maintain the skin's moisture barrier while you cleanse.
Non-Stripping
Designed to leave skin feeling soft and hydrated rather than tight, dry or squeaky.
Eye-Safe Formula
Ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested; suitable for contact lens wearers and gentle eye-makeup removal.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters β generally considered safe while pregnant or nursing. Contains trace citrus oils; check with your doctor if you avoid all essential oils.
Rinse-off format and most esters present (polyglyceryl-10 stearate, sorbitan oleate) are generally regarded as malassezia-safe. Sucrose stearate is the one to watch, but brief contact keeps risk low.
The primary surfactant (Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate) plus cocamidopropyl betaine and essential oils can irritate very reactive or eczema-prone skin. Patch test before daily use.
Bergamot and mandarin oils give a light natural citrus scent. Photosensitivity risk is minimal in a rinse-off, but fragrance-sensitive users should note it isn't truly fragrance-free.
Plays well with any routine β as a rinse-off cleanser it has no leave-on actives to clash with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA or niacinamide.
Ophthalmologist-tested, safe for eye-makeup removal and suitable for contact lens wearers.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§± Ceramides (Ceramide NP + Glucosyl Ceramide) Barrier blend Proven
Lipids that mirror those naturally found in skin. They help reinforce the moisture barrier so it stays comfortable rather than stripped after cleansing.
- Function: Replenish barrier lipids and reduce trans-epidermal water loss.
- Brand claim: Clinically positioned to nourish skin and strengthen the barrier.
π 10 Amino Acid Blend 10 AAs Proven
Arginine, proline, serine, alanine, glycine, lysine, threonine and glutamic acid (plus PCA) act as natural moisturizing factors, helping skin hold water and feel resilient as it's cleansed.
- Role: Skin-identical conditioning agents and humectants.
- Benefit: Help offset the drying potential of the surfactant base.
πΏ Centella Asiatica (Cica) Soothing Promising
A calming botanical rich in centelloids (asiaticoside, madecassoside) traditionally used to soothe and support skin recovery.
- Evidence: Studied for reducing inflammation and supporting barrier repair.
- Note: Pairs well with the ceramide and amino-acid system.
π Vegan Collagen + Green Tea & Botanicals Conditioning Promising
Plant-derived collagen plus antioxidant green tea (Camellia Sinensis), cucumber, apple and rose extracts add a conditioning, comforting feel during the wash.
- Green tea: Source of antioxidant polyphenols (EGCG and relatives).
- Vegan collagen: Surface conditioning agent for a soft after-feel.
π«§ Surfactant System (Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate + Betaines/Glucosides) Main cleanser Cleansing
The real workhorses. Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate is the primary cleanser, supported by cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside and amino-acidβderived sodium lauroyl sarcosinate to lift makeup, SPF and oil.
- Performance: Effective, low-residue rinse-off that removes waterproof makeup.
- Trade-off: A relatively standard surfactant base rather than a purely amino-acid wash.
47 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Ceramide NP, Glucosyl Ceramide, Arginine, Proline, Serine, Alanine, Glycine, Lysine HCl, Threonine, Collagen, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Betaine, Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Alpha-Glucan, Sodium PCA, PCA, Pullulan, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sucrose Stearate, Glutamic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Decyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Phytate.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use it as your very first step, morning and night. At night it can replace a separate makeup-removing balm for most looks; double cleanse with an oil-based first step only for heavy or waterproof makeup.
π How to Use
Apply
To remove makeup, pump 3β4 dollops onto a dry face using dry hands. For everyday cleansing, apply straight to wet skin.
Massage
Work it gently over the skin, concentrating on areas with stubborn or waterproof makeup, until everything breaks down.
Add Water & Rinse
Add a little lukewarm water, keep massaging as it emulsifies, then rinse thoroughly. No separate makeup remover needed for most days.
Follow Up
Pat dry and continue with your toner, serum and moisturizer. Use morning and night.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You want a gentle daily cleanser that removes makeup and SPF in one step
- You have normal, combination or oily skin that feels stripped by foaming washes
- You like ceramide- and amino-acidβrich "clean" formulas
- You want a vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-freeβstyle option at an accessible price
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have very sensitive, reactive or eczema-prone skin (surfactants + oils may sting)
- You strictly avoid all fragrance and essential oils
- You need a carry-on-friendly bottle under 100 ml (full size is 200 ml)
- You want the cheapest possible ceramide cleanser β drugstore options cost far less
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Cuts through oil, makeup and SPF effectively without over-drying or leaving residue.
Balances cleansing across the T-zone and cheeks without tight spots.
A comfortable everyday cleanse that supports the barrier with ceramides and amino acids.
Hydrating for a cleanser and non-stripping, but follow with a richer moisturizer.
Free of synthetic fragrance, but essential oils and the surfactant base warrant a patch test.
π Results Timeline
First Wash
Skin feels clean, soft and comfortable β not tight. Makeup and SPF rinse away in one step.
~85% noticedLess Stripped Feeling
Daily use leaves skin balanced, with far less of the dry, squeaky feeling that harsher washes leave behind.
~70% noticedCalmer, More Hydrated Look
Consistent gentle cleansing helps skin look calmer and feel more hydrated and resilient over time.
~60% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Removes makeup and SPF in one step β double cleanse often unnecessary
- Genuinely non-stripping; skin feels soft rather than tight
- Ceramides + amino acids + vegan collagen support the barrier
- Large 200 ml pump bottle at an accessible (~$26) price
- Vegan, cruelty-free and "Clean at Sephora"
β Criticized
- Contains essential oils (bergamot, mandarin, geranium) β not ideal for fragrance-sensitive skin
- Surfactant base can feel slightly strong on very sensitive or eczema-prone skin
- "Fragrance-free" labeling is debatable given the citrus oils
- 200 ml bottle isn't carry-on (under-100 ml) travel friendly
- Cheaper drugstore ceramide cleansers deliver similar barrier care
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Ceramides plus hyaluronic acid for barrier support at a fraction of the price. It's a creamy lotion rather than a gel, has no amino-acid blend, and is weaker at removing makeup.
Ceramides plus niacinamide, fragrance-free and very gentle for sensitive skin. Milkier texture though, and it isn't built as a makeup remover.
A true gel cleanser at the lowest price here, but a simpler formula with fewer barrier ingredients and less makeup-dissolving power.
π Comparison with Competitors
iNNBEAUTY Keep It Clean (Featured)
$26Sunday Riley Aquamarine Melt
$42Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Cleanser
~$18CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
$16.99π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the pump closed.
Plastic pump bottle (recyclable)
Full size is 200 ml (over the 100 ml carry-on limit); a 30 ml mini is the travel-friendly option.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters β the ingredients usually flagged during pregnancy. It does include trace bergamot and mandarin essential oils, which are low-risk in a rinse-off cleanser, but if you're avoiding all essential oils, check with your OB-GYN or dermatologist first.
Mostly. It's a rinse-off product, so contact time is short, and most of its esters (polyglyceryl-10 stearate, sorbitan oleate) are generally considered malassezia-safe. Sucrose stearate is the one potential feeder ingredient, but because it's washed off quickly the practical risk is low for most fungal-acne-prone users.
Yes. As a cleanser it rinses off and has no leave-on actives to clash with your treatments. Simply cleanse first, then apply your retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA or niacinamide as usual once skin is dry.
It's best for normal, oily and combination skin, and good for dry skin if you follow with a moisturizer. Very sensitive, reactive or eczema-prone skin should patch test first, since the surfactant base and essential oils can occasionally cause stinging or irritation.
A cleanser's main job is immediate β clean, comfortable, non-tight skin from the very first wash. The barrier-related benefits, like less dryness and a smoother feel, build gradually over about 2β4 weeks of consistent daily use.
It's your first step, morning and night. For most makeup it can replace a separate makeup-removing balm, so double cleansing is optional. Only double cleanse (oil-based cleanser first, then this) for heavy or waterproof makeup.
Very unlikely. It's a rinse-off formula with a low comedogenic profile (around 1 out of 5). The oils it contains are present in trace amounts and are washed away rather than left on the skin.
About 12 months (PAO 12M). To keep it fresh, store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and keep the pump closed between uses.
Verdict: A genuinely pleasant, non-stripping daily cleanser that delivers on its core promise β removing makeup and SPF in one step while leaving skin soft and comfortable. Ceramides, a 10βamino acid blend and vegan collagen are barrier-friendly extras at an accessible price. The main caveats are the citrus essential oils (so it isn't truly "fragrance-free") and a surfactant base that can be a touch much for very sensitive skin. For normal-to-oily and combination skin that wants an easy, hydrating cleanse, it's an easy recommendation β just patch test if you're reactive.
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 Β«promisesΒ» 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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 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
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Chloride
Masking, Viscosity Controlling, Bulking Agent
|
|

