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Keep It Clean Hydrating Gel Cleanser

Keep It Clean Hydrating Gel Cleanser

Product Description

A hydrating, amino-acid–based 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 10–amino 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.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ American Clean Beauty Β· Made in the USA
βœ” Vegan & Cruelty-Free βœ” Fragrance-Free* βœ” Clean at Sephora βœ” Ceramides + 10 Amino Acids βœ” Removes Makeup & SPF βœ” Ophthalmologist-Tested βœ” Gluten-Free βœ” Reef-Safe
Pregnancy Safe
Yes βœ”
Fungal Acne Safe
Likely βœ”
Comedogenic Rating
1/5
πŸ“¦
Size
200 ml / 6.7 oz
πŸ’²
Price
~$26
🧴
Format
Rinse-Off Gel
πŸ§ͺ
Hero Actives
Ceramides + AAs
⭐
Sephora
4.2 / 5

✨ Texture & Feel

πŸ’§
Consistency
Gel-to-cream
πŸ‘ƒ
Scent
Fragrance-free*
⏱️
Absorption
Rinses clean
🎯
Finish
Soft, not tight
🧴

One-Step Makeup Removal

Lifts waterproof makeup, SPF and oil without a separate balm step β€” double cleansing becomes optional.

πŸ›‘οΈ

Barrier-Supporting

Ceramide NP, glucosyl ceramide and a 10–amino acid blend help maintain the skin's moisture barrier while you cleanse.

πŸ’§

Non-Stripping

Designed to leave skin feeling soft and hydrated rather than tight, dry or squeaky.

πŸ‘οΈ

Eye-Safe Formula

Ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested; suitable for contact lens wearers and gentle eye-makeup removal.

πŸ›‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility

βœ…
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

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.

🧫
Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

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.

⚠️
Sensitive / Reactive Skin

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.

πŸ‹
Essential Oils

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.

πŸ”—
Layering with Actives

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.

πŸ‘οΈ
Eyes & Contact Lenses

Ophthalmologist-tested, safe for eye-makeup removal and suitable for contact lens wearers.

πŸ”¬ Ingredient Breakdown

🧱 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.
βœ…
Well-tolerated by virtually all skin types, including sensitive and barrier-compromised skin.

πŸ”— 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.

🌿 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.

πŸ’Ž 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.

🫧 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-acid–derived 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.
⚠️
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a recognized contact allergen and the olefin sulfonate can feel a touch strong on very sensitive skin β€” patch test if reactive.

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.

FREE FROM: Sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, added synthetic fragrance, silicones, gluten, and animal-derived ingredients (fully vegan).

πŸ”„ Where It Fits in Your Routine

1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Eye Cream
5
Moisturizer
6
SPF (AM)

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.

πŸ“ How to Use

1

Apply

To remove makeup, pump 3–4 dollops onto a dry face using dry hands. For everyday cleansing, apply straight to wet skin.

2

Massage

Work it gently over the skin, concentrating on areas with stubborn or waterproof makeup, until everything breaks down.

3

Add Water & Rinse

Add a little lukewarm water, keep massaging as it emulsifies, then rinse thoroughly. No separate makeup remover needed for most days.

4

Follow Up

Pat dry and continue with your toner, serum and moisturizer. Use morning and night.

πŸ‘€ Who Is It For?

βœ… 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-acid–rich "clean" formulas
  • You want a vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free–style option at an accessible price

❌ 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

🎯 Skin Type Compatibility

Oily Skin β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… Excellent

Cuts through oil, makeup and SPF effectively without over-drying or leaving residue.

Combination β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… Excellent

Balances cleansing across the T-zone and cheeks without tight spots.

Normal Skin β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… Excellent

A comfortable everyday cleanse that supports the barrier with ceramides and amino acids.

Dry Skin β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† Good

Hydrating for a cleanser and non-stripping, but follow with a richer moisturizer.

Sensitive Skin β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜† Moderate

Free of synthetic fragrance, but essential oils and the surfactant base warrant a patch test.

πŸ“ˆ Results Timeline

Day 1

First Wash

Skin feels clean, soft and comfortable β€” not tight. Makeup and SPF rinse away in one step.

~85% noticed
Week 1

Less Stripped Feeling

Daily use leaves skin balanced, with far less of the dry, squeaky feeling that harsher washes leave behind.

~70% noticed
Weeks 2–4

Calmer, More Hydrated Look

Consistent gentle cleansing helps skin look calmer and feel more hydrated and resilient over time.

~60% noticed

⭐ Ratings by Platform

πŸ’„ Sephora
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… 4.2
Rating
445+
Reviews
⚠️ Main complaint: the light citrus scent feels at odds with the "fragrance-free" claim for some buyers.
🌸 SkinSort
82/100
Community Score
Popular
Pick
⚠️ Main complaint: flagged for a couple of potential-irritant ingredients (cocamidopropyl betaine, essential oils).
πŸ”¬ WhatsInMyJar
100/100
Effectiveness
High
Irritation Risk
⚠️ Main complaint: rated high irritation potential, best avoided by very sensitive skin.
🏠 Brand & Retailers
$26
Sephora Price
200 ml
Full Size
⚠️ Main complaint: you need 3–4 pumps for makeup removal, so the bottle can go quickly with daily use.

βš–οΈ Pros & Cons

βœ… 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"

❌ 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

πŸ’° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)

75% Match
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
$16.99 Budget Pick

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.

72% Match
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
$16.99 Budget Pick

Ceramides plus niacinamide, fragrance-free and very gentle for sensitive skin. Milkier texture though, and it isn't built as a makeup remover.

65% Match
Bubble Skincare Fresh Start Gel Cleanser
$14.49 Budget Pick

A true gel cleanser at the lowest price here, but a simpler formula with fewer barrier ingredients and less makeup-dissolving power.

πŸ”„ Comparison with Competitors

Sunday Riley Aquamarine Melt

$42
Key Actives Squalane + Blue Tansy + Sea Algae
Size 140 ml
Texture Gel-to-balm
Removes Makeup Yes, melting balm
Fragrance Fragranced

Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Cleanser

~$18
Key Actives Green Tea + Hemp Seed Oil
Size 120 ml
Texture Gel
Removes Makeup Light only
Fragrance Fragrance-free

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

$16.99
Key Actives 3 Ceramides + Hyaluronic Acid
Size 355 ml
Texture Lotion / cream
Removes Makeup Limited
Fragrance Fragrance-free

πŸ“¦ Storage & Shelf Life

πŸ“…
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

🏠
Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the pump closed.

πŸ“¦
Packaging

Plastic pump bottle (recyclable)

✈️
Travel Friendly

Full size is 200 ml (over the 100 ml carry-on limit); a 30 ml mini is the travel-friendly option.

❓ 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 2–4 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.

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†
4.2 out of 5

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 10–amino 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

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.

Awesome, I Understand!

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 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.

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

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 6 ingredient(s):
Ceramide NP Glucosyl Ceramide Collagen Centella Asiatica Extract Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Arginine Centella Asiatica Extract Citric Acid
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!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
4
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
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
53% 2% 44%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 47 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
0 Unknown
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing, Foaming
4 B
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
1 Unknown
Sodium Chloride
Masking, Viscosity Controlling, Bulking Agent
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS