pH 5.5 Gentle Cleanser
pH 5.5 Gentle Cleanser
Product Description
A dermatologically-tested, hypoallergenic pH 5.5 face and body cleanser formulated with Multi-Calm Soothing Complex, Ceramide, and Squalane to gently cleanse while maintaining your skin's natural barrier and hydration.
โจ Texture & Feel
Multi-Calm Soothing Complex
9 botanical extracts including Centella Asiatica, Chamomile, Licorice Root, and Green Tea to soothe and repair the skin barrier.
Ceramide 3 (NP)
Skin-identical lipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's protective barrier, locking in moisture.
Squalane Hydration
Lightweight emollient that mimics skin's natural oils for deep hydration without clogging pores.
Mangosteen Extract
Antioxidant-rich "queen of fruits" that helps control bacteria accumulation and soothes irritated skin.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
New formula is free from salicylic acid, retinoids, and other pregnancy-concerning ingredients. Safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains Squalane which may feed malassezia depending on source. No polysorbates or esters. Patch test recommended for FA-prone skin.
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dermatologically tested. pH 5.5 matches skin's natural acid mantle.
Safe to use with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Gentle enough for compromised skin barriers.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งฌ Ceramide 3 (NP) Proven
A skin-identical lipid naturally found in the stratum corneum. Ceramides make up approximately 50% of the lipids in your skin barrier and are essential for maintaining hydration and protection.
- Function: Repairs and strengthens the skin barrier
- Benefit: Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
- Research: Studies show topical ceramides improve skin hydration and barrier function
๐ง Squalane Proven
A stable, hydrogenated form of squalene - a compound naturally produced by our skin's sebaceous glands. Provides exceptional moisture retention without a greasy feel.
- Source: Plant-derived (typically sugarcane or olive)
- Research: Non-irritating even at 100% concentration
- Benefit: Antioxidant properties help protect against free radical damage
๐ฟ Centella Asiatica Extract Proven
Also known as "Cica" or Gotu Kola, this Southeast Asian herb is renowned for its powerful anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Contains Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
- Benefits: Soothes irritation, promotes collagen synthesis, speeds healing
- Rich in: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B vitamins, and amino acids
- Traditional use: Used for centuries to treat burns, scratches, and wounds
๐ฅญ Mangosteen Peel Extract Promising
Extracted from the "queen of fruits" native to Southeast Asia. Contains powerful xanthones, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
- Active compounds: Xanthones, epicatechin, proanthocyanidins
- Function: Helps reduce bacteria accumulation on skin
- In vitro studies: Demonstrated antioxidant and anti-aging effects
26 ingredients
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Cocamide MEA, Citric Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceramide 3, Garcinia Mangostana (Mangosteen) Peel Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as your first step in skincare routine. For heavy makeup or sunscreen, consider double cleansing with an oil cleanser first.
๐ How to Use
Dispense Product
Pump 2-3 times onto your palm. A little goes a long way - start with less and add more if needed.
Create Lather
Add a small amount of water and work the gel into a gentle lather between your palms.
Apply & Massage
Apply to wet face and/or body. Massage in gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds, avoiding eye area.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel. Use morning and night for best results.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have sensitive or easily irritated skin
- You're looking for a gentle, non-stripping cleanser
- You want a 2-in-1 face and body wash
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You need a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic option
- You experience redness, itchiness, or skin barrier issues
- You prefer a pH-balanced cleanser (5.5)
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You need heavy-duty makeup removal (double cleanse instead)
- You have confirmed fungal acne and need FA-safe products
- You prefer a squeaky-clean, stripped feeling after washing
- You want a foaming cleanser with lots of bubbles
- You're looking for active acne treatment (try their Acne Clear line)
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Effectively cleanses without over-stripping. Lightweight formula won't add excess oil. Some may prefer stronger cleansing for very oily skin.
Ceramide and Squalane help maintain hydration. Non-stripping formula leaves skin soft and comfortable, not tight.
Balances well across different face zones. Cleanses T-zone effectively while keeping cheeks hydrated.
Specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, pH-balanced. Ideal for rosacea-prone and reactive skin.
Non-comedogenic formula won't clog pores. For active acne treatment, pair with Oxecure's targeted acne products.
๐ Results Timeline
Immediate Comfort
Skin feels clean and soft without tightness. No irritation or stinging. Hydrated feeling after cleansing.
95% noticed immediatelyReduced Irritation
Less redness and skin irritation. Improved skin texture and smoothness. Skin feels more balanced and less reactive.
80% noticed within 2 weeksBarrier Improvement
Stronger skin barrier function. Skin appears healthier and more resilient. Reduced sensitivity to other products.
70% noticed by week 4Long-Term Benefits
Consistently healthy, balanced skin. Fewer breakouts and irritation episodes. Improved overall skin condition.
85% would repurchaseโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Extremely gentle and non-irritating
- No tightness or dryness after cleansing
- Fragrance-free - no artificial scent
- Effective for both face and body
- Helps reduce redness and irritation
- Safe for sensitive and reactive skin
- pH-balanced at 5.5
- Affordable price point
- Large 500ml size available
โ Criticized
- Pump dispenses too much product
- May feel "slippery" to some users
- Not for heavy makeup removal
- Mild clinical scent (though fragrance-free)
- May not satisfy those who prefer foaming cleansers
- Contains SLES (though gentler than SLS)
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Ultra-minimal formula with even fewer ingredients. No ceramides but equally gentle. National Eczema Association approved. Great for extremely reactive skin.
Contains 3 ceramides and hyaluronic acid. More widely available. Creamier, non-foaming texture. MVE technology for extended hydration. Not body-specific.
Classic gentle cleanser. Creamy, non-foaming formula. No ceramides or botanical extracts. More basic formulation but proven gentle for decades.
French pharmacy formula with prebiotic thermal water. Contains niacinamide. Slightly higher price point but excellent for sensitive, reactive skin.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Oxecure pH 5.5 Gentle Cleanser
~$10CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
~$16Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
~$13Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
~$12๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap closed when not in use.
Opaque white plastic pump bottle. Hygienic pump dispenser prevents contamination.
200ml size is TSA-compliant for carry-on. Consider decanting into smaller container for trips.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The NEW version of this cleanser is completely pregnancy and breastfeeding safe. Oxecure removed the 0.02% Salicylic Acid from the original formula and replaced it with more hydrating and soothing ingredients like Ceramides and Squalane. The new formula contains no retinoids, no salicylic acid, and no other pregnancy-concerning ingredients. It's dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice during pregnancy when skin can be more sensitive.
This cleanser is generally well-tolerated but requires caution for fungal acne-prone skin. The good news: it contains no polysorbates or esters that typically feed malassezia. However, it does contain Squalane, which may or may not be safe depending on its source (olive-derived may contain fatty acid impurities, while sugarcane-derived is typically safe). Since this is a rinse-off product with short skin contact time, the risk is lower. If you have active fungal acne, we recommend patch testing first or consulting a dermatologist.
Absolutely! This cleanser is gentle enough to use with all active ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, AHAs (like glycolic acid), and BHAs (like salicylic acid). In fact, its pH 5.5 formula and barrier-supporting ingredients (Ceramide, Squalane) make it an ideal companion for active treatments, as it cleanses without further compromising the skin barrier. For best results, cleanse first, then wait for your skin to dry before applying actives.
This cleanser is specifically formulated for sensitive skin but works well for all skin types. It's EXCELLENT for: sensitive, dry, combination, and reactive skin. It's GOOD for: oily and acne-prone skin (though those with very oily skin may prefer something more cleansing). It's particularly beneficial for those with compromised skin barriers, rosacea, eczema-prone skin, or anyone who experiences irritation from regular cleansers.
Most users notice immediate benefits: skin feels clean, soft, and hydrated right after the first use without any tightness or irritation. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, you should notice reduced redness and improved skin texture. By week 3-4, the barrier-supporting ingredients (Ceramide, Squalane) help strengthen your skin barrier, resulting in less reactive, more resilient skin. For long-term benefits like consistent skin health and fewer irritation episodes, continue use for 2+ months.
This cleanser should be the FIRST step in your skincare routine, both morning and night. For light daily cleansing (morning or no-makeup days), use it as your only cleanser. For heavy makeup, waterproof sunscreen, or oily skin, consider double cleansing: use an oil-based cleanser first to break down makeup/SPF, then follow with this gentle cleanser as your second cleanse. After cleansing, continue with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM).
No, this cleanser is non-comedogenic with a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. It's formulated without heavy oils, silicones, or pore-clogging ingredients. The formula is designed to cleanse effectively while being gentle, so it removes dirt and impurities without leaving residue that could clog pores. It's suitable for acne-prone skin, though for active acne treatment, you may want to pair it with Oxecure's targeted acne products.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for best results and to ensure the preservative system remains effective. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The pump bottle design helps prevent contamination compared to squeeze tubes or jars. If you notice any changes in smell, color, or texture, discontinue use even if within the 12-month period.
Verdict: Oxecure pH 5.5 Gentle Cleanser (New Version) is an excellent gentle cleanser that delivers on its promises. The improved formula with Ceramide 3, Squalane, and 9-botanical Multi-Calm Soothing Complex makes it a standout choice for sensitive and reactive skin types. The removal of salicylic acid from the original formula makes it completely pregnancy-safe while maintaining its effectiveness. At its affordable price point with generous 500ml sizing available, it offers excellent value. Minor drawbacks include the pump dispensing too much product and potential concerns for fungal acne-prone users due to squalane content. Overall, this is a highly recommended cleanser for anyone seeking a gentle, barrier-supporting wash for both face and body.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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 4 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 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
|
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Chloride
Masking, Viscosity Controlling, Bulking Agent
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|