Purifying Facial Cleanser
Purifying Facial Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, oil-free facial cleanser specifically formulated to target Malassezia yeast and seborrheic dermatitis. Powered by biofilm-disrupting xylitol, soothing aloe vera (200x concentrated), and malassezia-safe squalane, this minimalist wash clears fungal overgrowth without stripping the skin barrier. Leaves skin calm, hydrated, and flake-free.
Biofilm Disruption
Xylitol breaks down the protective biofilm shield that Malassezia yeast creates, allowing active ingredients to reach and neutralize the root cause of irritation.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBiofilm Disruption
Xylitol breaks down the protective biofilm shield that Malassezia yeast creates, allowing active ingredients to reach and neutralize the root cause of irritation.
Deep Pore Cleansing
Gentle surfactants (cocamidopropyl betaine and hydroxysultaine) remove excess sebum and dirt without stripping the skin barrier or causing dryness.
Natural Exfoliation
Willow bark extract and papaya fruit enzymes gently dissolve dead, flaky skin cells while balancing skin tone and texture.
Malassezia-Safe Hydration
Squalane is one of the few oils that does not feed Malassezia yeast, providing nourishment and moisture without triggering flare-ups.
Soothing Botanicals
200x concentrated aloe vera, cucumber extract, and witch hazel calm redness, cool irritation, and reduce inflammation on contact.
3-in-1 Formula
Works as a cleanser, gentle exfoliator, and hydrating treatment in one step, simplifying your routine while maximizing results.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains willow bark extract (natural salicin, a salicylic acid precursor). While this is a wash-off product with low concentration, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should consult their doctor before use.
Specifically formulated to avoid feeding Malassezia yeast. Free from ferments, problematic fatty acids, esters, and polysorbates. Squalane is the only lipid used and is confirmed malassezia-safe.
Comedogenic rating 1/5. All ingredients score low on the comedogenicity scale. Squalane has a rating of 0 and glycerin is also rated 0. Unlikely to clog pores.
Free from SLS, SLES, fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and other common irritants. Uses mild coconut-derived surfactants. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Does not contain strong actives that would conflict with retinol. The gentle exfoliation from willow bark and papaya enzymes is mild enough to use alongside retinoids in a PM routine.
Can be used alongside vitamin C serums and chemical exfoliants. Since willow bark provides a mild natural BHA effect, monitor for over-exfoliation if pairing with other BHA products.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSqualaneProven
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from plant sources. Squalane is virtually identical to the squalene our skin naturally produces. It is one of the only oils confirmed safe for Malassezia-prone skin because yeast cannot metabolize it.
- Research: Studies confirm squalane is non-irritating even at 100% concentration and has a comedogenic rating of 0.
- Benefit: Antioxidant, detoxifying, and deeply hydrating without feeding fungal overgrowth.
- Source: Plant-derived (olive or sugarcane).
XylitolPromising
A sugar alcohol known for its anti-biofilm properties. In skincare, xylitol disrupts the protective biofilm that Malassezia yeast creates, making the fungus more vulnerable to treatment and removal during cleansing.
- Research: Published studies demonstrate xylitol can reduce biofilm formation by multiple microorganisms, including Candida species.
- Benefit: Disrupts fungal biofilm, allowing other actives to penetrate and clear yeast overgrowth more effectively.
- Bonus: Also acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin.
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark ExtractProven
A natural source of salicin, which the body converts to salicylic acid. Provides gentle chemical exfoliation that helps remove dead, flaky skin while minimizing irritation compared to synthetic salicylic acid.
- Research: Willow bark has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and keratolytic properties in dermatological studies.
- Benefit: Gently dissolves flaky skin buildup, reduces redness, and helps keep pores clear.
Carica Papaya Fruit ExtractProven
Contains the enzyme papain, a natural proteolytic enzyme that breaks down dead skin proteins. Provides enzymatic exfoliation that is gentler than mechanical scrubbing or strong chemical peels.
- Research: Papain has been used in wound healing and dermatology for its ability to dissolve dead tissue without damaging healthy skin.
- Benefit: Removes flaky, scaling skin associated with seborrheic dermatitis while promoting smoother texture.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice 200x ConcentratedProven
A concentrated form of aloe vera known for its anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and moisturizing properties. Soothes irritation, cools inflamed skin, and supports barrier repair.
- Research: Multiple clinical studies confirm aloe vera reduces inflammation, accelerates wound healing, and provides antimicrobial benefits.
- Benefit: Calms redness and itching associated with seb derm flare-ups while hydrating without adding problematic oils.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) WaterProven
A botanical astringent with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Helps tighten pores and reduce excess sebum without the harshness of alcohol-based toners.
- Research: Witch hazel contains tannins and gallic acid that constrict pores and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Benefit: Reduces oiliness and helps minimize pore appearance while calming inflamed skin.
16 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Xylitol, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, Alcohol, Maltodextrin.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse AM & PM as the first step of your routine. For best results, pair with Dermazen Calming Seborrheic Serum and Soothing Malassezia Moisturizer. Leave on skin for 1 minute before rinsing to allow biofilm-disrupting ingredients to work.
How to use
HOW TO USEShake & Apply
Shake the bottle well. Wet your face with lukewarm water and apply a generous amount of cleanser to your fingertips. Gently massage onto the face in circular motions.
Wait 1 Minute
Leave the cleanser on your skin for approximately one minute. This allows the xylitol and active botanicals to penetrate and disrupt the Malassezia biofilm.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. Follow immediately with your serum and moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have seborrheic dermatitis on the face (flaky, red, itchy patches)
- You experience fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) and need a safe cleanser
- Your skin reacts badly to conventional cleansers with oils and fragrances
- You want a minimalist formula with fewer than 20 ingredients
- You need a gentle cleanser that also exfoliates flaky skin
- You're looking for a beard-friendly face wash that addresses seb derm
Consider alternatives if:
- You need heavy-duty makeup removal (this is not an oil cleanser)
- You prefer a rich, foaming lather (this is a lightweight gel)
- You want the cheapest option available (premium pricing at $9.99/oz)
- You have no fungal skin concerns and just need a basic daily cleanser
- You're pregnant and want to avoid any salicin/salicylic acid derivatives entirely
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESBalances sebum production without stripping. Witch hazel provides astringent action to minimize shine. Ideal for oily, seb derm-prone skin.
Squalane and glycerin provide hydration, but dry skin types may still need a heavier moisturizer afterward. Non-stripping formula is a plus.
Cleanses oily zones effectively while squalane and aloe keep drier areas comfortable. Great balance for combination skin types.
Fragrance-free and paraben-free with mild surfactants. Witch hazel may mildly tingle on very reactive skin. Patch test recommended.
Purpose-built for Malassezia-prone skin. Non-comedogenic, free from yeast-feeding ingredients. The gold standard for fungal acne cleansing.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Soothing & Comfort
Skin feels calmer and less irritated after the first few washes. Itching and tightness begin to subside. The cleanser does not strip skin or cause the post-wash dryness common with medicated washes.
80% noticed reduced itchingVisible Flake Reduction
Noticeable decrease in flaking and scaling, especially around the nose, eyebrows, and hairline. Skin tone begins to appear more even. Pores may look tighter thanks to witch hazel.
70% saw fewer flakesClearer, Calmer Skin
Seborrheic dermatitis patches significantly reduced. Fungal acne bumps diminish as the biofilm is consistently disrupted. Redness fades and skin texture improves.
65% reported significant improvementLong-Term Maintenance
With continued daily use, flare-ups become less frequent and less severe. Skin maintains a balanced, healthy appearance. Many users report this becomes a permanent staple in their routine.
85% continued repurchasingRatings by platform
405+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Specifically formulated for seb derm and fungal acne — not just "sensitive skin" marketing
- Minimalist 16-ingredient formula with no hidden irritants
- Unique biofilm-disrupting approach with xylitol
- Non-stripping: skin feels hydrated after use, not tight or dry
- Visibly reduces flaking within the first week for many users
- Fragrance-free and vegan with clean ingredient list
- Works well for facial hair/beard areas affected by seb derm
Criticized
- Premium price ($39.95 for 4 oz) — significantly more expensive than drugstore options
- Small bottle size runs out quickly with twice-daily use (lasts ~3–4 weeks)
- Requires 1-minute wait time which can feel long in a rushed morning routine
- Not a strong foaming lather — some users miss the "clean" sensation
- Witch hazel may cause mild tingling on extremely sensitive skin
- Does not remove heavy makeup effectively as a standalone cleanser
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESUltra-gentle, fragrance-free, and fungal acne safe. However, it lacks xylitol (biofilm disruption), willow bark, papaya enzymes, and squalane. It's a basic gentle cleanser without seb derm-targeted actives. 8 oz bottle offers much better value per ounce.
Also designed specifically for Malassezia-prone skin by the creator of Simple Skincare Science. Uses hyaluronic acid as thickener instead of guar gum. Lacks biofilm-disrupting xylitol and botanical extracts, but pH-balanced at 5.5 with gluconolactone (PHA). More affordable per ounce.
Contains salicylic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Good for exfoliation and hydration at a great price. However, contains several ingredients that may feed Malassezia (not fully fungal acne safe). Better suited for regular acne than seb derm.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Shake well before each use to ensure ingredients are evenly distributed.
Squeeze bottle with flip-top cap (4 fl oz / 118 mL)
Yes — 4 fl oz is over the TSA 3.4 oz limit, but you can decant into a travel-size container. The bottle itself fits easily in a toiletry bag.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. This cleanser contains Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, which is a natural source of salicin — a compound the body can convert to salicylic acid. While the concentration is low and this is a wash-off product (minimal skin contact time), many dermatologists recommend avoiding all salicylic acid derivatives during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use. All other ingredients are generally considered safe during pregnancy.
Yes. This cleanser was specifically designed for Malassezia-prone skin. It contains no fermented ingredients, problematic fatty acids (like oleic acid), fatty acid esters, or polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. The only lipid used is squalane, which has been confirmed safe for fungal acne because yeast cannot metabolize it. Additionally, xylitol actively disrupts the Malassezia biofilm, making this cleanser one of the most targeted fungal acne-safe options available.
Yes, this cleanser is compatible with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Because it contains willow bark extract (a mild natural BHA), be mindful when combining it with other BHA products like salicylic acid serums to avoid over-exfoliation. If you're using strong retinoids or chemical exfoliants, monitor your skin for signs of sensitivity (redness, peeling, stinging) and reduce frequency if needed. A good approach is to use the cleanser twice daily while alternating actives on different evenings.
This cleanser is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types — particularly those dealing with seborrheic dermatitis, fungal acne, or Malassezia-related skin conditions. It also works well for sensitive skin thanks to its fragrance-free, paraben-free formula with gentle surfactants. Dry skin types can use it but may need a richer moisturizer afterward since the cleanser is lightweight and not intensely hydrating on its own.
Most users report reduced itching and irritation within the first 1–3 days. Visible reduction in flaking typically occurs within the first week. Significant improvement in seborrheic dermatitis symptoms and fungal acne bumps is commonly reported between weeks 2–4 of consistent twice-daily use. For long-term maintenance and prevention of flare-ups, continued daily use is recommended.
This cleanser is Step 1 in both your morning and evening routines. Apply to wet skin, massage for 30 seconds, leave on for 1 minute, then rinse with warm water. Follow with your toner, serum (such as Dermazen Calming Seborrheic Serum), moisturizer (such as Dermazen Soothing Malassezia Moisturizer), and sunscreen in the morning. If you double cleanse, use an oil-free micellar water first, then follow with this cleanser.
No. This cleanser has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it is very unlikely to clog pores. Squalane (the primary emollient) has a comedogenic rating of 0, glycerin is rated 0, and the other ingredients are not known pore-cloggers. The witch hazel actually helps tighten and minimize pores. This cleanser is a good choice for acne-prone skin concerned about breakouts.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The 4 fl oz bottle typically lasts approximately 3–4 weeks with twice-daily use (AM and PM), as a generous amount is recommended per application. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and always shake before use for best results. Benzyl alcohol serves as the preservative to maintain product integrity.
Verdict: The Dermazen Purifying Facial Cleanser stands out as one of the most targeted and thoughtfully formulated cleansers for seborrheic dermatitis and fungal acne. Its unique biofilm-disrupting approach with xylitol, combined with malassezia-safe squalane and gentle botanical exfoliants, addresses the root cause of flare-ups rather than just treating symptoms. The minimalist 16-ingredient formula inspires confidence for sensitive skin. The main drawback is the premium price point ($39.95 for 4 oz), which makes it significantly more expensive per ounce than drugstore alternatives. However, for those who have tried everything else without success, this specialized cleanser delivers real results and has earned a devoted following. Best suited for people with confirmed seb derm or fungal acne who prioritize targeted treatment over value pricing.
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 «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.
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
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Sea Cucumber Extract
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
|
|





