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Rose Calming Cleanser ph 5.5

Rose Calming Cleanser ph 5.5

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

Transparent Lab Rose Calming Cleanser pH 5.5 is a gentle gel cleanser formulated with 20% Damask rose water, 5% centella, 5% aloe vera, 3% oat kernel extract and 0.5% allantoin. With less than 10% mild amino-acid surfactants and a skin-identical pH of 5.5, it dissolves dirt, sunscreen and excess oil without disrupting your acid mantle — ideal for sensitive, reactive, redness-prone and acne-prone skin.

pH 5.5 Skin-Identical Fragrance-Free Vegan & Cruelty-Free <10% Mild Surfactants Sulfate-Free Paraben-Free Silicone-Free Alcohol-Free Oil-Free Gluten-Free Non-Comedogenic Dermatologist-Tested
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
0/5
Type
Gel Cleanser
Size
150 ml
pH Level
5.0 – 5.5
Key Actives
Rose + CICA
Use
AM & PM
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

20% Damask Rose Water

Calms redness, delivers antioxidant polyphenols and tones without alcohol or drying stringency.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Milky Gel
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Lather
Low Foam
Finish
Soft, Not Tight

20% Damask Rose Water

Calms redness, delivers antioxidant polyphenols and tones without alcohol or drying stringency.

5% Centella Asiatica

Clinically-backed "Cica" extract supports skin-barrier repair and reduces inflammation markers.

Rice Amino Acid Surfactants

Potassium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids + Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate gently lift dirt without stripping lipids.

Gluconolactone PHA

A poly-hydroxy acid that softly refines texture and is proven gentle enough for sensitive skin.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters. Approved for expecting and nursing mothers.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Oil-free, ester-free, polysorbate-free, fatty-alcohol-free — will not feed malassezia yeast.

Non-Comedogenic

All 18 ingredients rate 0–1 on the comedogenicity scale. Safe for blackhead- and breakout-prone skin.

Acid-Mantle Friendly

Formulated at pH 5.0–5.5 to match healthy skin and protect the microbiome during cleansing.

No Harsh Sulfates

Free from SLS, SLES and sulfate surfactants that cause dryness and barrier disruption.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

A mild cleanser rated a low-level allergen for very reactive skin. Patch-test if you have a known contact dermatitis history.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Rosa Damascena Flower Water 20%Proven

True Bulgarian rose hydrosol — not a fragrance — rich in flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acids. Delivers measurable anti-inflammatory action, reduces trans-epidermal water loss and tones the skin without alcohol.

  • Source: Dosed as the #2 ingredient after water — an unusually high concentration for a rinse-off cleanser.
  • Research: Rose water has documented anti-bacterial and barrier-soothing effects in peer-reviewed dermatology literature.

Centella Asiatica Extract 5%Proven

The "Cica" hero ingredient, rich in asiaticoside, madecassoside and asiatic acid. Stimulates fibroblast activity, boosts collagen synthesis and calms inflammation.

  • Clinical: Split-face RCT showed titrated centella extract accelerated post-laser wound healing versus placebo.
  • Mechanism: Asiaticoside triggers cell-cycle progression, proliferation and collagen I synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice 5%Proven

Real aloe gel (not water reconstitution), delivering polysaccharides, glucomannans and vitamins C and E that hydrate, soothe and reinforce the lipid barrier after cleansing.

  • Benefit: Clinically documented to reduce post-cleanse dryness and redness.
  • Compatibility: Non-irritating to even eczema-prone and post-procedure skin.

Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract 3%Proven

Loaded with beta-glucan, avenanthramides and oat lipids. FDA recognises colloidal oat as an OTC skin protectant — it's the anti-itch, anti-redness standard.

  • FDA: Colloidal oatmeal is monograph-approved as an active for eczema and irritated skin.
  • Compounds: Avenanthramides are documented anti-inflammatory polyphenols.

Allantoin 0.5%Proven

A moisturising, keratolytic and wound-healing molecule traditionally sourced from comfrey root. Dosed at the upper practical limit used in leave-on products.

  • Action: Promotes cell turnover and calms mechanical irritation from cleansing.
  • Safety: Non-sensitising at all tested cosmetic concentrations.

Gluconolactone (PHA) ~1–2%Proven

A large-molecule polyhydroxy acid that gently exfoliates, hydrates and acts as an antioxidant. Unlike AHAs, it does not increase UV sensitivity.

  • Research: Published studies show gluconolactone delivers anti-ageing benefits comparable to AHAs without the photosensitisation.
  • Bonus: Has been shown in vitro to protect skin against UV-induced photoaging.

Amino-Acid Surfactant Blend <10%Proven

Potassium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine — a low-irritation surfactant system derived from rice and coconut. Cleanses effectively while leaving the lipid barrier intact.

  • Evidence: Dermatological patch studies on 105 patients rank glutamate and rice amino-acid surfactants among the least irritating cleansers.
  • Note: Total surfactant load kept under 10% — significantly below drugstore sulfate cleansers.

Glycerin & Propanediol ~5%Proven

Two skin-identical humectants that prevent the cleansing process from stripping water from the stratum corneum.

  • Glycerin: The gold-standard skin humectant — hydrates the deeper dermal layers.
  • Propanediol: A plant-derived, non-irritating glycerin booster.

18 ingredients

Aqua (Water), Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Allantoin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Potassium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Phytate, Gluconolactone, Calcium Gluconate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate.

FREE FROM: Fragrance (synthetic & natural), essential oils, sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, silicones, mineral oil, drying alcohols (SD/denatured), phenoxyethanol, PEGs, formaldehyde releasers, triclosan, EDTA, gluten, animal-derived ingredients.
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser (This)
2
Toner
3
Essence
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as step 1 in the AM (single cleanse) and step 2 in the PM (after an oil cleanser / balm to remove SPF + makeup).

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Dampen skin

Splash face with lukewarm (not hot) water.

2

Dispense & lather

Take a cherry-sized amount (1–2 pumps) into damp hands and work into a soft, low foam.

3

Massage gently

Apply to face in upward circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Avoid the eye area.

4

Rinse & finish cool

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, finishing with a cool splash to refresh the skin.

5

Pat & follow up

Pat dry with a clean towel and apply your toner / serum / moisturiser within 60 seconds while skin is still damp.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have sensitive, reactive or rosacea-prone skin
  • Your current cleanser leaves skin feeling tight or "squeaky"
  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe daily cleanser
  • You want a fragrance-free option suitable for fungal acne
  • You use actives (retinol, AHAs, vitamin C) and need a barrier-friendly wash
  • You prefer vegan, cruelty-free European clean beauty

Consider alternatives if:

  • You need a heavy-duty cleanser to dissolve waterproof sunscreen or heavy makeup (use as 2nd cleanse instead)
  • You love big, squeaky-clean foam (this is a low-lather formula)
  • You have a known cocamidopropyl betaine allergy
  • You want a medicated wash with BHA, benzoyl peroxide or strong actives
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Fragrance-free, low-surfactant formula packed with centella, allantoin and oat — purpose-built for reactive skin.

Dry Skin
Excellent

High humectant content (glycerin + propanediol + aloe) prevents the tight, stripped feeling typical of gel cleansers.

Combination
Excellent

Balances T-zone oil without dehydrating drier cheeks. PHA gives mild exfoliation for congestion-prone areas.

Oily Skin
Good

Oil-free with a refreshing rinse, but if you want deep decongestion you may prefer pairing with a BHA toner.

Acne-Prone
Excellent

Non-comedogenic, fungal-acne-safe, and gluconolactone PHA gently refines without triggering purging.

Rosacea / Redness-Prone
Excellent

Rose water + centella + allantoin form a trio clinically known to calm visible redness and irritation.

08

Results timeline

2+ MONTHS
After 1st Wash

Clean, calm, never tight

Skin feels thoroughly cleansed but soft and hydrated — no squeaky or stripped sensation.

92% noticed
1–2 Weeks

Visible redness reduction

Centella and rose water begin calming persistent flushing, especially around the cheeks and nose.

74% noticed
3–4 Weeks

Smoother, more even texture

Gluconolactone PHA gradually refines rough patches and small bumps (closed comedones) without irritation.

68% noticed
2+ Months

Reinforced, resilient barrier

Skin tolerates actives (retinol, vitamin C, AHAs) better; fewer flare-ups; improved overall radiance.

61% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

1K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.3
Rating
400+
Reviews
Main complaint: Low foam — feels less "cleansing" to users who prefer a richer lather.
Brand Website (Niche Beauty Lab)
4.8
Rating
1,200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Not strong enough as a sole PM cleanser after heavy SPF or makeup.
SkinSort Community
4.4
Rating
190+
Routines
Main complaint: Cocamidopropyl betaine flagged by a small number of contact-allergy users.
INCI Beauty
Excellent
Formula Score
18/18
Clean Ingredients
Main complaint: Harder to find in North America vs European pharmacies.
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Genuinely gentle — zero tightness or stripped feeling
  • Skin-identical pH of 5.5 protects the acid mantle
  • High active doses (20% rose water, 5% centella, 5% aloe)
  • Fragrance-free and safe during pregnancy / breastfeeding
  • Fungal-acne safe with no esters, polysorbates or oils
  • Clean, vegan, cruelty-free European formulation
  • Minimalist 18-ingredient list — no fillers

Criticized

  • Minimal foam — not for fans of a bubbly lather
  • Too gentle alone to remove heavy SPF or waterproof makeup
  • Contains cocamidopropyl betaine (rare allergen)
  • Tube packaging isn't airless
  • Availability is limited outside Europe
  • Small batch-to-batch INCI variation noted by the brand
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
72% Match
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
$13.00
Budget Pick

Shares low-pH (5.0–6.0), mild BHA + tea tree profile and amino-acid surfactants. Less rose/centella content and contains a hint of natural scent, but similarly gentle and barrier-friendly.

81% Match
PURITO Centella Green Level Cleansing Oil-to-Foam
$18.00
Close Alternative

Also centella-led and pH-balanced with amino-acid surfactants. Slightly richer cleansing power (oil-to-foam) for those who wear makeup daily. Fragrance-free and fungal-acne safe.

68% Match
Rosehip Oil
$12.99
Budget Pick

Shares a rose-based, low-lather, hydrating gel concept at a lower price. Less herbal complexity (no centella, PHA or oat) but excellent entry-level gentle cleanser.

83% Match
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
$16.00
Close Alternative

Low-pH (5.5), amino-acid surfactant, PHA-containing gel cleanser. More astringent profile (better for oily skin) but similar clean, low-lather, barrier-friendly feel.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Rose Deep Hydration Oil-Infused Serum
Hero Ingredients Rose water + angelica leaf
pH Level Not disclosed
Size 150 ml
Fragrance Contains added fragrance
Fungal-Acne Safe No (contains fatty components)
Vegan Not certified
Origin USA
Toleriane Caring Wash Cleanser
Hero Ingredients Thermal water + niacinamide
pH Level ~5.5
Size 200 ml
Fragrance None
Fungal-Acne Safe Yes
Vegan Not certified
Origin France
Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser
Hero Ingredients Amino acids + ceramide-3
pH Level ~5.5
Size 100 ml
Fragrance Light natural scent
Fungal-Acne Safe No (contains fatty acids)
Vegan Yes
Origin South Korea
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high heat. Keep the cap tightly closed.

Packaging

150 ml squeeze tube with flip cap — recyclable plastic.

Travel Friendly

Yes — 150 ml exceeds the 100 ml cabin limit, so pack in checked luggage or decant into a travel bottle.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes. The formula contains no retinoids (retinol, retinyl palmitate), no salicylic acid, no hydroquinone, no chemical UV filters and no essential oils. All ingredients — rose water, centella, aloe, oat, allantoin, amino-acid surfactants and gluconolactone — are considered safe for use throughout pregnancy and lactation. As always, consult your OB/GYN if you have specific concerns.

Yes. The formula is oil-free, ester-free, fatty-acid-free, fatty-alcohol-free and does not contain polysorbates — the main groups that feed Malassezia yeast. It's an excellent daily cleanser for those managing pityrosporum folliculitis or seborrheic dermatitis.

Absolutely. As a rinse-off cleanser at pH 5.0–5.5, it will not interact chemically with any leave-on active. In fact, its centella, allantoin and oat content actively help buffer the irritation that can come from retinoids, exfoliating acids and ascorbic acid. It pairs especially well with a retinol or AHA/BHA routine.

All skin types — but it shines especially for sensitive, reactive, redness-prone, rosacea-prone, dry, combination and acne-prone skin. Very oily skin types can use it, though they may prefer pairing it with a BHA toner for deeper decongestion.

Immediate sensory results (soft, non-tight skin) after the first wash. Visible reduction in redness and irritation typically appears within 1–2 weeks, and improvements in texture and overall skin resilience within 3–4 weeks of consistent AM + PM use.

Step 1 in the morning (use alone), and step 2 in the evening (after an oil cleanser or cleansing balm to double-cleanse SPF and makeup). Always follow with a hydrating toner, essence, serum, moisturiser — and SPF in the morning.

No. Every ingredient on the INCI rates 0–1 on the comedogenicity scale. Transparent Lab markets it as non-comedogenic and oil-free. In addition, its gluconolactone (PHA) content provides gentle, daily exfoliation that actually helps prevent congestion.

The PAO (Period After Opening) is 12 months, indicated by the "12M" symbol on the tube. With typical twice-daily use, a 150 ml tube lasts most users between 3 and 5 months. Store in a cool, dry place, keep the cap closed, and avoid direct sunlight to maintain the full 12-month stability.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.6 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: Transparent Lab's Rose Calming Cleanser pH 5.5 is a standout "clean-minimalist" gentle cleanser. The combination of 20% Damask rose water, 5% centella, 5% aloe, 3% oat, 0.5% allantoin and a sub-10% amino-acid surfactant blend delivers effective, non-stripping cleansing that respects the acid mantle and microbiome. It's fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free, pregnancy-safe and fungal-acne safe — a rare combination. The main trade-off is the minimal foam (users who love a rich lather may need adjusting) and the fact that it's too mild to single-cleanse heavy SPF or makeup. For sensitive, reactive or barrier-compromised skin — or anyone running an actives-heavy routine — it's one of the best gentle daily cleansers you can buy under $35.

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.

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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 «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.

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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Centella Asiatica Extract Gluconolactone Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Allantoin 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
2
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
1
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
61% 16% 22%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 18 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 Unknown
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 Unknown
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
0 Unknown
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS