Sensitive Face Wash
Sensitive Face Wash
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, fragrance-free face wash formulated with 94% natural-origin ingredients including willowherb extract, designed to cleanse sensitive skin without stripping moisture or causing irritation. Lathers into a creamy, non-drying foam that leaves skin feeling soft, refreshed, and visibly clear.
94% Natural-Origin Ingredients
Formulated with plant-derived surfactants from coconut and glucose for gentle yet effective cleansing without harsh chemicals.
Texture & feel
SENSORY94% Natural-Origin Ingredients
Formulated with plant-derived surfactants from coconut and glucose for gentle yet effective cleansing without harsh chemicals.
Non-Drying Creamy Foam
Lathers into a rich, creamy foam that lifts away dirt and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Willowherb Extract
Contains Epilobium Angustifolium (willowherb) flower, leaf, and stem extract known for its soothing and calming properties on irritated skin.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Tube made with over 62% post-consumer recycled plastic and over 27% plant-based plastic from renewable sugarcane material.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Current formula contains no ferments, problematic fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. Safe for fungal acne-prone skin.
Minimal pore-clogging potential. The rinse-off formula means even trace oil content has negligible comedogenic effect.
No synthetic fragrances or parfum. Ideal for reactive skin that is easily irritated by scented products.
Certified by the Vegetarian Society. No animal-derived ingredients. Approved by Cruelty Free International (Leaping Bunny).
Used as a preservative at safe concentrations (below 1%). Generally well-tolerated, though very rarely may irritate extremely sensitive individuals.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin ~3-5%Proven
A powerful humectant naturally found in the skin. Draws moisture from the environment into the skin, maintaining hydration even after cleansing. Helps protect the skin barrier.
- Study: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than both AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Function: Prevents the tight, dry feeling after washing by retaining moisture in the outer layers of skin.
- Comedogenicity: Rated 0 — completely non-comedogenic.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine ~5-10%Proven
A mild, coconut-derived surfactant that creates a stable, creamy lather. Excellent at balancing effective cleansing without over-stripping the skin. Highly biodegradable.
- Source: Derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine.
- Function: Foam stabilizer and secondary cleanser that boosts the gentleness of the overall formula.
- Safety: A 2012 study found that high-purity CAPB does not induce allergic reactions — earlier concerns were traced to impurities.
Coco-Glucoside ~3-7%Proven
A plant-derived (coconut oil + glucose) non-ionic surfactant that produces a moderate, stable foam. Exceptionally mild, biodegradable, and well-suited for sensitive skin formulations.
- Source: Vegetable origin from coconut/palm kernel oil and glucose.
- Function: Primary gentle cleansing agent that lifts dirt and oil without disrupting the skin barrier.
- Comedogenicity: Considered non-comedogenic and gentle.
Willowherb Extract <1%Promising
Epilobium Angustifolium (willowherb) flower, leaf, and stem extract. Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly beneficial for calming red, irritated skin.
- Benefit: Contains oenothein B, a compound studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on skin.
- Function: Helps reduce redness and calm sensitivity, making it a key ingredient in this sensitive-skin formula.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate ~2-5%Proven
A mild amino acid-based surfactant derived from sarcosine (an amino acid). Creates a light foam and helps emulsify oils on the skin for effective cleansing without harshness.
- Source: Derived from sarcosine, commonly sourced from coconut oil.
- Function: Foaming agent and secondary cleanser. Much gentler than traditional sulfate surfactants like SLS/SLES.
13 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Epilobium Angustifolium (Willowherb) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Metabisulfite.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your first step, morning and evening. Follow with Bulldog Sensitive Moisturiser for best results. A 150ml tube lasts approximately 2 months when using 10ml (a coin-sized amount) twice daily.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash your face with lukewarm water to open pores and prepare the skin for cleansing.
Dispense & Lather
Squeeze a coin-sized amount (~10ml) into your palms and rub together until it forms a creamy foam.
Massage Gently
Apply the foam to your face using gentle, circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Focus on the T-zone, jawline, and any areas prone to congestion.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel — avoid rubbing. Follow immediately with moisturiser.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive or easily irritated skin
- You want a fragrance-free, no-fuss daily cleanser
- You prefer natural-origin ingredients without harsh chemicals
- You experience redness, tightness, or dryness after washing
- You want a vegan and cruelty-free option
- You need a pregnancy-safe and fungal acne-safe cleanser
Consider alternatives if:
- You need a deep-cleaning formula for very oily or acne-prone skin
- You want active ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or ceramides
- You prefer a heavily fragranced or "luxury feel" wash experience
- You have very dry skin and need a cream or oil-based cleanser
- You need a makeup-removing double cleanser
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically formulated for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free, SLS-free, and soothing willowherb extract calms irritation.
Perfectly balanced cleansing for everyday use. Leaves skin refreshed without over-drying or leaving residue.
Effectively cleanses the oily T-zone while remaining gentle on drier cheek areas. A solid daily option.
Gentle formula may not remove excess oil as thoroughly as needed. Consider Bulldog Oil Control Face Wash for oilier skin types.
Non-stripping formula with glycerin helps retain moisture. Follow with a rich moisturiser for best results on dry skin.
Low comedogenic rating and fungal acne-safe formula. However, lacks targeted acne-fighting actives like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Comfort
Skin feels clean, soft, and refreshed immediately after first use. No tightness, stinging, or dryness — a noticeable difference from harsher cleansers.
90% noticedReduced Irritation
Redness and sensitivity begin to decrease as the gentle formula allows the skin barrier to recover. Less post-wash dryness and flakiness.
75% noticedImproved Skin Balance
Skin feels more balanced and healthier overall. Clearer complexion with fewer reactive episodes. Ideal baseline achieved for sensitive skin.
65% noticedConsistent Calm Complexion
Long-term use maintains a calm, comfortable complexion. The gentle cleansing routine helps prevent sensitivity flare-ups and supports a healthy skin barrier over time.
80% noticedRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle — no burning, stinging, or tightness
- Fragrance-free formulation ideal for reactive skin
- Affordable price point for daily use
- Short, clean ingredient list (only 13 ingredients)
- Lathers well into a creamy foam despite being SLS-free
- Leaves skin feeling soft and moisturised, not stripped
- Eco-friendly recycled and plant-based packaging
- Vegan and cruelty-free certified
Criticized
- 150ml tube runs out in about 2 months with daily use
- No active treatment ingredients (no BHA, niacinamide, etc.)
- May not be strong enough for very oily or heavily congested skin
- Squeeze tube can dispense too much product at once
- Marketing is male-focused, though formula works for all genders
- Some users report the subtle earthy scent is not to their taste
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Very similar gentle, fragrance-free gel cleanser philosophy. Uses vitamin B5 and vitamin E instead of willowherb. Slightly larger 150ml size at a lower price. Equally minimal ingredient list.
Also targeted at men's sensitive skin. Contains vitamin E and chamomile extract for soothing. No drying alcohol. Slightly more complex formula but similarly gentle and fragrance-free.
Uses the same Coco-Glucoside base surfactant for gentle cleansing. Fungal acne safe and very minimal formula. Higher price per ml but a cult-favourite among ingredient-conscious consumers.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed between uses.
Squeeze tube (62%+ post-consumer recycled plastic, 27%+ plant-based sugarcane plastic)
Yes — 150ml is over the 100ml carry-on limit, but the flexible tube packs well in checked luggage. Consider a travel-size option for carry-on.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. Bulldog Sensitive Face Wash contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or chemical sunscreens — all ingredients commonly flagged during pregnancy. The formula uses only mild, plant-derived surfactants and soothing willowherb extract. It is considered safe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes — the current formula (13 ingredients) is fungal acne safe. It contains no ferments, fatty acid esters, polysorbates, or oils that feed malassezia yeast. Note: an older formulation included Baobab Seed Oil, Oat Kernel Oil, and Wheat Germ Oil, which are not FA-safe. Check the ingredient list on your specific tube to confirm you have the updated formula.
Yes. Because this is a gentle, rinse-off cleanser with no active acids or exfoliants, it pairs well with any treatment products you apply afterwards. It will not interfere with retinol, vitamin C serums, AHAs, or BHAs. In fact, using a gentle cleanser like this is recommended when your routine includes strong actives, as it avoids over-stripping the skin barrier.
It is specifically formulated for sensitive skin and works excellently for normal skin types as well. It is a good option for combination and dry skin types who want a non-stripping cleanser. For very oily skin, you may prefer a more targeted oil-control formula. Despite being marketed towards men, the formula is gender-neutral and works well for anyone with sensitive skin.
You will notice immediate comfort from the first wash — skin should feel clean and soft without tightness. If switching from a harsh cleanser, expect reduced redness and irritation within 1-2 weeks as your skin barrier recovers. A calmer, more balanced complexion typically becomes apparent after 3-4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use.
It should always be the first step in your skincare routine, both morning and evening. After cleansing, follow with toner (optional), serum, eye cream, moisturiser, and sunscreen (AM only). If you wear heavy sunscreen or makeup, consider an oil-based pre-cleanse before using this face wash as a second cleanse.
The current formula has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5 — very low risk of clogging pores. As a rinse-off product, even ingredients with trace comedogenic potential are washed away before they can build up in pores. The formula is free from known pore-clogging oils and heavy emollients, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. However, with the recommended usage of a coin-sized amount twice daily, a 150ml tube typically lasts around 2 months. The preservative system (Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid) keeps the formula stable and safe throughout its shelf life. Store in a cool, dry place and keep the cap closed.
Verdict: Bulldog Sensitive Face Wash is an excellent, no-frills daily cleanser that does exactly what it promises — gently cleans sensitive skin without causing irritation, dryness, or tightness. Its remarkably short 13-ingredient formula, fragrance-free formulation, and pregnancy/fungal acne-safe profile make it a standout for anyone prioritising skin safety. While it lacks the active treatment ingredients found in CeraVe or La Roche-Posay alternatives, that simplicity is precisely its strength. At its affordable price point with eco-conscious packaging and cruelty-free credentials, it represents outstanding value for a daily sensitive skin cleanser. A reliable workhorse for any gentle skincare routine.
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 skin’s 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 «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.
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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 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
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Coco-glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Cleansing, Emulsifying, Foaming, Skin Conditioning
|
|