Tabula Rasa
Tabula Rasa
Product Description
Product overview
A no-nonsense, science-driven foaming cleanser that uses amino acid-based surfactants and stabilized surfactant technology to deeply cleanse without stripping, irritating, or leaving residue. Formulated and manufactured in-house in Toronto with only 13 essential ingredients.
Stabilized Surfactant Technology
HASE technology prevents surfactants from breaking into smaller irritating molecules, protecting the skin barrier during every wash.
Texture & feel
SENSORYStabilized Surfactant Technology
HASE technology prevents surfactants from breaking into smaller irritating molecules, protecting the skin barrier during every wash.
Protective Hydrating Layer
Creates a hydrating film on the skin surface that acts as a barrier against surfactant penetration, minimizing irritation.
Amino Acid Surfactants
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate degrades into amino and fatty acids after cleansing, leaving skin nourished instead of stripped.
Minimalist, No-Filler Formula
Only 13 essential ingredients — no fragrance, no fancy fillers, no marketing-driven additions. Every ingredient earns its place.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, a fatty acid ester that can theoretically feed malassezia. However, as a wash-off product with brief skin contact, risk is very low for most users.
No comedogenic ingredients detected according to independent analysis. Zero oils in the formula. Safe for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin.
Uses ultra-mild preservatives (benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid, dehydroacetic acid) commonly found in sting-free baby products. No fragrance, essential oils, or alcohol.
Stabilized surfactant structures prevent barrier disruption during cleansing. Amino acid surfactants degrade into skin-nourishing amino and fatty acids.
Pairs well with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and azelaic acid treatments. A gentle cleanser is essential when using actives to avoid over-stripping.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin 10%Proven
A powerhouse humectant naturally found in the skin. Attracts water to the upper layers of skin, supporting barrier function and preventing the tight, dry feeling common with cleansers.
- Research: A 2016 study found glycerin more effective as a humectant than both AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Concentration: 10% is a high, effective dose for a cleanser — most drugstore cleansers use 2–5%.
- Comedogenicity: 0 — completely non-comedogenic.
Betaine 5%Proven
A sugar beet-derived amino acid that works as an osmolyte — it helps regulate cell-water balance, soothing skin and preventing moisture loss during cleansing.
- Function: Natural osmoprotectant that shields skin proteins from denaturing during the cleansing process.
- Benefit: Makes cleansers milder and gentler while providing sensorial softness.
- Source: Naturally produced in the skin and body; cosmetic-grade is typically plant-derived.
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate Primary SurfactantProven
An amino acid-based surfactant derived from coconut oil and glutamic acid. One of the mildest cleansing agents available, it effectively lifts dirt and oil while leaving skin feeling soft.
- Mechanism: Degrades into amino acids and fatty acids after cleansing, providing post-wash nourishment.
- Mildness: Classified as an anionic surfactant with significantly lower irritation potential than SLS/SLES.
- Emollient effect: Leaves a soft, conditioned feeling on skin, unlike harsher sulfate surfactants.
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine ~5–7%Proven
A coconut-derived amphoteric co-surfactant that boosts foam quality and texture while keeping the overall formula gentle. Readily biodegradable.
- Role: Enhances lather and thickens the cleanser texture for a more satisfying wash experience.
- Safety: Classified as very mild, with low irritation potential confirmed across multiple studies.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) TraceProven
A naturally occurring antioxidant that protects skin from environmental stressors and soothes irritation. Also helps stabilize the formula.
- Benefit: Protects skin lipids from oxidative damage, supporting the skin barrier even in a wash-off product.
- Synergy: Works alongside glycerin and betaine to keep the skin calm during and after cleansing.
13 ingredients
Aqua, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Tocopherol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse AM and PM. Apply serums and moisturizer immediately after cleansing for best absorption. Pair with Regimen Lab Wave Serum + C.R.E.A.M. for a complete routine.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash face with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can strip the skin barrier.
Apply a Small Amount
Dispense a pea-to-dime sized amount onto fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Gently Massage
Work into a lather using circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Focus on oilier areas like the T-zone.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until all product is removed. Pat dry immediately — do not rub — then apply next skincare step.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a deep clean without the tight, stripped feeling
- You use active treatments (retinol, AHA, BHA, azelaic acid) and need a gentle base cleanser
- You prefer minimal, science-backed formulas with full ingredient transparency
- You have normal, oily, or combination skin
- You are sensitive to fragrance or essential oils
- You want a cleanser that protects your skin barrier
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin and need a cream or oil-based cleanser
- You want a cleanser that doubles as makeup remover for heavy/waterproof makeup
- You prefer a large-volume bottle (this is 100ml only)
- You want active ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide in your cleanser
- You are on a strict fungal acne elimination diet and avoid all PEG esters
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESEffectively removes excess sebum and dirt without over-stripping. No oily residue left behind.
Cleans oily zones thoroughly while glycerin and betaine keep drier areas comfortable and hydrated.
The ideal daily cleanser — effective, gentle, and leaves skin balanced without disrupting its natural state.
Fragrance-free with baby-safe preservatives and amino acid surfactants. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Gentle enough for dry skin thanks to 10% glycerin and 5% betaine, but may need a richer moisturizer afterward. Use once daily.
Zero comedogenic ingredients, no residue left on skin, and no oils. A clean slate for acne treatments to work their best.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Clean Feel
Skin feels thoroughly cleansed without tightness or dryness. No filmy residue. Noticeably different from sulfate-based cleansers.
90% noticed immediatelyReduced Post-Cleansing Irritation
Skin feels calmer after washing. Less redness, tightness, and dryness compared to previous cleansers. Better tolerance for active treatments applied after.
75% noticed within 2 weeksImproved Skin Barrier
Skin barrier stabilizes with consistent use of a non-stripping cleanser. Fewer breakouts from barrier damage, and overall skin texture improves.
65% noticed within 1 monthLong-Term Skin Health
The cumulative benefit of not stripping your barrier daily becomes clear. Skin is more resilient, hydrated, and better able to respond to active treatments.
80% reported ongoing improvementRatings by platform
205+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle — no tightness or dryness after washing
- Minimalist 13-ingredient formula with full transparency (percentages on label)
- Formulated and manufactured in-house in Toronto — no outsourcing
- Science-driven with peer-reviewed research backing every ingredient
- Fragrance-free and free of all common irritants
- Works beautifully as a base cleanser alongside active treatments
- 30-day YMMV guarantee — try risk-free
Criticized
- Small 100ml bottle at $18 — higher cost per ml than drugstore alternatives
- Only available direct from Regimen Lab website — limited retail distribution
- Not a makeup remover — need a separate first cleanse for heavy makeup
- Contains PEG esters, which strict fungal acne avoiders may want to skip
- No active ingredients (no salicylic acid, niacinamide, etc.) — purely a cleanser
- Foam is moderate, not luxuriously bubbly — some users expected more lather
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Shares key surfactants (Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate) and glycerin base. Adds ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid but also includes Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate — a slightly harsher surfactant. Much larger 473ml bottle for a similar price.
Another minimalist, fragrance-free gentle cleanser favored by dermatologists. Uses different surfactant system (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate) without amino acid surfactants. Less sophisticated barrier protection but very affordable at 237ml.
Uses Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate (amino acid surfactant) and Coco-Betaine with ceramide and niacinamide. Gentler approach but includes propylene glycol and more ingredients overall. Larger 400ml bottle. French pharmacy heritage.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. No refrigeration needed. Keep cap closed between uses.
Squeeze tube with flip-cap closure. Opaque packaging helps protect tocopherol (Vitamin E) from light degradation.
Yes — 100ml is exactly the TSA/airport liquid limit. No need to decant for carry-on luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. Tabula Rasa contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or chemical sunscreen filters. All 13 ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It uses mild amino acid surfactants and gentle preservatives commonly found in baby care products. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Mostly, with a small caveat. Tabula Rasa contains PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, which is a fatty acid ester that can theoretically feed malassezia yeast. However, since this is a wash-off product with very brief skin contact time (under 60 seconds), the practical risk is very low. Most people with fungal acne use it without issues. If you follow a strict fungal acne-safe protocol, you may want to check with your dermatologist first.
Absolutely — this is one of its best use cases. Tabula Rasa is specifically designed to be gentle enough to pair with active treatments. When using retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, or azelaic acid, having a non-stripping cleanser is essential to avoid compounding irritation. The stabilized surfactant technology and amino acid surfactants ensure your barrier stays intact, allowing your actives to work without causing extra sensitivity.
Tabula Rasa is formulated for normal to oily skin but is gentle enough for all skin types including dry and sensitive. It excels for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin due to its thorough cleansing without residue. People with dry skin can use it once daily (PM only) and just rinse with water in the morning. Sensitive skin types benefit from the fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient formula.
You will feel the difference immediately — skin feels clean without tightness or dryness from the very first use. Within 1–2 weeks, most users notice reduced post-cleansing irritation and better tolerance for active treatments. By week 3–4, cumulative barrier improvements become visible: fewer breakouts from barrier disruption, smoother texture, and more resilient skin overall.
Tabula Rasa is always the first step. Use it to cleanse before applying any other products. In an AM routine: Cleanser → Vitamin C / Antioxidant → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen. In a PM routine: Cleanser (double cleanse first with an oil cleanser if wearing heavy makeup/sunscreen) → Actives (retinol, AHA, BHA) → Serum → Moisturizer. Apply your next product immediately after drying your face for best absorption.
No. Tabula Rasa has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. Independent analysis (WIMJ) detected zero comedogenic ingredients in the formula. It contains no oils, no silicones, and leaves no residue on the skin. It is specifically designed to cleanse completely without leaving pore-clogging film behind — making it an excellent choice for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin.
Tabula Rasa has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. The 100ml bottle typically lasts 4–6 weeks with twice-daily use, or 8–12 weeks with once-daily use. Store at room temperature with the cap closed. The preservative system (benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid, dehydroacetic acid) is effective yet gentle — the same type used in sting-free baby products.
Verdict: Regimen Lab Tabula Rasa is a meticulously engineered cleanser that delivers on its promise of deep cleansing without barrier damage. The stabilized surfactant technology and amino acid-based formula set it apart from generic "gentle cleansers." With only 13 ingredients, full concentration transparency, and in-house Canadian manufacturing, it represents the gold standard for science-first skincare minimalism. The only drawbacks are the small 100ml size and premium price-per-ml compared to mass-market alternatives like CeraVe. If you value ingredient transparency, cutting-edge formulation science, and supporting indie beauty brands, Tabula Rasa is worth every cent. If you need volume and value above all else, the drugstore options are perfectly respectable alternatives.
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
Anti-Aging from 2 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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Irritation
Dark Spots
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Surfactant, Cleansing
|
|