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The Matcha Cleanse Daily Clarifying Gel Cleanser

The Matcha Cleanse Daily Clarifying Gel Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

Tatcha's The Matcha Cleanse is a fragrance-free, soap-free gel-to-foam cleanser powered by antioxidant-rich Japanese kyo-matcha, BHA-alternative willow bark and coix seed, plus ceramide-like mugwort. It decongests pores, balances oil, and primes skin for makeup without stripping — delivering clean, smooth, shine-controlled skin morning and night.

Fragrance-Free Sulfate-Free (SLS/SLES) Paraben-Free Non-Comedogenic Dermatologist Tested Cruelty-Free Vegan Clean at Sephora Soap-Free pH-Balanced
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Brand
Tatcha
Size
150 ml / 5.0 fl.oz
Price
$40.00 USD
Type
Gel Cleanser
Category
Clarifying
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Japanese Kyo-Matcha

Hand-picked ceremonial-grade matcha rich in catechin antioxidants to visibly calm redness and neutralize environmental stressors.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Jelly-like gel
Scent
Fragrance-free
Absorption
Rinse-off (30s)
Finish
Clean, not tight

Japanese Kyo-Matcha

Hand-picked ceremonial-grade matcha rich in catechin antioxidants to visibly calm redness and neutralize environmental stressors.

Natural BHA Alternatives

Willow bark and coix seed gently decongest pores and visibly even tone without the irritation of synthetic salicylic acid.

Ceramide-Like Mugwort

Japanese yomogi (mugwort) acts like ceramides to reinforce the skin barrier while cleansing — preventing that stripped, tight feeling.

Primes for Makeup

Clinical study showed 8-hour improved makeup wear by controlling oil and smoothing texture, reducing foundation slip and shine.

Clinically Proven

In brand clinical testing, 100% of panelists showed a reduction in oil and 90% showed a visible reduction in pores.

Gel-to-Foam Transformation

Thick jelly texture transforms into a rich, cushiony foam on contact with water — a luxurious cleanse without harsh sulfates.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Sulfate-Free Cleansing System

Uses gentle amino-acid based surfactants (Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate, Lauryl Glucoside) instead of harsh SLS/SLES — protects the skin barrier.

Non-Comedogenic

Contains no pore-clogging oils or butters. Dermatologist-tested and formulated to not cause breakouts in most skin types.

Fragrance-Free

No added synthetic or essential-oil fragrance, making it a good option for fragrance-sensitive skin.

Contains Alcohol (Low)

Ethanol is listed low in the INCI and is used as a solvent/penetration aid. Rinse-off contact means minimal concern, but very dry or reactive skin may prefer to avoid.

NOT Fungal Acne Safe

Contains Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate — a yeast ferment that can feed Malassezia and trigger fungal acne flare-ups.

Pregnancy: Consult Doctor

Contains Salix Alba (willow bark), a natural source of salicylates. Considered low-risk in rinse-off products, but pregnant/nursing users should check with their OB-GYN.

Synthetic Colorants

Contains Yellow 5 (CI 19140) and Blue 1 (CI 42090) for its signature green hue — cosmetic-grade and FDA-approved but skip if you prefer dye-free.

Avoid Eye Area

Not formulated for the delicate eye area. Rinse thoroughly if contact occurs.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Camellia Sinensis (Kyo-Matcha) Leaf Extract <1%Proven

Hand-ground ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha from Kyoto, packed with EGCG and other catechin polyphenols — one of the most potent plant-based antioxidants used in skincare.

  • Antioxidant power: Green tea catechins neutralize free radicals and have documented anti-inflammatory activity in dermatological literature.
  • Sebum control: EGCG has been shown in studies to reduce sebum production in skin cells.
  • Anti-redness: Clinically studied for calming visible irritation and redness.
Rinse-off contact limits absorption, but repeated daily use still delivers surface-level antioxidant benefits.

Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract <1%Proven

Natural source of salicin — the plant precursor to salicylic acid. Acts as a gentle BHA alternative to decongest pores and smooth texture without the irritation of synthetic BHA.

  • Gentle exfoliation: Provides mild keratolytic activity to loosen dead skin cells and clear pores.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Salicin has documented anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
  • Pore-refining: Helps visibly reduce the appearance of enlarged pores over time.
Salicylate-sensitive users (and some pregnant users) may want to patch test or consult a doctor first.

Artemisia Princeps (Mugwort) Leaf Extract <1%Promising

Japanese yomogi, a sacred botanical traditionally called "the queen of herbs," prized in East Asian medicine for calming reactive skin. Tatcha highlights its ceramide-like barrier-supporting role.

  • Barrier support: Contains fatty acids and polysaccharides that help reinforce the lipid barrier.
  • Soothing: Well-documented in K-beauty and J-beauty for calming redness, itch, and sensitivity.
  • Antimicrobial: Shown to have mild antibacterial activity helpful for acne-prone skin.

Coix Lacryma-Jobi (Hatomugi) Seed Extract <1%Promising

Japanese Job's Tears — a superfood seed rich in B-vitamins and amino acids, long used in Japanese skincare to even tone and accelerate surface turnover.

  • Even tone: Coixenolide and amino acids support brighter, more uniform complexion.
  • Turnover: Gently encourages healthy surface cell renewal without chemical exfoliation.
  • Works with willow: Paired with salix for a botanical "BHA-like" effect on pores.

Cladosiphon Okamuranus (Okinawa Mozuku) Extract <1%Promising

Brown seaweed from Okinawa, an exceptional source of fucoidan — a polysaccharide with humectant and antioxidant activity.

  • Hydration binder: Fucoidan attracts and holds water in the skin.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Peer-reviewed studies show fucoidan reduces inflammatory markers.
  • Anti-aging potential: Research suggests it may help protect against matrix breakdown.

Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate <5%Proven

Fermented rice extract (similar in category to sake-kasu and Pitera-type ferments) delivers amino acids, minerals, and beta-glucan to hydrate and soften.

  • Hydration: Amino acids and sugars attract moisture to the skin surface.
  • Smoothing: Ferments have been shown to improve skin texture and clarity.
  • Antioxidant: Fermentation byproducts add antioxidant activity.
Yeast ferments can feed Malassezia — this ingredient is the reason the formula is not fungal-acne safe.

Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate + Lauryl Glucoside 10-20%Proven

The gentle cleansing duo at the heart of the formula. Amino-acid and sugar-derived surfactants that lift oil and debris without disrupting the acid mantle.

  • Mild on barrier: Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate is derived from aspartic acid and is notably gentler than sulfates.
  • Biodegradable: Lauryl Glucoside is plant-derived from coconut and corn, fully biodegradable.
  • pH-compatible: Work in a skin-friendly pH range to maintain barrier health.

Glycerin 5-10%Proven

The gold-standard humectant, listed as the second ingredient. Counteracts the drying potential of any cleanser by attracting and binding moisture to the skin.

  • Anti-stripping: Essential for making a foaming cleanser that doesn't leave skin tight.
  • Well-studied: Decades of evidence for safety and efficacy in every skin type.
  • Barrier-friendly: Helps maintain stratum corneum hydration.

23 ingredients

Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Lauryl Glycol Carboxylate, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Carbonate, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, CI 19140 (Yellow 5), CI 42090 (Blue 1).

FREE FROM: Fragrance/parfum, Essential oils, SLS/SLES sulfates, Soap, Mineral oil, Silicones, Parabens, Phthalates, Urea, DEA/TEA, Gluten, Talc, Triclosan, Hydroquinone, Animal-derived ingredients.
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Oil Cleanser (PM)
2
Matcha Cleanse
3
Toner / Essence
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as your morning cleanser for oil-controlled, primed skin, or as your second cleanse at night after an oil/balm cleanser to remove sunscreen and makeup residue.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet your face

Splash lukewarm (never hot) water onto your face. Wet hands are essential — the formula needs water to activate and foam.

2

Dispense an almond-sized amount

Squeeze a pea to almond-sized amount into wet palms. The jelly-like gel is concentrated — a little goes a long way.

3

Massage into a lather

Work gently onto damp skin for 30–60 seconds using upward circular motions, focusing on the T-zone. The gel transforms into a soft, cushiony foam.

4

Rinse thoroughly

Rinse with lukewarm water until no residue remains. Avoid the delicate eye area. Pat dry with a clean towel.

5

Follow with the rest of your routine

Use daily, AM and/or PM. For heavy makeup or sunscreen, precede with an oil or balm cleanser as a first step (double cleansing).

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily, combination, or normal skin prone to shine and congestion
  • You struggle with enlarged pores or a dull, uneven T-zone
  • Your makeup slides or oxidizes midday and you want better wear time
  • You prefer fragrance-free, sulfate-free cleansing
  • You want botanical actives (matcha, willow, mugwort) instead of harsh synthetic acids
  • You love the Tatcha brand aesthetic and J-beauty rituals

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very dry, mature, or eczema-prone skin (try Tatcha Rice Wash instead)
  • You have active fungal acne / Malassezia-driven breakouts (contains rice ferment)
  • You're allergic or highly sensitive to salicylates
  • You want a dye-free, completely minimalist formula
  • You're on a tight budget — at $40/150ml this is a splurge cleanser
  • You prefer creamy, balm-style cleansers over foaming gels
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Specifically designed for this skin type — willow bark and coix seed control oil, matcha calms inflammation, foam lifts sebum without stripping.

Combination
Excellent

Perfect match — clears the oily T-zone while glycerin and rice ferment keep drier cheek areas from feeling tight.

Normal
Good

Works well as a daily cleanser, though the formula may be stronger than needed — consider alternating with a gentler wash.

Dry Skin
Moderate

The foaming action and willow bark may be too active for truly dry skin — Tatcha's Rice Wash is a gentler alternative.

Sensitive
Good

Fragrance-free and sulfate-free, which sensitive skin loves — but patch test first due to willow bark salicylates and low alcohol content.

Acne-Prone
Good

Non-comedogenic with pore-decongesting botanicals — but NOT fungal-acne safe due to rice ferment. A minority of reviewers report breakouts.

08

Results timeline

8+ WEEKS
Immediate (Day 1)

Clean, balanced, shine-free skin

Skin feels thoroughly cleansed without the post-wash tightness of harsh cleansers. Visible reduction in shine, and makeup sits better afterward.

100% noticed (brand clinical)
1–2 Weeks

Reduced midday shine & smoother texture

Oil is visibly more balanced throughout the day. Skin feels softer to the touch, and the T-zone appears smoother and more refined.

~80% of reviewers noticed
4 Weeks

Visibly decongested pores & clearer tone

Pores on the nose and chin look smaller and less clogged. Overall skin tone appears more even, and makeup wear time improves noticeably.

90% showed visible pore reduction (brand clinical)
8+ Weeks

Long-term clarity & primed complexion

Consistent daily use supports a stable, clear, oil-balanced complexion. Foundation glides on more evenly and lasts longer throughout the day.

8-hour makeup wear improvement (clinical)
09

Ratings by platform

300+ REVIEWS
Ulta
4.7
Rating
300+
Reviews
Main complaint: Premium price point — reviewers want a larger size for the cost.
Sephora
4.5
Rating
Hundreds
Reviews
Main complaint: A minority report breakouts after weeks of use — possibly from rice ferment.
Amazon
4.5
Rating
Growing
Reviews
Main complaint: Jelly texture feels thick initially and doesn't remove heavy makeup on its own.
Tatcha.com
4.6
Rating
Bestseller
Status
Main complaint: Some buyers wish the formula came dye-free without the Yellow 5 and Blue 1 colorants.
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Genuinely controls oil and extends makeup wear (clinically supported)
  • Doesn't strip the skin despite deep cleansing — no tightness afterward
  • Luxurious gel-to-foam texture that feels pleasant and cushiony
  • Fragrance-free — rare in J-beauty luxury cleansers
  • Thoughtful botanical blend: matcha, mugwort, willow, coix, mozuku
  • Beautiful Tatcha packaging — feels special, great for gifting
  • A little goes a long way; 150ml bottle lasts months

Criticized

  • $40 for 150ml is expensive vs. drugstore gel cleansers
  • Contains Yellow 5 + Blue 1 synthetic colorants for the green hue
  • Contains rice ferment — not fungal-acne safe
  • Contains low-level alcohol that may concern some users
  • Doesn't remove heavy makeup on its own — double cleanse needed
  • Too active for very dry, mature, or eczema-prone skin
  • Minority of reviewers experience breakouts after prolonged use
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
$17.00
Budget Pick

K-beauty dupe with BHA, AHA, and green plum extract. Similar clarifying gel experience for oily/combo skin at less than half the price, though less luxurious packaging.

75% Match
Green Tea Amino Hydrating Cleansing Foam
$14.00
Budget Pick

Also centered on green tea antioxidants. Lighter on pore-decongesting actives — no willow bark — but a fantastic affordable matcha-inspired cleanser for daily use.

72% Match
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
$11.99
Budget Pick

Delivers 2% synthetic salicylic acid for stronger pore decongestion. Less gentle and has no botanicals, but extremely effective for acne-prone oily skin at a fraction of the price.

81% Match
Mugwort Gel Cleanser
$22.00
Similar Profile

Mugwort-forward K-beauty gel cleanser that mirrors Tatcha's barrier-supporting botanical philosophy. Fragrance-free and similar texture at nearly half the price.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser
Size 237 ml
Key Active Kale + Spinach + Green Tea
Texture Gel-to-foam
Fragrance-Free No
Fungal Acne Safe No
Best For Normal, Combo
Price per ml $0.16
The Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser
Size 150 ml
Key Active Rice + Algae + Hyaluronic
Texture Creamy milk
Fragrance-Free No (fragranced)
Fungal Acne Safe No
Best For Dry, Normal, Sensitive
Price per ml $0.25
Soy Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
Size 150 ml
Key Active Soy Protein + Cucumber
Texture Watery gel
Fragrance-Free No (rose scent)
Fungal Acne Safe No
Best For All skin types, light
Price per ml $0.27
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Unopened shelf life is approximately 30 months from manufacture.

Storage

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

Packaging

Opaque squeeze tube with flip-top cap — hygienic and protects the botanical actives from light and air.

Travel Friendly

Full size (150ml) is over the TSA liquid limit. The $19 mini (50ml) is carry-on approved — under 100ml.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

It's a rinse-off product, which generally reduces absorption concerns, but it does contain Salix Alba (willow bark) — a natural source of salicylates (the plant precursor to salicylic acid). Most obstetricians consider topical rinse-off willow bark low-risk, but some recommend avoiding all salicylates during pregnancy out of caution. Always consult your OB-GYN or a dermatologist familiar with your pregnancy before adding any new skincare. If you want a safer alternative from the same brand, Tatcha's Rice Wash contains no willow bark.

No — this cleanser is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, a yeast-based ferment that can feed Malassezia and trigger fungal acne flare-ups. If you're actively dealing with pityrosporum folliculitis or tiny uniform bumps on the forehead, chest, or back, we recommend choosing a fungal-acne-safe cleanser instead, such as a simple gel with only proven FA-safe ingredients.

Yes — because it's a rinse-off cleanser, it doesn't meaningfully interact with the pH-dependent actives you apply afterward. Vitamin C, retinol, AHAs, and BHAs can all be used normally in your routine after cleansing. One note: since this product itself contains willow bark (a mild BHA alternative), users on strong prescription retinoids or acid treatments may want to alternate with a gentler cleanser on their most reactive days to avoid over-exfoliation.

It's formulated primarily for oily, combination, and normal-to-oily skin — particularly anyone dealing with shine, visible pores, and makeup slip. Combination skin loves it because the humectants (glycerin, rice ferment) prevent the dryness that typical oily-skin cleansers cause. Dry, mature, or eczema-prone users will likely find it too active and should look at Tatcha's Rice Wash or a cream cleanser instead. Sensitive skin can often tolerate it thanks to the fragrance-free formula, but patch testing is always wise.

Immediate effects — less shine, cleaner pores, better makeup adhesion — are noticeable from the first wash. Tatcha's in-house clinical study reported 100% of panelists saw reduced oil in a bio-instrumentation test. For visible pore reduction and smoother texture, expect 2–4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use (90% of panelists noticed in the brand's clinical). Longer-term clarity and makeup wear benefits (up to 8 hours improved wear) build over 6–8 weeks of steady use.

It's a Step 1 product in the morning (AM cleanse on bare skin) and a Step 2 product at night if you wear sunscreen or makeup (after an oil or balm cleanser in a double-cleanse). Apply to wet skin with wet hands, lather, rinse, then proceed with toner, essence, serums, moisturizer, and (in the AM) SPF. Tatcha specifically positions this cleanser as a "primer" for makeup, so using it in your AM routine maximizes the oil-control and 8-hour wear benefits.

No — Tatcha officially labels it non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested. On a 0–5 comedogenic rating scale we estimate it at 1/5 based on the ingredient profile: no pore-clogging oils, butters, or high-comedogenic esters. That said, a small minority of reviewers (notably on Sephora UK) have reported breakouts after several weeks of use. This is most likely due to the rice ferment (feeds Malassezia) rather than comedogenicity per se. If you break out, it's likely fungal acne, not clogged pores.

The PAO (Period After Opening) symbol on the packaging indicates 12 months once opened — so you should finish the full 150ml tube within a year of first use. Unopened, the product has a shelf life of around 30 months from manufacture date. To maximize freshness and preserve the matcha antioxidants, always store it upright, tightly closed, and out of direct sunlight or humidity. Since a pea to almond-sized amount is enough per wash, most users finish the bottle in 3–5 months of twice-daily use — well within the PAO window.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: Tatcha's The Matcha Cleanse is a genuinely excellent daily gel cleanser for oily and combination skin that delivers on its dual promise of clarifying pores and priming for makeup. The botanical-forward formulation — kyo-matcha, willow bark, mugwort, coix seed — is thoughtful and backed by brand clinical data (100% oil reduction, 90% pore reduction, 8-hour makeup wear). The fragrance-free, sulfate-free base protects the barrier while still delivering a luxurious gel-to-foam experience. It loses half a star for its premium $40/150ml price, two synthetic colorants, and incompatibility with fungal acne and very dry skin types. For the right skin type, it's one of the most refined daily cleansers on the J-beauty market — and a clear bestseller for good reason.

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 2 ingredient(s):
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin 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
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
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
56% 13% 30%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 23 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 B
Sodium Lauroyl Aspartate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
0 Unknown
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
Emulsifying
1 B
Lauryl Glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS