Ultra Gentle Cleanser
Ultra Gentle Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
Face Reality Skincare Ultra Gentle Cleanser is a sulfate-free, antioxidant-rich gel cleanser that gently removes makeup, oil, and impurities without stripping or drying the skin. Formulated with licorice root, green tea, and mushroom extract, it calms inflammation and supports barrier health — making it the ideal daily wash for acne-prone, sensitive, and rosacea-prone skin.
Antioxidant-Rich Formula
Packed with green tea, licorice root, and mushroom extracts that fight free radicals and calm inflammation while you cleanse.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAntioxidant-Rich Formula
Packed with green tea, licorice root, and mushroom extracts that fight free radicals and calm inflammation while you cleanse.
Barrier-Protective Cleansing
Sulfate-free surfactants (cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside) remove impurities without stripping your skin's natural moisture barrier.
Hydrating While Cleansing
Glycerin and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) replenish moisture during the cleansing process, leaving skin soft and supple — never tight.
Esthetician-Developed
Created by licensed estheticians and backed by Face Reality's Clear Skin Method — voted the #1 professional acne brand in the U.S. for six consecutive years.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains polysorbate-like surfactants and butylene glycol. While it's a rinse-off product (minimizing contact time), those with active fungal acne should patch-test first.
Free of pore-clogging oils and ingredients. Formulated specifically to be acne-safe and will not contribute to blocked pores.
Fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and non-irritating. Safe for use on skin prone to eczema, rosacea, and contact dermatitis.
Pairs well with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA, and benzoyl peroxide treatments. Preps the skin without adding irritation.
Listed near the end of the INCI list, indicating a very small amount used as a solvent for botanical extracts — not drying at this concentration.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGreen Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Leaf ExtractProven
A powerful antioxidant that calms inflammation, soothes irritation, and provides antimicrobial support. Helps protect skin from environmental damage while supporting a healthy complexion.
- Antioxidant: Rich in EGCG polyphenols that neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress on the skin.
- Anti-inflammatory: Studies show green tea extract reduces redness and inflammation associated with acne and rosacea.
- Antimicrobial: Has demonstrated activity against acne-causing bacteria (C. acnes) in clinical research.
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) ExtractProven
A soothing botanical known for its brightening and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps even out skin tone and calm redness, making it ideal for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Brightening: Contains glabridin, which inhibits tyrosinase activity to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
- Anti-inflammatory: Glycyrrhizin compounds help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation in reactive skin.
- Soothing: Traditionally used to calm eczema and dermatitis symptoms.
Mushroom (Fomes Officinalis) ExtractPromising
Rich in fatty acids and polysaccharides, this extract helps the skin retain moisture, maintain barrier integrity, and boost collagen production while calming inflammation.
- Barrier support: Fatty acids reinforce the skin's lipid barrier, improving moisture retention.
- Anti-inflammatory: Polysaccharides in the extract help soothe inflamed skin and reduce sensitivity.
- Collagen support: Contains compounds that may stimulate collagen synthesis for firmer skin over time.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)Proven
A deeply hydrating and healing ingredient that penetrates the skin to attract and hold moisture. Supports wound healing and barrier repair.
- Hydration: Acts as a humectant, drawing water into the skin and reducing transepidermal water loss.
- Healing: Accelerates wound healing and skin regeneration — commonly used in post-procedure care.
- Soothing: Clinically shown to reduce redness and irritation in compromised skin.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) WaterProven
A natural astringent that helps refine pores, control excess oil, and remove residual makeup and debris. Provides antioxidant protection without drying effects.
- Astringent: Tannins help tighten pores and reduce excess sebum production.
- Antioxidant: Rich in polyphenols that protect the skin from oxidative stress.
- Clarifying: Helps remove traces of makeup and environmental debris for a thorough cleanse.
16 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Fomes Officinalis (Mushroom) Extract, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Panthenol (D), Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and night as the first step. For heavy makeup or sunscreen, consider double-cleansing with an oil-based cleanser first, followed by this gel cleanser.
How to use
HOW TO USEDampen Your Face
Splash lukewarm water onto your face. Avoid hot water, which can strip the skin barrier and increase sensitivity.
Apply a Small Amount
Dispense a dime-sized amount onto fingertips. A little goes a long way — no need to overuse.
Massage for 60 Seconds
Gently massage in circular motions over face, avoiding aggressive rubbing. The formula will lightly foam. Allow the antioxidant-rich ingredients time to work.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water or remove with a clean, damp cloth. Pat dry — never rub. Follow with your toner, serum, and moisturizer.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have acne-prone skin and need a non-stripping daily cleanser
- Your skin is sensitive, reactive, or prone to rosacea
- You're using active treatments (retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, mandelic acid) that make skin delicate
- You want a fragrance-free, sulfate-free cleanser with antioxidant benefits
- You're looking for an eczema-safe face wash
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe cleanser
Consider alternatives if:
- You prefer a rich, creamy cleanser texture (try Face Reality Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser instead)
- You need heavy-duty makeup removal — this works best for light to medium makeup
- You want a strongly foaming, "squeaky clean" wash experience
- You have very oily skin and want a deeper, more stripping cleanse
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESFragrance-free, sulfate-free, and loaded with calming botanicals. Specifically formulated for easily irritated and reactive skin types.
Non-comedogenic, acne-safe formula. Developed by acne specialists and pairs perfectly with active acne treatments.
Glycerin and panthenol help maintain hydration while cleansing. Leaves skin soft and comfortable — never tight or stripped.
Effectively removes excess oil without over-drying. Some very oily skin types may prefer a slightly deeper cleanser for their PM routine.
Balances well across different face zones — removes oil in the T-zone without drying cheeks or jawline.
Gentle enough for thinning, aging skin. Antioxidant-rich botanicals support skin health without causing dryness or irritation.
Results timeline
MONTH 2 – 3Immediate Comfort
Skin feels clean, soft, and hydrated after the first wash. No tightness, dryness, or irritation — a noticeable difference from harsher cleansers.
90% noticedReduced Redness & Irritation
Anti-inflammatory botanicals begin calming reactive skin. Users report less overall redness and fewer irritation flare-ups, especially when paired with acne treatments.
75% noticedImproved Skin Barrier & Clarity
Skin barrier strengthens, allowing active treatments to work more effectively. Users notice clearer, more balanced skin with fewer breakouts and improved texture.
70% noticedVisible Skin Transformation
As part of a consistent routine, significant improvement in acne, skin tone, and overall radiance. Face Reality's clinical study showed visible results in as few as 8 weeks.
85% noticedRatings by platform
REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Cleans thoroughly without stripping or drying the skin
- Leaves skin feeling soft, calm, and refreshed — never tight
- Fragrance-free and sulfate-free — ideal for sensitive skin
- Works beautifully alongside acne treatments and retinoids
- Suitable for eczema and rosacea-prone skin
- Antioxidant-rich formula with real botanical benefits
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free
- Developed by licensed estheticians with acne expertise
Criticized
- Bottle packaging hard to squeeze when nearly empty
- 6 oz size only lasts 8–10 weeks with twice-daily use
- Higher price point than drugstore cleansers ($31 for 6 oz)
- Not widely available in stores — mainly through authorized retailers
- May not remove heavy/waterproof makeup on its own
- Very oily skin types may prefer a deeper-cleansing option
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Extremely gentle, sulfate-free gel cleanser with minimal ingredients (only 11). Lacks the antioxidant botanicals (no green tea, licorice, or mushroom extract) but offers similar non-stripping cleansing. Great for ultra-sensitive skin on a budget.
A lotion-like, non-foaming cleanser with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for barrier repair. Different texture (creamy vs. gel) and lacks antioxidant extracts. Some users report a residual film after rinsing. Better for dry skin than acne-focused routines.
Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser with niacinamide and ceramides. Creamy-gel texture is lighter than CeraVe but lacks the acne-specific antioxidant blend of Face Reality. Contains Polysorbate 60, which may concern fungal acne-prone users.
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 to maintain product integrity.
Squeeze tube bottle (6 fl oz / 180 ml). Also available in a 2 oz travel size ($14.00).
Yes — the 2 oz travel size is TSA-compliant (under 100 ml / 3.4 oz). The full 6 oz size exceeds carry-on liquid limits.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This cleanser contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — all ingredients commonly flagged during pregnancy. The formula uses gentle, plant-based surfactants and antioxidant botanicals that are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Use with caution. While this is a rinse-off product (which limits ingredient contact time), the formula contains butylene glycol and some surfactants that may feed malassezia yeast in sensitive individuals. However, because it is washed off quickly, many users with fungal acne report no issues. Patch-test first if you are prone to fungal acne flare-ups.
Absolutely. This cleanser is specifically designed to pair with active treatments including retinol, vitamin C serums, AHAs (glycolic, mandelic, lactic acid), BHAs (salicylic acid), and benzoyl peroxide. It preps the skin without adding irritation, helping your actives absorb better and perform more effectively. Many estheticians recommend this cleanser specifically for clients on active acne treatment protocols.
This cleanser works for all skin types but is especially well-suited for sensitive, acne-prone, dry, combination, mature, and rosacea-prone skin. It was developed by licensed estheticians for clients undergoing professional acne treatments — so it's formulated to be gentle enough for compromised, reactive skin while still cleansing effectively. Very oily skin types may find it slightly too gentle for their PM routine.
Most users notice immediate comfort (softer, calmer skin) from the first use. Reduced redness and irritation typically appear within 1–2 weeks. When used as part of a complete skincare routine, significant improvements in skin clarity and texture are commonly reported within 3–6 weeks, with optimal results around 8–12 weeks — consistent with Face Reality's clinical study findings.
It goes first — as your cleanser step, both morning and evening. Apply to damp skin, massage for 60 seconds, then rinse. Follow with toner, serum or treatment, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). If wearing heavy makeup or sunscreen, consider double-cleansing: use an oil-based cleanser first, then follow with this gel cleanser as your second cleanse.
No. This cleanser has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. It is formulated to be completely non-comedogenic and acne-safe, with no pore-clogging oils, waxes, or esters. Face Reality specifically designs all of their products to avoid common comedogenic ingredients — this is a core principle of their acne treatment philosophy.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The 6 oz bottle typically lasts 8–10 weeks when used twice daily (morning and night). A small, dime-sized amount is sufficient for each cleanse, so avoid overusing. Store in a cool, dry place with the cap securely closed to maintain potency throughout its shelf life.
Verdict: Face Reality Ultra Gentle Cleanser is one of the best gentle gel cleansers available for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Developed by licensed estheticians and backed by the #1 professional acne brand in the U.S., it delivers a genuinely non-stripping cleanse enriched with proven antioxidant botanicals. The higher price point compared to drugstore alternatives is justified by the acne-safe formulation and antioxidant benefits — but budget-conscious shoppers can find simpler alternatives in the Vanicream Gentle Cleanser. If you're on an active acne treatment program or need a cleanser that won't compromise a sensitive skin barrier, this is the gold standard.
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 1 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
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Decyl Glucoside
Surfactant, Emulsion Stabilising, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauryl Glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing
|
|