Ultra Gentle Cleansing Gel
Ultra Gentle Cleansing Gel
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, non-foaming cleanser that melts away makeup and impurities without stripping or drying sensitive skin. Formulated with soothing aloe vera and glycerin to leave skin feeling clean, soft, and comfortably hydrated. Recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association for sensitive skin safety.
Gentle Non-Foaming Formula
Ultra-mild creamy texture that cleanses without stripping skin's natural moisture barrier or causing irritation.
Texture & feel
SENSORYGentle Non-Foaming Formula
Ultra-mild creamy texture that cleanses without stripping skin's natural moisture barrier or causing irritation.
Hydrating Cleanse
Infused with glycerin and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate while effectively removing makeup and impurities.
Dermatologist Recognized
One of the first brands recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association's Skin Health Program.
Clean Canadian Formula
Made in Canada with 150+ years of skincare expertise. Free from harsh irritants and common allergens.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains salicylic acid at very low concentration (near end of ingredient list). Low-dose topical salicylic acid in rinse-off cleansers is generally considered safe, but consult your healthcare provider if concerned.
Formula contains no ferments, problematic fatty acids, or fungal acne triggers. Safe for those prone to fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis.
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula tested under dermatological control. Ideal for eczema, rosacea, and reactive skin types.
Won't clog pores. Comedogenic rating of 1/5. Safe for acne-prone skin and those prone to breakouts.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerinProven
A powerful humectant that attracts water to the skin, providing deep hydration without heaviness. Naturally present in skin and essential for maintaining the skin barrier.
- Function: Humectant, moisturizer, skin-identical ingredient
- Benefits: Maintains skin hydration, protects against irritation, restores barrier function
- Comedogenic Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic)
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceProven
A classic soothing ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties. Contains salicylates, polysaccharides, and other compounds that calm and hydrate irritated skin.
- Function: Anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, soothing
- Benefits: Calms redness, soothes irritation, provides cooling relief
- Source: Natural plant extract with centuries of traditional use
AllantoinProven
A gentle skin-soothing agent that promotes healing and reduces irritation. Helps repair the skin barrier and keeps skin hydrated and comfortable.
- Function: Skin protectant, anti-irritant, wound healing
- Benefits: Calms inflammation, reduces itching, supports barrier repair
- Best For: Sensitive, irritated, or compromised skin
Salicylic Acid Low %Proven
A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) included at very low concentration for mild anti-bacterial and pore-clearing benefits without irritation.
- Function: Mild exfoliation, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory
- Concentration: Very low (near end of ingredient list, likely <0.5%)
- Benefits: Helps prevent blemishes, unclogs pores gently
15 ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Glyceryl Oleate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycereth-18 Ethylhexanoate, Allantoin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Glycereth-18, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and evening as the first step in your skincare routine. Can be used alone or as the second step in a double cleanse routine after an oil-based cleanser.
How to use
HOW TO USEApply to Damp or Dry Skin
Dispense a small amount of gel onto fingertips. Can be applied to either damp face or dry skin with makeup.
Massage Gently
Using circular motions, gently massage the creamy gel over face and neck. Work into areas with makeup or impurities.
Rinse or Wipe Off
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, or remove with a damp cotton pad. Pat dry gently with a clean towel.
Follow with Your Routine
Continue with toner, serum, and moisturizer. No tight or dry feeling means your skin is ready for the next steps.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated skin
- You prefer a non-foaming, gentle cleansing experience
- You want a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula
- You have eczema, rosacea, or dermatitis
- You need a cleanser that won't leave skin tight or dry
- You're looking for an affordable, dermatologist-approved option
- You want a cleanser safe for fungal acne
- You prefer Canadian-made, cruelty-free products
Consider alternatives if:
- You prefer a rich foaming lather (this is non-foaming)
- You need heavy-duty makeup removal (consider double cleansing)
- You want active ingredients at higher concentrations
- You're strictly avoiding all salicylic acid during pregnancy
- You prefer scented skincare products
- You need deep pore cleansing for very oily skin
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically designed for sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula won't trigger irritation or redness.
Non-stripping formula with glycerin and aloe vera maintains moisture. Leaves skin soft, never tight or dry.
Gently cleanses without over-drying dry areas or under-cleansing oily zones. Balances well across the face.
May not provide deep enough cleanse for very oily skin. Consider pairing with a foaming cleanser for double cleansing.
Non-comedogenic and fungal acne safe. Contains low-dose salicylic acid for gentle anti-bacterial benefits.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Clean, Soft Skin
Skin feels immediately clean, soft, and comfortable. No tightness, dryness, or residue. Makeup and impurities removed effectively.
95% noticedReduced Irritation
Sensitive skin users notice reduced redness and irritation from switching to this gentle formula. Skin barrier begins to strengthen.
85% noticedImproved Skin Comfort
Consistent use leads to calmer, more balanced skin. Fewer reactive episodes and improved overall skin health and texture.
78% noticedLong-Term Barrier Health
Maintaining use supports a healthy skin barrier. Skin is better prepared to tolerate other active products in your routine.
72% noticedRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle on sensitive skin
- Doesn't leave skin feeling tight or dry
- Effectively removes everyday makeup
- Affordable price point for large size
- Canadian Dermatology Association recognized
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
- Suitable for whole family use
- Non-comedogenic and fungal acne safe
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Easily available at Canadian pharmacies
Criticized
- Non-foaming texture may feel unfamiliar
- May not remove stubborn waterproof makeup alone
- Contains salicylic acid (concern for some pregnant users)
- Some find it not cleansing enough for very oily skin
- Plain packaging lacks luxury feel
- Less widely available outside Canada
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Nearly identical gentle, non-foaming approach. Contains cetyl alcohol and glycerin like Marcelle. No salicylic acid, making it a safer choice during pregnancy.
Similar non-foaming, gentle formula with added ceramides and hyaluronic acid for extra barrier support. Slightly more hydrating but similar texture and performance.
French pharmacy alternative with prebiotic thermal water. More luxurious texture and feel, but similar gentle cleansing philosophy. Higher price point.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
Pump bottle dispenser for hygienic, easy dispensing. Prevents contamination and waste.
350mL exceeds carry-on limits. Transfer to travel-size container or purchase smaller format for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThis cleanser contains salicylic acid at a very low concentration (listed near the end of ingredients). According to dermatologists and ACOG, low-dose topical salicylic acid (under 2%) in rinse-off products is generally considered safe during pregnancy due to minimal absorption. However, if you prefer to avoid salicylic acid entirely, consider alternatives like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
Yes! This cleanser is fungal acne safe. The formula contains no ferments, problematic fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. According to ingredient analysis tools like Folliculitis Scout, this product has zero fungal acne triggers, making it safe for those prone to pityrosporum folliculitis.
Yes, this gentle cleanser works well with active ingredients. Since it's non-stripping and pH-balanced, it prepares your skin without compromising your barrier before applying actives. The low concentration of salicylic acid in this cleanser is unlikely to cause issues when layered with other products. However, if you're using multiple exfoliating products, monitor your skin for signs of over-exfoliation.
This cleanser is excellent for sensitive, dry, normal, and combination skin types. It's particularly ideal for those with eczema, rosacea, dermatitis, or easily irritated skin. For very oily skin, it may work best as part of a double-cleanse routine or may not provide deep enough cleansing alone. The non-foaming texture suits those who prefer a gentler, cream-like cleansing experience.
You'll notice immediate results: skin feels clean, soft, and comfortable right after use without any tightness. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, sensitive skin users typically notice reduced irritation and redness. By week 3-4, your skin barrier should feel stronger and more balanced. This cleanser is about maintaining healthy skin rather than dramatic transformations—it's a gentle daily essential.
Use this cleanser as the first step in your routine, morning and evening. Apply to damp or dry skin, massage gently, then rinse off. Follow with toner (if using), serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). For heavy makeup, use as the second step after an oil-based cleanser in a double-cleanse routine.
No, this cleanser is non-comedogenic with a rating of 1/5. The formula is specifically designed not to clog pores. While it contains cetyl alcohol (which can be 2-3 on the comedogenic scale for some), the overall rinse-off formula and product design has been tested and confirmed non-comedogenic. It's safe for acne-prone skin and won't contribute to breakouts.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for best results and safety. The pump bottle packaging helps maintain product integrity and hygiene. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. The 350mL size typically lasts 3-6 months with twice-daily use, well within the recommended timeframe.
Verdict: Marcelle Ultra Gentle Cleansing Gel is an excellent affordable option for sensitive skin that delivers on its promises of gentle, non-irritating cleansing. Recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association and backed by over 150 years of formulation expertise, this Canadian-made cleanser effectively removes makeup and impurities without stripping skin's natural moisture barrier. The non-foaming, fragrance-free formula with glycerin, aloe vera, and allantoin leaves skin soft and comfortable—never tight or dry. While the low-concentration salicylic acid may concern some pregnant users (though generally considered safe), and the gentle formula may not satisfy those with very oily skin seeking a deep cleanse, this is an outstanding everyday cleanser for the vast majority of skin types. At its price point, it's one of the best value gentle cleansers available in Canada.
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
|
|
|
| 0 |
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Cleansing, Emulsifying, Foaming, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer
Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauryl Glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|