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Vegan Ceramide Extra Gentle Face Wash

Vegan Ceramide Extra Gentle Face Wash

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free gentle face wash formulated with vegan ceramides to cleanse, hydrate, and support your skin's protective barrier. This sulfate-free, light foaming cleanser removes makeup, oil, and impurities without stripping skin, while marshmallow root and calendula extracts calm and soothe sensitive complexions.

Dermatologist Tested NEA Accepted 100% Vegan Cruelty-Free Fragrance-Free Sulfate-Free Paraben-Free Silicone-Free
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
5 fl oz / 147ml
pH Level
5.5 - 6.5
Key Active
3 Ceramides
Texture
Light Foam
Skin Type
All / Sensitive
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Triple Ceramide Complex

Contains Ceramide NP, AP, and EOP to restore and maintain your skin's natural protective barrier function.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Creamy Gel
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
Rinses Clean
Finish
Soft, Hydrated

Triple Ceramide Complex

Contains Ceramide NP, AP, and EOP to restore and maintain your skin's natural protective barrier function.

Soothing Botanicals

Marshmallow root and calendula extracts work together to calm, soothe, and reduce redness in sensitive skin.

Gentle Amino Acid Surfactants

Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate provides effective yet gentle cleansing without stripping natural oils or disrupting skin pH.

Clean Beauty Formula

Free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and silicones. Made with plant-derived ingredients.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.

Not Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains Glycol Distearate which may feed Malassezia yeast. Not recommended for fungal acne-prone skin.

Eczema-Approved

Accepted by the National Eczema Association. Dermatologist and allergy tested for sensitive skin.

Low Comedogenic Risk

Rated 1/5 comedogenic. Non-comedogenic formula unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Ceramide Complex (NP, AP, EOP)Proven

A trio of plant-derived ceramides identical to those naturally found in human skin. Makes up approximately 50% of the skin's lipid barrier and is essential for maintaining hydration and protection.

  • Function: Restores and strengthens the skin's protective barrier
  • Research: Studies show ceramides improve skin hydration by up to 109% and reduce TEWL
  • Source: Plant-derived (vegan) lipid concentrate
Works synergistically with phytosphingosine and cholesterol for optimal barrier repair.

Marshmallow Root ExtractProven

Althaea Officinalis extract is rich in mucilage, a gel-like substance that forms a protective, soothing layer on the skin to calm irritation and retain moisture.

  • Function: Soothes, hydrates, and forms a protective film
  • Benefits: Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and irritation
  • Source: Derived from the marshmallow plant leaf and root

Calendula Flower ExtractProven

Calendula Officinalis has been used for centuries for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Rich in flavonoids and carotenoids.

  • Function: Calms inflammation, promotes healing, antioxidant protection
  • Research: Clinical studies confirm anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects
  • Source: Extracted from calendula (marigold) flowers

Sodium Cocoyl GlutamateGentle

A mild amino acid-based surfactant derived from coconut oil and glutamic acid. One of the gentlest cleansing agents available.

  • Function: Gentle cleansing without stripping natural oils
  • pH: Maintains skin's natural acidic pH (around 5.5)
  • Source: Derived from coconut oil and fermented sugar

23 ingredients

Aqua (Water), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Coco-Glucoside, Glycol Distearate, Glycerin, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol*, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Leaf/Root Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Arginine, Serine, Threonine, Decyl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. *Plant source

FREE FROM: Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Parabens, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Silicones, Synthetic Fragrance, Artificial Dyes, Alcohol, Formaldehyde, Animal-Derived Ingredients
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
SPF (AM)

Use morning and night as your first cleansing step. Can be used as a standalone cleanser or as a second cleanser after oil-based makeup remover.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash lukewarm water onto your face to dampen skin. Avoid hot water which can strip natural oils.

2

Apply Cleanser

Squeeze a small amount (about a nickel-size) onto your fingertips or palm.

3

Massage Gently

Work into skin using gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Avoid rubbing or tugging.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse clean with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a soft, clean towel—don't rub.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated skin
  • You're looking for a fragrance-free, gentle daily cleanser
  • Your skin barrier is compromised or damaged
  • You have eczema or rosacea-prone skin
  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe cleanser
  • You prefer vegan, cruelty-free clean beauty products
  • You want a cleanser that won't leave skin feeling tight or stripped

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
  • You need heavy-duty makeup removal (use oil cleanser first)
  • You prefer a rich, foaming lather
  • You have very oily skin and want deep pore cleansing
  • You prefer products with added fragrance
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Specifically formulated for sensitive skin. NEA accepted, fragrance-free, and dermatologist tested.

Dry Skin
Excellent

Ceramides help retain moisture. Won't strip skin or cause tightness. Perfect for dry, dehydrated skin.

Normal Skin
Excellent

Maintains skin balance without over-cleansing. Great for everyday use morning and night.

Combination Skin
Good

Gentle enough for dry areas while still removing oil. May need additional cleansing for T-zone.

Oily Skin
Moderate

May not feel "cleansing enough" for very oily skin. Consider a foaming cleanser instead.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Non-comedogenic and gentle. Great when using acne treatments that cause dryness/irritation.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2+
Immediately

Clean, Soft Skin

Skin feels clean, soft, and hydrated without tightness or dryness. No residue or film left behind.

95% noticed immediately
Week 1-2

Reduced Irritation

Less redness, sensitivity, and irritation. Skin begins to feel more comfortable and balanced.

80% noticed improvement
Week 3-4

Strengthened Barrier

Skin barrier begins to strengthen. Less reactive to environmental stressors. Improved hydration levels.

70% noticed results
Month 2+

Healthier, Resilient Skin

Visible improvement in overall skin health. Barrier function restored, skin appears calmer and more radiant.

65% reported significant improvement
09

Ratings by platform

1K+ REVIEWS
Target
4.3
Rating
350+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users find it doesn't remove heavy makeup effectively
Amazon
4.4
Rating
1,200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Tube packaging makes it easy to dispense too much product
iHerb
4.6
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Wish it came in a pump bottle for easier dispensing
Cult Beauty
4.2
Rating
50+
Reviews
Main complaint: A few users with combination skin found it not cleansing enough
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Extremely gentle - doesn't irritate even the most sensitive skin
  • Fragrance-free and free from common irritants
  • Contains proven ceramide complex for barrier repair
  • NEA accepted and dermatologist tested
  • 100% vegan and cruelty-free
  • Affordable price point for clean beauty
  • Doesn't leave skin feeling tight or stripped
  • Great for rosacea and eczema-prone skin

Criticized

  • Not effective for removing heavy or waterproof makeup
  • Tube packaging can be messy (no pump)
  • May not feel "cleansing enough" for oily skin types
  • Not fungal acne safe (contains glycol distearate)
  • 5 oz size runs out relatively quickly
  • Some users report slight stinging (rare)
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
90% Match
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
$14.99
Budget Pick

Same ceramide complex (NP, AP, EOP) plus hyaluronic acid. Larger size (12 oz) for better value. Contains parabens as preservatives unlike Pacifica.

85% Match
Gentle Facial Cleanser
$9.99
Budget Pick

Ultra-minimal formula with only 11 ingredients. No ceramides but extremely gentle. Best for those who want the simplest possible formula.

75% Match
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
$16.99
Similar Price

Contains ceramide NP and niacinamide. French pharmacy brand with thermal spring water. Slightly richer texture that some find more hydrating.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Hydrating Cleanser
Size 12 fl oz (355ml)
Ceramides 3 Types (NP, AP, EOP)
Vegan No (Cholesterol)
Fungal Acne Safe No
NEA Accepted Yes
Price per oz $1.25/oz
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Size 13.5 fl oz (400ml)
Ceramides 1 Type (NP)
Vegan Not Certified
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
NEA Accepted No
Price per oz $1.26/oz
Gentle Facial Cleanser
Size 8 fl oz (237ml)
Ceramides None
Vegan Yes
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
NEA Accepted Yes
Price per oz $1.25/oz
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

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

Packaging

Recyclable PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic tube made from sugarcane bio-resin

Travel Friendly

Yes - 5 fl oz (147ml) is over the TSA limit. Purchase mini size (2 oz) for travel.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes! This face wash is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain any ingredients of concern such as retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. The formula is fragrance-free and dermatologist tested, making it a gentle choice for expectant and nursing mothers.

No, this cleanser is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Glycol Distearate, which can potentially feed Malassezia yeast and worsen fungal acne. If you have pityrosporum folliculitis (fungal acne), consider alternatives like Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser instead.

Yes! This gentle cleanser is an excellent choice when using active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs. Its mild formula won't add additional irritation or compromise your skin barrier, which is especially important when using potentially irritating actives. The ceramides actually help support your barrier during active use.

This cleanser is best suited for sensitive, dry, normal, and eczema-prone skin types. It's specifically formulated for sensitive skin and is NEA (National Eczema Association) accepted. While it works for combination skin, those with very oily skin may find it doesn't provide enough cleansing power.

You'll notice soft, clean skin immediately after use. Reduced irritation and redness typically appear within 1-2 weeks. Significant barrier improvement and healthier-looking skin usually takes 3-4 weeks of consistent use. For full barrier repair benefits, continue use for 8+ weeks.

This cleanser is your first step in both morning and evening routines. Use it on damp skin, massage gently, then rinse. Follow with toner (optional), serums, moisturizer, and SPF (morning only). If wearing heavy makeup, use an oil-based cleanser first, then follow with this as your second cleanse.

This cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it's unlikely to clog pores. The formula is non-comedogenic and rinses clean without leaving pore-clogging residue. It's suitable for acne-prone skin, though those with fungal acne should choose a different product due to the glycol distearate content.

The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal efficacy and safety. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap tightly closed. The 5 oz tube typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Pacifica Vegan Ceramide Extra Gentle Face Wash is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a truly gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that supports barrier health. The triple ceramide complex, soothing botanical extracts, and clean formula make it ideal for sensitive, dry, and eczema-prone skin types. While it's not suitable for fungal acne and may not satisfy those who prefer a richer lather, its NEA acceptance, vegan formulation, and affordable price point make it a standout in the clean beauty category. Perfect for those using active ingredients or recovering from a damaged skin barrier.

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.

Awesome, I Understand!

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):
Ceramide NP Ceramide AP
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Arginine
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!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
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
68% 4% 27%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 22 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 B
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Surfactant, Cleansing
1 B
Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Surfactant, Cleansing
0 Unknown
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
1 B
Coco-glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS