Vegan Low pH Hyaluronic Gel Cleanser
Vegan Low pH Hyaluronic Gel Cleanser
Product Description
The Mary & May Vegan Low pH Hyaluronic Gel Cleanser is a gentle, gel-to-foam daily face wash built around a low-pH, barrier-friendly formula. It blends 10 forms of hyaluronic acid with 10,000ppm grape extract, Centella Asiatica, fig extract and Ceramide NP to lift away dirt, sweat and excess oil without stripping or leaving that tight, squeaky-clean feeling.
โจ Texture & Feel
10 Types of Hyaluronic Acid
A multi-weight HA complex hydrates at the surface while smaller fragments reach deeper layers, so skin never feels tight after rinsing.
10,000ppm Grape Extract
Antioxidant-rich Vitis Vinifera fruit extract helps protect against free radicals and leaves skin looking fresh and luminous.
Barrier-Friendly Low pH
A slightly acidic pH respects your skin's acid mantle, helping avoid the over-stripping common with high-pH soap cleansers.
Soothing Cica + Ceramide
Centella Asiatica and Ceramide NP calm reactive skin and support the moisture barrier as you cleanse.
Gentle Amino-Acid Surfactants
Coco-glucoside, decyl glucoside and cocoyl amino acids deliver a sulfate-free clean rated among the mildest surfactant systems.
Clean & Conscious
Vegan and cruelty-free, with EWG green-grade ingredients (excluding fragrance), a 16-free formula and soy-ink eco packaging.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, no high-dose salicylic acid and no hydroquinone. As a rinse-off cleanser with gentle actives, it is generally considered fine during pregnancy. Always confirm with your doctor.
Verified fungal-acne safe by ingredient databases. The glucoside surfactants and esters present sit outside the chain lengths Malassezia feeds on.
Built on water, humectants and mild surfactants. As a quickly rinsed cleanser, the risk of clogged pores is very low (rated 1/5).
The formula includes added fragrance and a natural grape scent. Very fragrance-sensitive or rosacea/eczema-prone users may prefer to patch test first.
A gentle low-pH base is compatible with retinol, vitamin C and AHA/BHA routines since it simply cleanses and is rinsed away.
Free from sulfates, silicones, parabens, mineral oils and common harsh alcohols, with a reef-safe profile.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ง Hyaluronic Acid Complex (10 forms) ~0.1โ2% Proven
The hero of the formula: a blend of ten hyaluronic acid molecules of different sizes and salt forms, from large surface-level HA to ultra-low-molecular-weight fragments that travel deeper into the skin.
- How it works: HA is a humectant that binds water and helps skin look plump, smooth and hydrated.
- Why a blend: Combining high and low molecular weights gives both immediate surface hydration and longer-lasting effects.
- Research: A 2016 human study found crosslinked HA raised skin water content and reduced transepidermal water loss.
๐ Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract 10,000ppm (~1%) Promising
Grape fruit extract is the signature botanical here, dosed at a notable 10,000ppm. It supplies antioxidant polyphenols and proanthocyanidins that help defend skin against environmental stress.
- Antioxidants: Naturally rich in vitamin-C-type compounds, flavonoids and polyphenols that neutralise free radicals.
- Tone & comfort: Proanthocyanidins have been linked to a more even-looking tone, plus soothing and hydrating effects.
๐ฟ Centella Asiatica Extract Soothing Proven
Better known as Cica, this Southeast-Asian herb is prized for calming reactive, stressed skin and is a staple of barrier-focused K-beauty.
- Active compounds: Madecassic acid and asiaticoside support its anti-inflammatory, soothing reputation.
- Benefits: Helps reduce the look of redness and irritation while contributing antioxidants.
๐งฑ Ceramide NP Barrier Lipid Proven
Ceramide NP is one of the skin's own lipids and the type that most closely mirrors human skin. It slots into the barrier to limit water loss and shield against irritants.
- Barrier repair: Ceramides are crucial for maintaining the skin barrier and locking in moisture.
- Research: A study of 312 patients found a ceramide-containing routine reduced atopic dermatitis severity by over 61% across four weeks.
๐พ Beta-Glucan + Fig Extract Humectant Promising
A soothing-hydrating duo. Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide that hydrates and supports the barrier, while Ficus Carica (fig) fruit extract draws moisture to the skin.
- Beta-glucan: Acts as an antioxidant and may help with wound healing and the look of fine lines.
- Fig extract: A humectant rich in antioxidants and vitamins that adds to the cushioned after-feel.
35 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Octyldodeceth-16, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xanthan Gum, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Phytate, Dextrin, Butylene Glycol, Ceramide NP, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Parfum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use it as your main water-based cleanser. At night, follow an oil cleanser or balm for a complete double cleanse; in the morning, it works perfectly on its own.
๐ How to Use
Dampen your face
Wet your face with lukewarm water โ avoid hot water, which can compromise the barrier this cleanser is designed to protect.
Lather a small amount
Dispense a coin-sized amount onto wet palms and work it into a dense foam. A little goes a long way, so the bottle lasts.
Massage gently
Massage over the whole face for around 30โ60 seconds, focusing on the T-zone and any areas with makeup or sunscreen residue.
Rinse & pat dry
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and gently pat dry. Follow with your toner, treatments and moisturizer.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You want a gentle daily cleanser that won't leave skin tight or stripped
- You have dry, sensitive, combination or acne-prone skin
- You're building a barrier-friendly, low-pH routine
- You prefer vegan, cruelty-free, fungal-acne-safe formulas
- You like a hydrating gel that lathers into a light foam
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You need a completely fragrance-free cleanser
- You dislike any scent and are put off by a grape/floral note
- You wear heavy makeup and want a one-step cleanse (use an oil cleanser first)
- You want a deep, "squeaky" foaming clean for very oily skin
- You're looking for a treatment cleanser with exfoliating acids
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Humectant-heavy and non-stripping โ cleanses while leaving skin soft and comfortable rather than tight.
Low pH with Cica and ceramide makes it soothing, but the added fragrance means a patch test is wise for very reactive skin.
Balances the skin without over-drying the cheeks or leaving the T-zone greasy.
Cleanses sweat and excess oil with a light foam; very oily skin may want a deeper-foaming wash at night.
Low comedogenic risk and fungal-acne safe โ a calm, non-irritating daily option for breakout-prone skin.
๐ Results Timeline
Comfortable, non-tight clean
Skin feels clean but still soft and cushioned right after rinsing, without the squeaky-tight feeling of harsh foaming washes.
90% noticedLess post-cleanse dryness
With daily use, many users report skin stays balanced through the day and toner/serum absorb onto a calmer base.
75% noticedSmoother, healthier-looking barrier
Consistent low-pH cleansing supports a more resilient barrier, so skin looks smoother and feels less reactive over time.
60% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Cleanses without stripping or leaving skin tight
- Leaves skin soft, smooth and hydrated
- Gentle enough for sensitive and dry skin
- Great value โ a little lasts a long time
- Clean, vegan, cruelty-free, fungal-acne-safe credentials
โ Criticized
- Noticeable grape/floral fragrance some dislike
- Some find the experience "basic" rather than luxurious
- Light foam may feel insufficient for big-lather fans
- Won't fully remove heavy makeup on its own
- Not suitable for those needing fragrance-free
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
The classic low-pH gel cleanser. Adds tea tree oil and BHA but is less hydrating and skips the big hyaluronic acid complex.
Another gentle amino-acid foaming cleanser for sensitive skin. Green-tea focused rather than HA-and-grape, with a fresher scent.
A non-foaming, fragrance-free option with ceramides and HA. Better for very dry/sensitive skin but lacks the fresh gel-to-foam feel.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Mary & May Hyaluronic Gel Cleanser (This)
~$10COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
~$12Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Cleanser
~$15CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
~$16๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; close the cap securely after each use
Squeeze tube with flip cap; eco-friendly carton printed with soybean-oil ink
150ml is just over the 100ml cabin limit; decant into a travel bottle or pack in checked luggage
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally considered pregnancy- and breastfeeding-friendly. The formula contains no retinoids, no high-dose salicylic acid and no hydroquinone โ the ingredients most often avoided during pregnancy. As a rinse-off cleanser with gentle humectants and soothing botanicals, exposure is minimal. As always, check with your own doctor about your full routine.
Yes. It has been verified as fungal-acne (malassezia) safe by ingredient-analysis databases. The glucoside surfactants and any esters in the formula sit outside the fatty-acid chain lengths that malassezia yeast can feed on, making it a sensible choice for those managing fungal acne.
Yes. Because it is a gentle, low-pH cleanser that is rinsed off, it doesn't interfere with active ingredients. Cleanse first, then apply your retinol, vitamin C or exfoliating acid treatments afterwards. Its non-stripping, barrier-supporting base actually pairs well with potentially drying actives.
It suits most skin types and is especially good for dry, sensitive, combination and acne-prone skin thanks to its hydrating, low-pH, non-stripping formula. Very oily skin can use it too, though some may prefer a more deeply foaming wash at night. Those who need a strictly fragrance-free product should look elsewhere.
You'll notice the comfortable, non-tight feel from the very first wash. Over one to two weeks of daily use, skin tends to feel less dry and more balanced after cleansing. As a cleanser, its main job is to support โ not transform โ your skin, so the biggest benefit is a calm, healthy base for the rest of your routine.
Use it as your water-based (second) cleanser. In the evening, start with an oil cleanser or balm to remove makeup and sunscreen, then follow with this gel-to-foam wash. In the morning, it works perfectly on its own. After cleansing, continue with toner, serums/essence, moisturizer and (in the AM) sunscreen.
It has a very low comedogenic risk, rated around 1/5. It's built on water, humectants and mild surfactants and is quickly rinsed away, so it's unlikely to clog pores. Combined with its fungal-acne-safe and non-irritating profile, it's a pore-friendly choice for breakout-prone skin.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Use it within a year of opening, store it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight, and keep the cap closed. Because only a small amount is needed per wash, the 150ml tube typically lasts many months of daily use.
Verdict: The Mary & May Vegan Low pH Hyaluronic Gel Cleanser is a smart, affordable everyday cleanser that punches above its price. Its low-pH, barrier-friendly formula loaded with 10 forms of hyaluronic acid, grape extract, Cica and ceramide cleans effectively without stripping, leaving skin soft and comfortable. It's vegan, cruelty-free and fungal-acne safe, making it an easy recommendation for dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin. The only real caveats are the grape/floral fragrance, which won't suit everyone, and a deliberately understated, gel-to-foam experience that some find more practical than luxurious. For a gentle daily K-beauty cleanser at around $10, it's excellent value.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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 6 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 4 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 7 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Coco-glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Decyl Glucoside
Surfactant, Emulsion Stabilising, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Skin Conditioning, Surfactant, Hair Conditioning
|
|