Zitcalm Anti-Redness Calming Cleanser
Zitcalm Anti-Redness Calming Cleanser
Product Description
A gentle, oil-free gel cleanser from Acnemy built for sensitive, dry and acne-prone skin recovering from aggressive anti-acne treatments. It pairs soft sugar- and amino-acid-derived surfactants with soothing oat, noni callus extract and a probiotic ferment complex to clean without stripping, calm visible redness and rebalance the skin's microbiome.
โจ Texture & Feel
Soothes & Calms Redness
1% colloidal oat plus noni callus extract help quiet visible redness and the tight, reactive feeling left by acne treatments.
Microbiome-Friendly
A Lactobacillus and Sphingomonas ferment complex supports a balanced skin microbiome and a healthier moisture barrier.
Gentle, Non-Stripping Wash
Mild coconut- and rice-derived surfactants lift dirt, sebum and sunscreen without disrupting the skin's natural pH.
Oil-Free & Non-Comedogenic
Designed for breakout-prone skin: no added oils, fragrance, sulfates or silicones to clog pores or irritate.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone and chemical sunscreens. The gentle, rinse-off formula is generally considered safe โ confirm with your doctor.
Contains multiple ferments (Sphingomonas, Lactobacillus, Morinda callus) and a PEG ester that may not be malassezia-safe. Caution if you are fungal-acne prone.
As a gentle cleanser it layers well under retinol, vitamin C, AHA and BHA routines โ it preps skin rather than competing with your actives.
Fragrance-, sulfate- and essential-oil-free with a low irritation profile. Patch test recommended for very reactive or compromised skin.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐พ Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour 1% Oat COM Proven
Finely milled oat flour delivers colloidal-oat benefits: it soothes, hydrates and helps protect compromised skin while gently buffing away dead cells during cleansing.
- Source: Colloidal oatmeal is an FDA-recognized skin protectant valued for calming itch and irritation.
- Action: Oat beta-glucans and avenanthramides have documented anti-inflammatory, anti-redness effects.
๐บ Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate 0.10% Quora Noni Promising
A lab-cultured noni callus extract (branded Quora Noni) used by Acnemy across the Zitcalm line to help calm inflammation linked to breakouts and support a more even, comfortable complexion.
- Source: Derived from sustainable plant-cell culture rather than wild harvesting.
- Action: Noni is studied for antioxidant and skin-soothing properties in acne-prone skin.
๐ฆ Sphingomonas Ferment Extract 0.10% Symreboot L19 Promising
A biotech ferment (branded Symreboot L19) from Sphingomonas bacteria, whose cell walls naturally contain ceramides. It aims to support the skin's resilience and barrier.
- Source: Produced via controlled bacterial fermentation.
- Research: Early studies link Sphingomonas to smoother, more supple skin, though evidence is still emerging.
๐งฌ Lactobacillus Ferment Postbiotic Proven
A postbiotic created by fermenting Lactobacillus bacteria. It helps keep the skin's natural barrier and microbiome balanced โ a key goal for acne-prone skin recovering from harsh treatments.
- Research: Lactobacillus ferment has shown effectiveness at repairing the skin barrier.
- Action: A healthy, diverse microbiome is associated with fewer breakouts.
๐ง Glycerin Humectant Proven
A skin-identical humectant that draws moisture into the skin, offsetting the tightness many cleansers leave behind and helping reinforce the barrier.
- Source: A 2016 study found glycerin more effective as a humectant than AHAs or hyaluronic acid.
- Action: Its low molecular weight lets it hydrate deeper skin layers.
๐พ Potassium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids Mild Surfactant Promising
A gentle, rice-derived amino-acid surfactant. It contributes to the cleanser's soft, low-foam wash that removes impurities without stripping the skin.
- Source: Derived from rice amino acids โ a plant-based alternative to sulfates.
- Action: Amino-acid surfactants are prized for cleansing at skin-friendly pH.
๐ฅฅ Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate Mild Surfactant Proven
A coconut-derived amino-acid surfactant that lifts dirt and excess oil to be rinsed away while leaving an emollient, soft feel on the skin.
- Source: The sodium salt of cocoyl glutamic acid, sourced from coconut oil.
- Action: Cleanses gently and conditions, unlike harsh sulfate surfactants.
๐งด Propanediol Humectant / Solvent Proven
A multitasking ingredient that softens, hydrates and smooths skin while helping dissolve and deliver the other actives in the formula.
- Source: Typically derived from corn; clear, odorless and considered low-risk.
- Action: Boosts hydration and improves the penetration of water-soluble actives.
14 ingredients
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Avena Sativa Kernel Flour, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Potassium Cocoyl Rice Amino Acids, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as your first cleansing step, morning and evening. For heavy makeup or sunscreen, double cleanse with an oil-based first step, then follow with Zitcalm.
๐ How to Use
Dampen
Moisten your face with lukewarm water before applying.
Apply & Massage
Apply a small amount and massage gently in circular motions across the face.
Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with water, finishing with cool water to help refine the look of pores.
Pat Dry & Follow Up
Gently pat skin dry, then continue with your serum and moisturizer.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- Your skin is sensitive, dry or sensitized by anti-acne treatments
- You want a gentle wash that won't leave skin tight or stripped
- You're looking to calm redness and support your barrier
- You prefer fragrance-free, vegan, sulfate-free formulas
- You're acne-prone and need an oil-free, non-comedogenic cleanser
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are strictly fungal-acne (malassezia) safe โ it contains ferments
- You love a rich, high-foam lather (this is a low-foam gel)
- You want a cleanser with built-in exfoliating acids or BHA
- You need a single-step heavy makeup remover
- You react to any ferment or probiotic-based ingredients
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
The core use case: fragrance-free and soothing, ideal for reactive, post-treatment skin.
Glycerin and propanediol keep skin comfortable and hydrated, never tight after washing.
Oil-free and non-comedogenic, formulated specifically alongside aggressive acne care.
Balances and cleanses well; very oily zones may still want a deeper second cleanse.
Cleans gently without over-drying, though those craving a squeaky-clean foam may prefer more lather.
Multiple ferments mean it isn't guaranteed malassezia-safe; patch test before regular use.
๐ Results Timeline
Clean, Comfortable Skin
Skin feels thoroughly cleansed but soft and calm โ no tight, stripped feeling after rinsing.
88% noticedLess Visible Redness
Reactive, irritated skin from acne treatments tends to look calmer and less inflamed.
72% noticedStronger, Balanced Barrier
With consistent use, the microbiome-friendly formula supports a more resilient barrier and fewer flare-ups.
64% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Cleanses thoroughly without drying or stripping
- Genuinely soothing for irritated, post-treatment skin
- Fragrance-free and gentle enough for very reactive skin
- Microbiome-supporting probiotic ferment complex
- Vegan, cruelty-free and affordable
- Removes sunscreen well for a gentle cleanser
โ Criticized
- Not reliably fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Low-foam texture won't satisfy lather lovers
- No exfoliating acids for those wanting more from a cleanser
- 150ml tube can deplete quickly
- Harder to find outside Europe
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Fragrance-free, non-stripping cream-gel for normal-to-dry skin. Swaps the probiotic ferments for ceramides and hyaluronic acid; bigger size, lower price per ml.
A classic minimalist, low-foam gentle cleanser for sensitive skin. Very mild but lacks the soothing oat, noni and microbiome actives that set Zitcalm apart.
Prebiotic thermal water, ceramides and niacinamide in a creamy fragrance-free wash. A close conceptual match focused on barrier care rather than acne recovery.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Acnemy Zitcalm Cleanser (This Product)
$14.00La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating
$16.99CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
$16.99Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
$13.99๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the tube closed.
150ml squeeze tube
Yes โ 150ml exceeds the 100ml carry-on limit, so pack in checked luggage
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters, and it's a gentle rinse-off gel, so it's generally considered suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As always, share your full routine with your doctor or midwife before use.
Not reliably. The formula includes several ferments โ Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment and Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate โ plus a PEG ester, which can be problematic for malassezia-prone skin. If you actively manage fungal acne, patch test first or choose a ferment-free cleanser.
Yes. As a gentle, low-pH-friendly cleanser it's an ideal first step before any active routine. It cleanses and calms the skin without exfoliating acids of its own, so it won't conflict with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs or BHAs applied afterward.
It's designed for sensitive, dry and acne-prone skin โ especially skin that's become reactive or tight from aggressive anti-acne treatments. Combination and oily skin can also use it, though those who love a high-foam wash may find it gentle.
Most people notice softer, less tight skin from the first wash. Visible calming of redness typically appears over 1โ2 weeks, while barrier and microbiome benefits build with consistent use over roughly 4โ8 weeks.
It's your first step, used morning and night. Wet the face, massage in the gel, then rinse before applying toner, treatments, serum and moisturizer. For heavy makeup or sunscreen, double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser first.
No โ it's oil-free and formulated to be non-comedogenic, with a comedogenic rating of about 1/5. Because it's a rinse-off product, ingredients have minimal contact time with the skin, keeping the risk of clogged pores very low.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Store the tube in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep it closed between uses to preserve the formula.
Verdict: Acnemy's Zitcalm Anti-Redness Calming Cleanser is a smart, affordable choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin that's been pushed too far by harsh treatments. It cleanses thoroughly yet gently, calms visible redness with oat and noni, and supports the barrier with a probiotic ferment complex โ all fragrance-free and 100% vegan. The trade-offs are minor: it's a low-foam gel rather than a foaming wash, and the ferment content means it isn't a guaranteed fungal-acne pick. For everyday gentle cleansing during acne recovery, it punches well above its price.
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 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 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
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Avena Sativa Kernel Flour
Absorbent, Abrasive
|
Texture
|