Zitcalm Anti-Redness Calming Cleanser
Zitcalm Anti-Redness Calming Cleanser
Product Description
A gentle, soothing cleansing gel specifically designed to calm sensitive, irritated skin after aggressive anti-acne treatments. Formulated with 1% oat extract and probiotic technology to reduce redness while preserving your skin barrier.
โจ Texture & Feel
Oat-Powered Soothing
1% colloidal oat extract calms inflammation and reduces visible redness on irritated skin.
Probiotic Technology
Lactobacillus ferment and Noni extract help balance the skin microbiome and strengthen defenses.
Barrier-Friendly Cleansing
Gentle amino acid-based surfactants cleanse without stripping or compromising the skin barrier.
Deep Hydration
Glycerin and propanediol provide lasting moisture, leaving skin soft and comfortable.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains fermented ingredients (Lactobacillus Ferment, Sphingomonas Ferment) which may feed Malassezia yeast in some individuals.
Oil-free formula with low comedogenic rating (1/5). Unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts.
Dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, alcohol-free. Designed specifically for reactive, sensitized skin.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐พ Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour 1% Proven
Colloidal oat is an FDA-approved skin protectant with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It contains beta-glucan, avenanthramides, and lipids that soothe irritation.
- Research: Shown to reduce inflammatory markers and calm eczema/dermatitis
- Benefit: Reduces redness, itching, and irritation
- Source: FDA Monograph, Multiple clinical studies
๐ฆ Lactobacillus Ferment 0.1% Promising
A probiotic ingredient with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows it can help reduce acne lesion size and redness faster than salicylic acid.
- Research: Estee Lauder 2012 study showed 1% effective for reducing sensitivity
- Benefit: Balances skin microbiome, kills harmful bacteria
- Trade Name: Symreboot L19 / Leucidal Liquid SF
๐ด Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate 0.1% Promising
Also known as Noni extract (Quora Noni), this plant-derived ingredient promotes the skin's microbial balance and helps reduce signs of inflammation and skin stress.
- Benefit: Anti-inflammatory, microbiome support
- Function: Helps skin adapt to environmental stressors
๐ง Glycerin High Proven
A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin and helps maintain the skin barrier. Rated 0/0 for irritancy and comedogenicity.
- Research: 50+ years of proven efficacy in skincare
- Benefit: Hydrates, protects barrier, non-irritating
- Effective at: 3-20% concentration
14 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Glycerin, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Avena Sativa (Oat) 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 step both morning and evening. Can be used as a standalone cleanser or as the second step after an oil cleanser for double cleansing.
๐ How to Use
Wet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water on your face. Avoid hot water as it can further irritate sensitive skin.
Apply & Massage
Dispense a small amount onto your palms. Gently massage onto skin in circular motions for 30-60 seconds.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with plenty of water. Finish with a cold water splash to help close pores and reduce redness.
Pat Dry
Gently pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel. Avoid rubbing which can cause irritation.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- Your skin is sensitized from retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs
- You struggle with persistent facial redness
- You have rosacea or rosacea-prone skin
- Regular cleansers feel too harsh or drying
- You want a simple, gentle routine post-acne treatment
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe options
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You need deep pore cleansing for very oily skin
- You want a cleanser with active exfoliating acids
- You prefer a foaming cleanser experience
- You need heavy-duty makeup removal
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Specifically designed for sensitive, reactive skin. Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, with soothing oat extract.
Hydrating glycerin and propanediol prevent that tight, stripped feeling after cleansing.
Balances well for combination skin, though very oily T-zones may want additional cleansing.
Gentle formula may not provide deep enough cleansing for very oily skin types.
Non-comedogenic and oil-free. Best for acne skin recovering from harsh treatments, not active breakouts.
Anti-redness formula with oat and probiotics specifically targets rosacea-prone skin concerns.
๐ Results Timeline
Immediate Comfort
Skin feels softer and more comfortable after cleansing. No tightness or dryness. Initial reduction in post-cleanse redness.
90% noticed softer skinReduced Sensitivity
Skin barrier begins to recover. Less reactivity to other products. Gradual improvement in overall skin comfort.
75% noticed less sensitivityVisible Redness Reduction
Noticeable decrease in baseline redness. Skin appears calmer and more even-toned. Fewer flare-ups from triggers.
65% noticed reduced rednessBarrier Restored
Skin barrier significantly strengthened. Ready to reintroduce active ingredients if desired. Long-term improvement in skin resilience.
80% reported healthier skinโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Extremely gentle - doesn't dry or irritate
- Effective at reducing redness over time
- Clean, simple ingredient list (14 ingredients)
- Fragrance-free and alcohol-free
- Suitable for very sensitive and rosacea-prone skin
- Works well during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Leaves skin soft and hydrated after cleansing
- Vegan and cruelty-free
โ Criticized
- Not suitable for fungal acne (contains ferments)
- May not remove heavy makeup effectively
- Non-foaming texture takes getting used to
- Results for redness take several weeks
- Price point higher than drugstore alternatives
- Limited availability outside Europe
- Not deep-cleansing enough for very oily skin
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid for hydration. More widely available but lacks the probiotic and oat-specific anti-redness benefits. Fungal acne safe.
French pharmacy favorite with ceramide-3 and niacinamide. Excellent for sensitive skin but doesn't have the probiotic anti-acne benefits.
Also features oat as the hero ingredient for soothing. More affordable but contains additional ingredients and fragrance in some formulations.
Ultra-gentle and free from common irritants. Very basic formula without active soothing ingredients like oat or probiotics.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Acnemy Zitcalm Cleanser (This Product)
~$18La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating
$17CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
$16Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Cleanser
$13๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed.
Squeezable tube with flip-top cap for hygienic dispensing
Yes, 150ml is over 100ml limit - decant for carry-on or pack in checked luggage
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Zitcalm Anti-Redness Calming Cleanser is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, no salicylic acid, no hydroquinone, no benzoyl peroxide, and no chemical sunscreen filters. All ingredients are gentle and considered safe for expecting and nursing mothers.
No, this cleanser is not recommended for fungal acne-prone skin. It contains fermented ingredients (Lactobacillus Ferment, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate) which may feed Malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane.
Yes! In fact, Zitcalm Cleanser is specifically designed to support skin that's using active treatments. It won't interfere with your retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA products. The soothing formula helps counteract the irritation these actives can cause, making it an ideal cleanser for active-heavy routines.
Zitcalm Cleanser is best suited for sensitive, dry, and rosacea-prone skin types. It excels at calming irritated skin that's been sensitized by acne treatments, retinoids, or chemical exfoliants. It's also excellent for those with general facial redness or reactive skin. It may be too gentle for very oily skin types who need deeper cleansing.
You'll notice immediate comfort and softness after the first use. Reduced sensitivity typically appears within 2-3 weeks. Visible reduction in redness usually takes 4-6 weeks of consistent use. For significant barrier repair and long-term redness improvement, expect 8+ weeks. Consistency is key!
Use Zitcalm Cleanser as your first step in both morning and evening routines. If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, you can use it as the second step after an oil cleanser (double cleansing method). Follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only).
No, Zitcalm Cleanser is non-comedogenic with a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. It's oil-free and formulated without pore-clogging ingredients. The main ingredients like glycerin (0/0 comedogenicity) and propanediol are well-tolerated by acne-prone skin. It's unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores.
Zitcalm Cleanser has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal effectiveness. The 150ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use, so you'll likely finish it well before the 12-month expiration.
Verdict: Acnemy Zitcalm Anti-Redness Calming Cleanser is an excellent choice for anyone dealing with sensitized, red-prone skin - especially those recovering from aggressive acne treatments. The combination of soothing oat extract and probiotic technology effectively calms irritation while the gentle, amino acid-based surfactants cleanse without stripping the skin barrier. It's pregnancy-safe, vegan, and free from common irritants. The main drawback is that it's not suitable for fungal acne due to fermented ingredients. If you have rosacea, post-treatment sensitivity, or just want a gentle cleanser that actually reduces redness, this Spanish gem delivers on its promises.
Product Overview
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Avena Sativa Kernel Flour
Absorbent, Abrasive
|
Texture
|

