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"Such a lovely cleanser. I have combination skin and this never leaves me feeling dry or oily." - Victoria
Why You’ll love it
Calming agents help soothe and purify skin.
Washes away impurities without stripping or drying.
Description
Dermalogica's Special Cleansing Gel is a soap-free, foaming gel cleanser that is perfect for all skin conditions. This refreshing gel produces a rich, lathering foam that gently and effectively removes impurities from the skin without disturbing the skin's natural moisture balance. Thanks to the presence of Quillaja Saponaria, a naturally-foaming plant extract, this iconic cleanser is able to effectively rinse away toxins and debris, leaving the skin feeling smooth and clean.
Special Cleansing Gel is gentle and mild enough to be used every day. It is infused with calming Balm Mint and Lavender extracts that soothe and purify the skin. These natural ingredients help to reduce skin inflammation, alleviate skin irritation and redness, leaving the skin looking and feeling refreshed. The Special Cleansing Gel is a perfect choice for those who want a gentle yet effective cleanser that will leave their skin clean and nourished without stripping or drying it.
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Directions
How To Use Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
Following the application of PreCleanse, gently lather a small amount of gel in moistened hands and apply to dampened face and throat. Rinse with warm water. Follow with Multi-Active Toner and prescribed Dermalogica Moisturizer.
quick tip Use with Exfoliating Face Brush for a dual-action exfoliating cleanse.
A gentle surfactant that helps cleanse the hair and scalp by lifting away oils and impurities.
May suit
People looking for a milder alternative to traditional sulphate surfactants.
Worth knowing
It is often used in gentle or colour-care formulas because it provides effective cleansing with a softer feel. Despite the name, it is typically considered milder than many common sulphate surfactants.
Sodium Lauroyl SarcosinateCleansers / surfactants
Mild surfactant
A gentle cleansing agent that helps lift away oils and impurities.
May suit
People looking for mild, low-foaming cleansers that are generally considered suitable for sensitive or dry hair types.
Worth knowing
It is often used as an alternative to stronger surfactants to create a softer, more conditioning lather. It can also support formula stability and mildness in blended surfactant systems.
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel OilFragrance ingredients
Fragrant plant oil
A lemon-derived essential oil used to add a fresh, citrus scent to haircare products.
May suit
Those who enjoy naturally derived citrus fragrances in their hair products.
Worth knowing
Like many essential oils, it can also contribute light aromatic or sensory benefits beyond scent. Its natural composition includes common fragrance components, which may be relevant for people monitoring fragrance use.
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit OilFragrance ingredients
Fragrance oil
Provides a fresh citrus aroma and can add a light conditioning feel to hair products.
May suit
Those who enjoy naturally derived citrus scents in their haircare.
Worth knowing
As an essential oil, its scent profile comes from naturally occurring aromatic compounds. It is used at low levels to enhance the sensory experience of a formula.
GlycerinHumectants
Humectant
Attracts and holds water to help hair feel hydrated and soft.
May suit
Dry or dehydrated hair, and many curl and moisture routines.
Worth knowing
A very common, well-tolerated humectant used across countless products.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineCleansers / surfactants
Cleanser / foam booster
A milder co-surfactant that helps cleanse, boost foam and soften the feel of stronger cleansers.
May suit
Most hair types, including those wanting a gentler wash.
Worth knowing
Often paired with other surfactants to make a formula feel milder.
Coco-BetaineCleansers / surfactants
Mild surfactant
A mild, coconut-derived surfactant that helps cleanse and create a soft lather.
May suit
People looking for gentle cleansing that doesn't feel stripping.
Worth knowing
It is often used alongside other surfactants to improve foam quality and overall mildness. Common in shampoos designed for frequent use.
HydroxyethylcelluloseThickeners and stabilisers
Thickener and stabiliser
A polymer that helps thicken and stabilise haircare formulas.
May suit
Those who prefer products with a smooth, uniform texture or need easier application and distribution.
Worth knowing
It is derived from cellulose and is widely used because it provides viscosity without weighing hair down. It also helps improve the feel and spreadability of many water-based products.
Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateCleansers / surfactants
Gentle surfactant
A mild, coconut‑derived surfactant that helps cleanse hair while producing a soft, creamy lather.
May suit
People looking for gentle, sulphate‑free cleansing that still provides a rich foam.
Worth knowing
It is often used in low‑irritation or moisturising shampoo formulas because it cleanses without feeling overly stripping. Common in solid shampoo bars and creamy cleansers.
Capryloyl GlycineAnti-dandruff / scalp care
Scalp-balancing agent
Helps support a balanced scalp environment by regulating sebum and discouraging microbial imbalance.
May suit
Those with oily, congested or imbalance‑prone scalps.
Worth knowing
It is an amino-acid derivative commonly used in scalp-care formulas for its gentle, supportive effect on the scalp barrier. It can also complement other soothing or clarifying ingredients in a routine.
Sodium Lauryl SulfoacetateCleansers / surfactants
Cleansing surfactant
A mild surfactant that helps create lather and lift away excess oils and build-up.
May suit
People looking for effective cleansing with a gentler feel than traditional sulphate surfactants.
Worth knowing
It is often used in shampoos where a rich, foamy lather is desired without a stripped feel. Its molecule is larger than some classic sulphates, which can give it a milder profile on the hair and scalp.
MethylpropanediolHumectants
Humectant and solvent
Helps attract and hold moisture while improving the spreadability of a formula.
May suit
Those wanting lightweight hydration without heaviness in styling or care products.
Worth knowing
It also acts as a solvent that helps other ingredients disperse evenly in a formula. Its light texture makes it suitable for a wide range of haircare products.
EthylhexylglycerinPreservatives
Preservative booster
Helps support the preservation system and can provide mild skin-conditioning benefits.
May suit
Those interested in gentle preservation systems or sensitive scalps may find it relevant.
Worth knowing
It is often paired with other preservatives to improve their effectiveness while allowing for lower usage levels. It also has light moisturising and conditioning properties.
Caprylhydroxamic AcidPreservatives
Preservative booster
Helps support a product’s preservation system by inhibiting microbial growth.
May suit
Those interested in formulas that use alternative preservative systems.
Worth knowing
It is often paired with gentle humectants to create broad-spectrum preservation. Its presence helps maintain product freshness and stability over time.
PPG-5-Ceteth-20Cleansers / surfactants
Solubiliser / surfactant
A non-ionic surfactant that helps blend oil- and water-based ingredients and improve product texture.
May suit
Those using products that need lightweight cleansing or stable, uniform formulations.
Worth knowing
It is commonly used to solubilise fragrance oils and support smooth, consistent formulations. Its mild nature makes it suitable for a wide range of haircare products.
Sodium HydroxidepH adjusters
pH adjuster
Helps control and stabilise the pH of haircare formulations.
May suit
Those interested in how product pH affects scalp comfort or hair cuticle behaviour.
Worth knowing
It is used in very small amounts to bring a formula to the desired pH range. Once adjusted, it does not act as a strong alkaline agent in the finished product.
Disodium EDTAChelating agents
Chelating agent
Binds to minerals from hard water so the product works consistently and stays stable.
May suit
All products, especially in hard-water areas.
Worth knowing
Used in tiny amounts to keep formulas performing reliably.
Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers
Reviews
Reviews: Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
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Most Helpful Review
Perfect balancing act! –
Such a lovely cleanser. I have combination skin and this never leaves me feeling dry or oily.
Written by Victoria On 16/10/2019
1 people found this helpful