Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is a classic, soap-free foaming gel cleanser designed to cleanse skin thoroughly without stripping natural moisture.
It produces a light, refreshing lather that removes oil, dirt, makeup residues and environmental grime — leaving skin feeling clean, smooth, and balanced rather than dry or tight.
The formula is lightweight and mild enough for daily use (morning and/or night).
Dermalogica recommends it especially for normal, combination, or oily skin, as well as for skin that tends toward oiliness, dullness, clogged pores or excess sebum.
$72.00
Benefits & What Users Typically Experience
With regular use (e.g. daily cleansing), users often see:
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Clean, smooth skin without dryness or tightness — because the formula avoids harsh soaps / detergents, it’s less likely to dry out skin after washing.
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Balanced oil control + refreshed skin — useful for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, since it removes excess sebum and impurities without over-stripping.
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Reduced clogged pores / improved clarity over time — consistent cleansing helps keep pores clean and may reduce breakouts or congestion.
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Gentle enough for frequent use — many people use it daily for both morning and night routines, even those with sensitive skin (water-based, mild surfactants, soothing botanicals).
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Fresh, clean feel & pleasant lather — the foaming action and botanical extracts give a satisfying cleanse that rinses clean and leaves a soft, comfortable finish.
Key Ingredient Science & Why It Works
Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract (Soapbark extract)
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil + Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract (Balm Mint) + citrus / botanical oils
These botanical extracts help calm and soothe skin, and support a clean, fresh feeling after washing.
Humectants (e.g. glycerin, butylene glycol)
Draw moisture into the skin, helping maintain hydration rather than stripping it away
Gentle surfactants and cleanser base
Carefully selected to cleanse effectively while being mild enough for frequent use.
Who It’s Best For — Skin Types & Use Cases
Best suited for:
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Normal, combination, or oily skin — especially if you deal with excess oil, shine, or clogged pores.
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People who wear light makeup or sunscreen daily and need regular cleansing.
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Users who want a gentle, consistent daily cleanser — not too aggressive, not overly moisturizing, but balanced.
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Those who prefer a light, refreshing, foamy cleanse rather than heavy cream cleansers — good for morning routines or humid climates.
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People with sensitive skin who still want effective cleansing — though patch-testing is wise because of essential oils.
May be less ideal for:
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Very dry or eczema-prone skin — could be slightly drying, or require a rich moisturizer afterward.
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People needing deep makeup / sunscreen removal — may need a double-cleanse system (oil/balm first, then this cleanser).
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Users highly sensitive to essential oils, fragrance, or surfactants — might require a simpler, more minimal cleanser.
Pros & Cons
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Gentle yet effective cleanser — removes oil, makeup, impurities while preserving moisture.
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Soap-free formula, suitable for sensitive, oily, combination skin types.
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Good balance between cleansing strength and gentleness — minimal risk of excessive dryness.
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Pleasant, refreshing lather and natural botanical scent (from essential oils).
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Works well daily (morning & night), and layers smoothly with toners & moisturizers.
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Widely trusted classic — long track record and many positive reviews.
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Contains essential oils / botanical extracts — may trigger irritation in very sensitive or reactive skin.
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As a foaming gel, may still feel slightly drying on extremely dry skin types — might require follow-up moisturizer.
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Not ideal if you need heavy-duty makeup removal (especially waterproof makeup) — may need a separate oil or balm cleanser first.
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Because of sulfates / surfactants — some users report dryness or mild redness if overused (twice daily + harsh climates).
Pure Skin Source Recommended ☆☆☆☆☆
Yes — the Special Cleansing Gel is a reliable, classic, well-balanced facial cleanser that works particularly well for oily, combination, or normal skin types. It’s strong enough to remove oil, dirt, and light makeup — yet gentle enough for frequent, everyday use.
If you’re looking for a cleanser that leaves skin feeling fresh, clean, and comfortable (not tight or stripped), this product delivers consistently. For those with heavy makeup or very dry skin, you might want to pair it with an oil-based cleanser or richer moisturizer — but as a daily wash, it’s among the best foaming cleansers on the market.
Dermalogica: Professional-Grade Skincare Backed by Science
Dermalogica is a globally respected skincare brand known for its professional-grade, results-driven formulas developed by skincare experts and used in spas and clinics around the world.
