Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel Mini
Works for
CleansingSodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate + 5 moreCleanses gently
“Special Cleansing Gel Mini”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, ppg-5-ceteth-20, quillaja saponaria bark extract, sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, sodium cocoamphoacetate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.
Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 strong irritants: Lavandula angustifolia oil, Citrus limon peel oil + 3 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
1 of 2 community members would buy it again.
They changed the formula and it gave me a rash and made me broke out. It used to be really good for my skin but the new formula is very irritating and causes acne. It wasn't irritating before or caused breakouts. Any positive reviews are from people who used their old formula or have resilient skin that isn't prone to breakouts.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate~10–13%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and used as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating and is better avoided for sensitive skin
More about Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonateSodium lauroyl sarcosinate~5.8–7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent
More about Sodium lauroyl sarcosinateButylene glycol~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolHydroxyethylcellulose~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcelluloseLavandula angustifolia oil~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Lavandula angustifolia oilQuillaja saponaria bark extract~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Quillaja saponaria bark extractCitrus limon peel oil~1.4–1.7%
Melissa officinalis leaf extract~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that is added for its fragrance. Can be irritating
More about Melissa officinalis leaf extractCitrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity
More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilCymbopogon nardus oil~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
Glycerin~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinCocamidopropyl betaine~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen
More about Cocamidopropyl betaineSodium cocoamphoacetate~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Creates foam
More about Sodium cocoamphoacetateHydroxyacetophenone~0.45–0.7%
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine~0.75–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine1,2-hexanediol~0.25–0.45%
Caprylyl glycol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPropanediol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolCitric acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidO-cymen-5-ol~0.05–0.1%
Disodium edta~0.1–0.2%
Ppg-5-ceteth-20~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A solvent with some emollient properties
More about Ppg-5-ceteth-20Sodium hydroxide~0.05–0.15%
Sodium benzoate~0.05–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, Butylene glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Quillaja saponaria bark extract, Citrus limon peel oil, Melissa officinalis leaf extract, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Cymbopogon nardus oil, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Sodium cocoamphoacetate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylyl glycol, Propanediol, Citric acid, O-cymen-5-ol, Disodium edta, Ppg-5-ceteth-20, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium benzoate
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| DermalogicaSpecial Cleansing Gel MiniYOUR PRODUCT | VitaminSea.beautyRed Algae Coconut Oil Gel Facial Cleanser | Shani Darden Skin CareCleansing Serum | LeadersCalming Biotics Gel Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 40% | 38% | 38% |
| Price | $12.00 | — | $38.00+$26.00 | $22.00+$10.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 8 | 3 of 8 | 3 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract | Oatmeal Extract | Madecassoside |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Gel CleanserVERSO Deep Cleanse Gel Nettoyant Moussant
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Final Report On the Safety Assessment of Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonatesjournals.sagepub.com
- 2
- 3
- 4Air oxidation increases skin irritation from fragrance terpenesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 5
- 6
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