Swisse Olive Leaf Deep Cleansing Gel

Swisse Olive Leaf Deep Cleansing Gel

Efficacy83/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl betaine, Sodium cocoyl glutamate + 1 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Olive Leaf Deep Cleansing Gel”
From product name

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium cocoyl glutamate, xanthan gum) 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

Cocamidopropyl betaineEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen~5.1–7.6%
Sodium cocoyl glutamateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~3.2–4.8%
Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~2–3.1%
Exfoliation
Glycolic acid, Allantoin + 1 more
Works well

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~1–1.6%
AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.85%
Salicylic acidUnder-dosedUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.05–0.25%
Anti-blemish
Glycolic acid, Allantoin + 1 more
Not delivered

This product contains ingredients (glycolic acid) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~1–1.6%
AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.85%
Salicylic acidUnder-dosedUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.05–0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
6 strong irritants: Hamamelis virginiana flower water, Echinacea angustifolia extract + 4 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Cocamidopropyl betaineHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergenHigh~5.1–7.6%est.
Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~1–1.6%est.
Hamamelis virginiana flower waterA plant infused water that might help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~0.5–1.1%est.
Echinacea angustifolia extractPlant extract that might contain antioxidants, have antibacterial effect and help reduce inflammation, but solid evidence is lacking. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
Citrus grandis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.15–0.7%est.
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilA plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
Anthemis nobilis flower oilAn essential oil that is used as a fragrance and can be irritating. It might have some anti-oxidant effect in skinHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
Passiflora incarnata extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skinHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extractA plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Citrus limon fruit extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~0.05–0.25%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Sodium cocoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~3.2–4.8%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~1.7–2.6%est.
Olea europaea leaf extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but evidence for effectiveness in skin is missingMedium~1.2–1.8%est.
Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its efficacy in skin is lackingMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Acer saccharum extractA plant extract that contains small percentage of AHAs. Is unlikely to have any skin benefit due the small concentration of the active compoundsMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.01–0.1%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4.6–7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Glycerin
Cocamidopropyl betaine~5.1–7.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen

More about Cocamidopropyl betaine
Sodium cocoyl glutamate~3.2–4.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium cocoyl glutamate
Xanthan gum~2–3.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder~1.7–2.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder
Sodium glycolate~1.4–2.1%
Formula
Olea europaea leaf extract~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but evidence for effectiveness in skin is missing

More about Olea europaea leaf extract
Glycolic acid~1–1.6%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-blemish

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid

More about Glycolic acid
Hamamelis virginiana flower water~0.5–1.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant infused water that might help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana flower water
Allantoin~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Echinacea angustifolia extract~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Plant extract that might contain antioxidants, have antibacterial effect and help reduce inflammation, but solid evidence is lacking. Can be irritating

More about Echinacea angustifolia extract
Centipeda cunninghamii extract~0.3–0.7%
Formula
Citrus grandis peel oil~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus grandis peel oil
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
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 oil
Fusanus spicatus wood oil~0.2–0.7%
Formula
Anthemis nobilis flower oil~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

An essential oil that is used as a fragrance and can be irritating. It might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin

More about Anthemis nobilis flower oil
Cedrus atlantica bark oil~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Passiflora incarnata extract~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Passiflora incarnata extract
Linum usitatissimum seed oil~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Linum usitatissimum seed oil
Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its efficacy in skin is lacking

More about Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract
Saccharum officinarum extract~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Sugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharum officinarum extract
Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract
Citrus limon fruit extract~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivity

More about Citrus limon fruit extract
Acer saccharum extract~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A plant extract that contains small percentage of AHAs. Is unlikely to have any skin benefit due the small concentration of the active compounds

More about Acer saccharum extract
Salicylic acid~0.05–0.25%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishExfoliationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid
Sodium citrate~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate
Benzyl alcohol~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Dehydroacetic acid~0.01–0.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Sodium cocoyl glutamate, Xanthan gum, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, Sodium glycolate, Olea europaea leaf extract, Glycolic acid, Hamamelis virginiana flower water, Allantoin, Echinacea angustifolia extract, Centipeda cunninghamii extract, Citrus grandis peel oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Fusanus spicatus wood oil, Anthemis nobilis flower oil, Cedrus atlantica bark oil, Passiflora incarnata extract, Linum usitatissimum seed oil, Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract, Saccharum officinarum extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Citrus limon fruit extract, Acer saccharum extract, Salicylic acid, Sodium citrate, Benzyl alcohol, Dehydroacetic acid

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🇦🇺 Swisse (AU)
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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
SwisseOlive Leaf Deep Cleansing GelYOUR PRODUCTAcnecidePurifide Ph Control Face WashPrequelGLEANSER + GLYCOLICNeocutisNeo-Cleanse Exfoliating Skin Cleanser
Match—64%61%59%
Price—$13.37$20.00$40.00
Shared key ingredients—5 of 74 of 74 of 7
Key difference—NiacinamideInulinDisodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Irritancy High Medium Low Low
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.

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Swisse Olive Leaf Deep Cleansing Gel
SwisseOlive Leaf Deep Cleansing Gel

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.