DermalogicacleanserCleanse step

Dermalogica Acne Clearing Skin Wash Cleanser

This foaming cleanser is designed to address both acne and signs of aging. It uses encapsulated salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and clear pores, combined with prebiotic technology to support a healthy skin balance. Botanical extracts like tea tree and chamomile work to soothe breakout-prone skin.

Sephora price

$49.00

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

4.6 / 5

About 567 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

Without Mineral OilWithout Sulfates SLS & SLESBest for Oily, Combo, Normal SkinGood for: PoresGood for: Acne/BlemishesSalicylic AcidEncapsulated Salicylic Acid 0.5% and Phytic Acid: Gently exfoliate, clear clogged pores, and visibly brighten skin.Plant-Derived Glycerin: A powerful prebiotic that maintains visibly healthy, balanced skin.Menthol, Camphor, Tea Tree, and Chamomile Flower: Cool and calm breakout-irritated skin. Dermalogica is a professional-grade skin care brand founded by a skin therapist, so we know how to create skin care solutions that work. Our mission has always been the same: develop innovative products and services that actively improve skin health. Based in Los Angeles, our products are made in the USA and sold in more than 80 countries worldwide. We are cruelty free, certified vegan and our formulas have been clean since 1986. As of 2020, all paper and cartons we use are FSC certified to be sustainable for forests.PoresAcne and Blemishesand Oiliness

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

4.6 / 5 overall fit

A professional-grade foaming cleanser that tackles breakouts and signs of aging with encapsulated salicylic acid and prebiotic technology. It's formulated for oily, combination, and normal skin types, targeting pores, blemishes, and oiliness.

Dermalogica Acne Clearing Skin Wash Cleanser

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

View Sephora

What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

A foaming cleanser that visibly clears signs of acne and aging—powered by encapsulated salicylic acid and prebiotic technology.

NormalCombinationand OilyPoresAcne and Blemishesand Oiliness

Work a pea-size amount into a lather with wet hands.

Apply to a dampened face and neck, massaging in circular motions and concentrating on areas of congestion and oiliness.

Avoid eye area.

Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Recycling Instructions:

Rinse and recycle bottle and cap.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

A solid choice for those dealing with breakouts and excess oil. The combination of salicylic acid for exfoliation and soothing ingredients makes it effective for managing acne without over-drying. It's a good first step in a routine focused on blemish control.

Effective Breakout Control

Users frequently mention how well this cleanser helps to clear up existing blemishes and prevent new ones from forming, often seeing improvements within a few weeks of consistent use.

Gentle Yet Powerful

Many reviews highlight that despite its effectiveness against acne, the cleanser doesn't leave their skin feeling tight or stripped, attributing this to the blend of soothing ingredients.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

Oily, combination, and normal skin types
Managing acne and blemishes
Reducing the appearance of pores
Controlling oiliness

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

You have very dry or sensitive skin that easily becomes irritated
You are looking for a hydrating cleanser

Routine fit

How to incorporate it into your routine

Use this cleanser twice daily, morning and night. Massage a small amount onto a damp face and neck, focusing on congested areas. Rinse thoroughly. Follow with your usual treatment serums and moisturizer.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

Effective acne and oil control
Contains encapsulated salicylic acid for sustained release
Soothes irritated skin with botanical extracts
Formulated without sulfates SLS & SLES

Where it starts to feel redundant

May be too strong for very dry or sensitive skin
The foaming action might not be preferred by everyone

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning and Night

This cleanser is suitable for both morning and evening routines. Use it as the first step to remove impurities, oil, and makeup before applying other treatments.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.6/ 5 overall

Cleansing Power

4.5 / 5

Effectively removes impurities and excess oil without stripping the skin, thanks to its gentle yet potent formula.

Acne Treatment

4.7 / 5

The encapsulated salicylic acid works to clear pores and reduce breakouts, while other botanical extracts help calm irritation.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Solvent

Water/Aqua/Eau

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base of the formula, dissolving other ingredients.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

Attracts water to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dry or dehydrated

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A gentle, plant-derived surfactant that creates lather and cleanses the skin.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Can be mildly irritating for extremely sensitive skin

Surfactant

Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild surfactant that helps to lift dirt and oil.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Badness

1.0 / 10

A co-surfactant that enhances lather and mildness.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals

Conditioning Agent

Hydroxypropyl Bis-Hydroxyethyldimonium Chloride

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to condition and soften the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Thickener

PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate

Badness

2.0 / 10

Used to thicken the formula and improve texture.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can be comedogenic for some

Humectant

Butylene Glycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to hydrate the skin and improve product absorption.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Sodium PCA

Badness

0.0 / 10

A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, it helps to bind moisture to the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dry or dehydrated

Watch for

None

Exfoliant

Salicylic Acid

Badness

3.0 / 10

Exfoliates inside the pores to help clear congestion and prevent breakouts. This is encapsulated for sustained release.

Usually helps with

Oily, acne-prone skin

Watch for

Can cause dryness or irritation, especially when starting; use sunscreen

Exfoliant

Phytic Acid

Badness

3.0 / 10

A gentle exfoliating acid that helps to brighten and improve skin texture.

Usually helps with

Dull skin, uneven tone

Watch for

Can cause mild irritation

Emollient

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter

Badness

1.0 / 10

Moisturizes and softens the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry, normal skin

Watch for

Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals

Skin Conditioning Agent

Fucus Vesiculosus Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

A seaweed extract that can have antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Usually helps with

Inflamed skin, dullness

Watch for

Can temporarily stain skin

Soothing Agent

Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract

Badness

0.0 / 10

Soothes and hydrates the skin.

Usually helps with

Irritated, dry skin

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract

Badness

2.0 / 10

Contains compounds with potential antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits.

Usually helps with

Acne-prone skin

Watch for

Strong odor, potential for irritation

Antioxidant

Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

A brown algae extract with antioxidant and soothing properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Passiflora Incarnata Extract

Badness

0.0 / 10

Contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Has antioxidant and astringent properties.

Usually helps with

Oily skin

Watch for

None

Cooling Agent

Camphor

Badness

3.0 / 10

Provides a cooling sensation and can help reduce itching.

Usually helps with

Congested skin

Watch for

Can be irritating or drying for some

Cooling Agent

Menthol

Badness

3.0 / 10

Provides a refreshing, cooling sensation.

Usually helps with

Oily, congested skin

Watch for

Can cause irritation or dryness

Astringent

Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract

Badness

2.0 / 10

Has astringent properties that can help tighten pores.

Usually helps with

Oily skin

Watch for

Can be irritating or drying

Astringent

Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract

Badness

2.0 / 10

A natural astringent that helps to tone the skin and reduce oiliness.

Usually helps with

Oily, acne-prone skin

Watch for

Can be drying or irritating if alcohol content is high

Antioxidant

Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Contains antioxidants that may help protect the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild surfactant that helps with cleansing and foam boosting.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Potential for allergic reactions

Surfactant

Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild surfactant that helps cleanse the skin.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

None

Soothing Agent

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Derived from licorice root, it helps to calm and soothe the skin.

Usually helps with

Sensitive, irritated skin

Watch for

None

Chelating Agent

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Polysorbate 80

Badness

2.0 / 10

Helps to mix oil and water-based ingredients.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can be a penetration enhancer, potentially increasing irritation from other ingredients

Antimicrobial

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil

Badness

4.0 / 10

Has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, effective for acne.

Usually helps with

Acne-prone, oily skin

Watch for

Can be irritating or drying if used in high concentrations; potential for sensitization

Antioxidant

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Skin Conditioning Agent

Corallina Officinalis Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

An algae extract that may offer antioxidant benefits.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Melissa Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

Badness

0.0 / 10

Contains antioxidants and has soothing properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Contains antioxidants that may help protect the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Skin Conditioning Agent

Angelica Archangelica Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

May have antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Soothing Agent

Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract

Badness

0.0 / 10

Known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

Usually helps with

Sensitive, irritated skin

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract

Badness

2.0 / 10

Contains Vitamin C and antioxidants, but can be photosensitizing and potentially irritating.

Usually helps with

Dull skin

Watch for

Photosensitivity, potential irritation

Antioxidant

Echinacea Angustifolia Leaf Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Preservative

Ethylhexylglycerin

Badness

2.0 / 10

A preservative that also has skin-conditioning properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals

Antioxidant

Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Contains antioxidants that may help protect the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Contains antioxidants that may help protect the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Soothing Agent

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract

Badness

0.0 / 10

Known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

Usually helps with

Sensitive, irritated skin

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Ascorbic Acid

Badness

2.0 / 10

Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that brightens and protects the skin.

Usually helps with

Dullness, uneven tone

Watch for

Can be unstable and degrade; potential for irritation

Antioxidant

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Badness

0.0 / 10

Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants that protect against free radical damage.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Absorbent

Maltodextrin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A carbohydrate that can help absorb excess oil.

Usually helps with

Oily skin

Watch for

None

Absorbent

Silica

Badness

1.0 / 10

Can help absorb excess oil and provide a matte finish.

Usually helps with

Oily skin

Watch for

None

Emollient

Palmitic Acid

Badness

2.0 / 10

A fatty acid that can moisturize and soften the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry skin

Watch for

Can be comedogenic for some

Sebum Regulator

Zinc PCA

Badness

3.0 / 10

Helps to control oil production and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Usually helps with

Oily, acne-prone skin

Watch for

Can be drying

Absorbent

Kaolin

Badness

1.0 / 10

A type of clay that absorbs excess oil and impurities.

Usually helps with

Oily skin

Watch for

Can be drying if overused

Peptide

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

Badness

1.0 / 10

A synthetic peptide that can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin firmness.

Usually helps with

Aging skin

Watch for

None

pH Adjuster

Aminomethyl Propanol

Badness

2.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the product.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can be irritating in high concentrations

Viscosity Adjuster

Sodium Chloride

Badness

1.0 / 10

Used to thicken the formula.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

pH Adjuster

Sodium Hydroxide

Badness

3.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the product; can be irritating in high concentrations.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can cause irritation if pH is not properly adjusted

Sebum Regulator

Benzyl PCA

Badness

3.0 / 10

Helps to control sebum production and has antimicrobial properties.

Usually helps with

Oily, acne-prone skin

Watch for

Potential for irritation

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol

Badness

3.0 / 10

A common preservative that helps prevent microbial growth.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals

Compare before you buy

The next pages that make this product more useful

A good product page should push you into the next decision, not trap you inside one product page forever. These are the cleaner next clicks.

Ingredient Checker

Check whether this product overlaps with products already in your routine.

Product directory

Browse more Sephora skincare products through the Glass product directory.

FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this cleanser suitable for daily use?

Yes, this cleanser is formulated for daily use, both morning and night, to effectively manage acne and oiliness.

Can this cleanser help with acne scars?

While primarily focused on active breakouts, the exfoliating properties of salicylic acid and phytic acid can help to improve skin texture and tone over time, which may indirectly help with the appearance of post-acne marks.

What skin types is this cleanser best for?

This cleanser is best suited for oily, combination, and normal skin types that are prone to acne and blemishes.

See If This Is Compatible With My Skin