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Dr. Barbara SturmcleanserCleanse step

Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser — Deep Cleansing & Exfoliating Face Cleanser for Oily, Combination or Acne‑Prone Skin

This powder cleanser is a unique step in any routine. It transforms into a foam to gently remove dead skin and excess oil, leaving skin feeling clean and refreshed. It's a good option for those looking to address dullness and oiliness.

Sephora price

$80.00

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

4.5 / 5

About 220 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

VeganFragrance FreeCommunity FavoriteCruelty-FreeGood for: Acne/BlemishesEnzyme Subtilisin: Removes dry and rough skin cells.Enzyme Lipase: Frees the skin from excess sebum/oil.Ascorbic Acid: Hydrates and refreshes the skin and has an antioxidant effect, helping to visibly firm the skin. Dr. Barbara Sturm is a world-recognized aesthetics doctor, renowned for her non-surgical anti-aging treatments and cutting-edge methods for skin renewal. Her line is non-toxic and powered by ingredient science that promotes glowing, healthy skin function.PoresDullness and Uneven TextureOiliness

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

Glass take

4.5 / 5 overall fit

A powder-to-foam cleanser that effectively removes dead skin cells and excess oil, making it a good choice for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin types.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser — Deep Cleansing & Exfoliating Face Cleanser for Oily, Combination or Acne‑Prone Skin

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 two-in-one gentle cleanser and exfoliator that starts as a fine-grained powder and transforms into a soft foam, providing a deep yet gentle cleanse and exfoliation.

NormalCombinationOilyPoresDullness and Uneven TextureOiliness

Place a coin-size amount of powder into palm, then add lukewarm water to work it into a gentle foam.

Smooth generously over face to create a soft foam and rinse off.

If skin is oily, use this product daily. If skin is sensitive, use one to two times a week.

Use two or three times a week as part of daily cleansing routine.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

This cleanser is best suited for those who want a dual-action product for cleansing and gentle exfoliation. It's particularly effective for managing oiliness and improving skin texture.

Texture transformation

Many users are delighted by the transformation of the powder into a rich, soft foam, finding it a satisfying and effective cleansing experience.

Visible results

Users frequently mention smoother, brighter, and less oily skin after consistent use, highlighting its effectiveness for texture and oil concerns.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

  • Oily or combination skin
  • Acne-prone skin
  • Those seeking gentle exfoliation
  • Managing dullness and oiliness

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

  • You have very dry or sensitive skin and prefer a simple, hydrating cleanser
  • You dislike powder-to-foam formulations

Routine fit

How to incorporate this into your routine

Use this cleanser as the first step in your routine, either in the morning or at night. If your skin is oily, you can use it daily. For sensitive skin, start with one to two times a week and adjust as needed. Always follow with your serum 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

  • Dual-action cleansing and exfoliation
  • Effective oil control
  • Addresses dullness and uneven texture
  • Unique powder-to-foam format

Where it starts to feel redundant

  • Higher price point
  • May be too much for very dry or sensitive skin
  • Requires mixing with water

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning or Night

This cleanser can be used in either your morning or evening routine. If your primary concern is managing oil and dullness throughout the day, a morning cleanse is beneficial. For a thorough evening cleanse and exfoliation, use it at night.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.5/ 5 overall

A powder-to-foam cleanser that effectively removes dead skin cells and excess oil, making it a good choice for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin types.

Cleansing efficacy

4.5 / 5

Users report a deep yet gentle cleanse, with noticeable improvements in skin texture and oil control.

Exfoliation

4.3 / 5

The enzyme-based exfoliation is effective for removing dullness without causing irritation for most users.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Surfactant

Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A gentle amino acid-based surfactant that creates foam and cleanses the skin without stripping its natural moisture.

Usually helps with

Cleansing, gentle foaming

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated

Absorbent

Talc

Badness

3.0 / 10

Used to absorb moisture and provide a smooth texture to the powder formulation.

Usually helps with

Texture enhancement, oil absorption

Watch for

Some concerns about inhalation, but generally safe in cosmetic formulations.

Exfoliant

Cellulose

Badness

1.0 / 10

A plant-derived ingredient that can act as a mild physical exfoliant, helping to slough off dead skin cells.

Usually helps with

Gentle exfoliation, texture improvement

Watch for

Minimal

Binder/Absorbent

Maltodextrin

Badness

1.0 / 10

A polysaccharide that helps to bind ingredients together and can absorb excess oil.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability, oil absorption

Watch for

Minimal

Solvent

Water (Aqua)

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base solvent for the formulation, activated when mixed with water.

Usually helps with

Formulation base

Watch for

None

Thickener/Stabilizer

Xanthan Gum

Badness

1.0 / 10

A common thickening agent that helps to create a stable and consistent texture.

Usually helps with

Texture, stabilization

Watch for

Minimal

Antioxidant/Skin Brightener

Ascorbic Acid

Badness

2.0 / 10

A potent form of Vitamin C that offers antioxidant protection, helps to brighten the complexion, and supports skin firmness.

Usually helps with

Brightening, antioxidant protection, skin tone

Watch for

Can be unstable in formulations; potential for irritation in high concentrations or for sensitive skin.

Enzyme Exfoliant

Subtilisin

Badness

2.0 / 10

A protease enzyme that effectively breaks down dead skin cells, promoting smoother and brighter skin.

Usually helps with

Exfoliation, dullness, texture

Watch for

Can cause mild irritation for some, especially with frequent use.

Enzyme Exfoliant

Lipase

Badness

2.0 / 10

An enzyme that helps to break down lipids, effectively dissolving excess sebum and oil.

Usually helps with

Oil control, pore clearing

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated, but can contribute to over-exfoliation if used too often.

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.

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Ingredient Checker

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Product directory

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this cleanser suitable for sensitive skin?

While it is a gentle cleanser, the enzyme exfoliants can be potent. It is recommended to start using it 1-2 times a week and observe your skin's reaction. If you have very sensitive skin, you might prefer a non-exfoliating cleanser.

How often should I use the Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser?

For oily or acne-prone skin, daily use is suggested. For normal to combination skin, 2-3 times a week is recommended. For sensitive skin, start with 1-2 times a week and adjust based on tolerance.

What is the benefit of the powder-to-foam texture?

The powder form helps to preserve the active enzymes and allows for a controlled activation when mixed with water. The resulting foam provides a deep yet gentle cleanse and exfoliation.

See If This Is Compatible With My Skin