Dr. IdrisscleanserCleanse step

Dr. Idriss Soft Wash Jelly Cleanser

This jelly cleanser is designed to be a mild yet effective first step in your routine. It uses gentle cleansing agents to lift away sunscreen and light makeup without disrupting the skin's natural barrier. Its pH-balanced, non-foaming formula makes it suitable for a wide range of skin types.

Sephora price

$12.00 - $30.00

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

4.3 / 5

About 215 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

HydratingOil FreeFragrance FreeBest for Dry, Combo, Normal SkinGood for: DrynessGood for: PoresPoloxamer: Mild cleansing agent used in ophthalmic solutions.Decyl Glucoside: Gently cleanses.Glycerin: Hydrates.Dryness and 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

4.3 / 5 overall fit

A gentle, non-foaming jelly cleanser that effectively removes sunscreen and light makeup without stripping the skin. It’s a good option for most skin types, especially those prone to dryness or oiliness.

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 gentle, pH-balanced jelly face wash that removes sunscreen and light makeup without stripping skin.

NormalDryCombinationand OilyDryness and Oiliness

Apply a dime to quarter-size amount of cleanser to dry skin.

Gently massage, adding warm water as needed, to melt away your sunscreen and makeup.

Rinse and pat dry.

Dr. Idriss recommends using Soft Wash in the morning and at night if you're on the extreme end of the oily scale. Otherwise, you only need to cleanse with Soft Wash at night.

Don’t expect this formula to foam up. It doesn’t contain traditional surfactants that can strip your skin.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

This is a solid, gentle cleanser that does what it claims: removes sunscreen and light makeup without stripping. It’s a good choice for most people, especially if you prefer a non-foaming texture or have sensitive skin. It’s not a deep-cleaning or exfoliating product, but that’s not its purpose.

Gentle yet effective cleansing

Many reviewers highlight how this cleanser effectively removes daily grime and SPF without leaving their skin feeling tight or dry. The jelly texture is also a pleasant surprise for many.

Ideal for sensitive skin

The fragrance-free and mild formula makes it a go-to for those with sensitive or reactive skin who often struggle to find cleansers that don't cause irritation.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

All skin types, especially dry, normal, and combination
Those seeking a gentle, non-stripping cleanser
Removing sunscreen and light makeup

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

You prefer a foaming cleanser
You regularly wear heavy or waterproof makeup and need a single-step remover

Routine fit

Where this cleanser fits in

Use this as the first step in your evening routine to remove sunscreen and makeup. If you have very oily skin, you might consider using it in the morning as well. For most other skin types, a single cleanse at night is sufficient.

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

Gentle and non-irritating
Effectively removes sunscreen and light makeup
pH-balanced
Suitable for most skin types

Where it starts to feel redundant

Does not foam
May not remove heavy or waterproof makeup effectively on its own

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning or night

This cleanser is recommended for nighttime use to remove the day's buildup. Dr. Idriss suggests it for morning use only for those on the 'extreme end of the oily scale'.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.3/ 5 overall

Gentle cleansing

4.5 / 5

Users appreciate its mild formula that cleanses without irritation or stripping natural oils.

Makeup removal

4.2 / 5

Effectively removes daily SPF and light makeup, though heavier or waterproof makeup may require a double cleanse.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Solvent

Water/Aqua/Eau

Badness

0.0 / 10

The primary solvent in cosmetic formulations, dissolving other ingredients.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Cleansing Agent

Poloxamer 184

Badness

1.0 / 10

A non-ionic surfactant known for its mildness and effectiveness in removing oils and impurities. It's often used in ophthalmic solutions.

Usually helps with

Gentle cleansing

Watch for

Minimal irritation potential

Thickener

Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.

Usually helps with

Product texture

Watch for

None

Cleansing Agent

Decyl Glucoside

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that gently cleanses the skin without stripping its natural moisture barrier.

Usually helps with

Mild cleansing

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated

Thickener

Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic products.

Usually helps with

Product texture

Watch for

None

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A popular humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and prevent dryness.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emulsifier derived from coconut oil and polyglycerin, used to blend oil and water components.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emulsifier derived from caprylic acid and polyglycerin, helping to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-4 Caprylate/Caprate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A versatile emulsifier that helps to create stable emulsions in cosmetic formulations.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Sebacate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emulsifier that aids in blending oil and water phases in cosmetic products.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild emulsifier used to create stable formulations.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate

Badness

1.0 / 10

An emulsifier derived from castor oil and polyglycerin, used to blend ingredients.

Usually helps with

Formulation stability

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Sorbitan Sesquioleate

Badness

2.0 / 10

An emulsifier and surfactant that helps to mix oil and water. It can sometimes cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Usually helps with

Emulsification

Watch for

Potential for mild irritation

pH Adjuster

Citric Acid

Badness

1.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the product to be compatible with the skin's natural acidity.

Usually helps with

pH balance

Watch for

Can be irritating at high concentrations

Chelating Agent

Sodium Phytate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A chelating agent that binds to metal ions, helping to improve the stability and efficacy of the product.

Usually helps with

Product stability

Watch for

None

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol

Badness

3.0 / 10

A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products. It can be a skin irritant for some.

Usually helps with

Product preservation

Watch for

Potential for skin irritation or allergic reactions

Opacifier

Synthetic Fluorphlogopite

Badness

2.0 / 10

A synthetic mica used to give products a pearlescent or shimmering effect, or to control texture.

Usually helps with

Texture, appearance

Watch for

Generally safe, but can be a physical irritant in some contexts

Opacifier

Tin Oxide

Badness

2.0 / 10

Used in conjunction with titanium dioxide to create specific color effects and opacity.

Usually helps with

Color, texture

Watch for

Generally safe in cosmetic use

Opacifier

Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)

Badness

2.0 / 10

A white pigment used to opacify products and provide UV protection. It's generally considered safe but can be a physical irritant.

Usually helps with

Opacity, color

Watch for

Potential for physical irritation

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

Does this cleanser foam?

No, this cleanser is formulated not to foam. It uses gentle cleansing agents that do not produce lather, which helps to avoid stripping the skin.

Is this cleanser suitable for oily skin?

Yes, it is suitable for oily skin. While it's gentle and hydrating, it effectively removes excess oil and impurities without over-drying. Dr. Idriss even suggests it for double cleansing at night for very oily skin types.

Can this cleanser remove waterproof makeup?

This cleanser is designed for light makeup and sunscreen. For waterproof or heavy makeup, it's recommended to use a dedicated makeup remover first or follow with a second cleanse.

See If This Is Compatible With My Skin