Dermalogica Special Gel Facial Cleanser Face Wash for All Skin Types 16.9 oz

Common questions

Is Dermalogica Special Gel Facial Cleanser Face Wash for All Skin Types 16.9 oz healthy?

Dermalogica Special Gel Facial Cleanser Face Wash for All Skin Types 16.9 oz scores 70/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This face wash contains beneficial natural ingredients like lavender oil, lemon peel oil, and glycerin, which provide soothing, hydrating, and cleansing benefits.

Which ingredients drive Dermalogica Special Gel Facial Cleanser Face Wash for All Skin Types 16.9 oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil count in its favor; Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Dermalogica Special Gel Facial Cleanser Face Wash for All Skin Types 16.9 oz

Dermalogica
70 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$73.00 · 16.9 fl oz · $4.32 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 6
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by Unilever
Category Face Wash
Summary

This face wash contains beneficial natural ingredients like lavender oil, lemon peel oil, and glycerin, which provide soothing, hydrating, and cleansing benefits. However, the presence of sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, a synthetic surfactant, and PPG-5-Ceteth-20, a synthetic emulsifier, indicates a moderate level of processing. These factors, along with the inclusion of synthetic preservatives, prevent the product from achieving a higher score.

Key ingredients 25

Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Good

Lavender oil is known for its soothing and calming properties. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that can benefit the skin. It is often used in aromatherapy for its relaxing scent.

Risks

May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides soothing and calming effects on the skin.

See more about Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil →
Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract
Good

Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract is a natural surfactant and foaming agent. It helps to cleanse the skin gently without stripping natural oils. It is derived from the soapbark tree and is considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing with natural foaming properties.

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Good

Lemon peel oil is rich in antioxidants and has astringent properties. It helps to brighten the skin and reduce excess oil. It is often used for its refreshing scent and skin-toning effects.

Risks

Can increase photosensitivity, leading to sunburn if not used with sunscreen.

Benefits

Brightens the skin and provides a refreshing scent.

See more about Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil →
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Good

Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, also known as lemon balm, has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. It is often used for its calming effects.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Calms and soothes irritated skin.

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
Good

Bergamot oil is known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It helps to cleanse the skin and reduce acne-causing bacteria. It also provides a pleasant citrus scent.

Risks

Can cause photosensitivity, leading to skin irritation when exposed to sunlight.

Benefits

Cleanses the skin and provides antibacterial benefits.

See more about Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil →
Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a powerful humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and soft. It is widely used in skincare products for its moisturizing properties.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with glycerin.

Benefits

Deeply hydrates and moisturizes the skin.

See more about Glycerin →
Water/Aqua/Eau
Neutral

Water is a universal solvent used as a base in many cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a medium for them to function. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic formulations.

Benefits

Water hydrates the skin and helps in the even distribution of other ingredients.

See more about Water/Aqua/Eau →
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Neutral

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It helps to remove dirt and oil from the skin. It is considered less irritating than some other surfactants.

Risks

It can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Effectively cleanses the skin by removing oils and impurities.

See more about Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate →
Butylene Glycol
Neutral

Butylene Glycol is a humectant that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It also acts as a solvent for other ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in very sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Helps to keep the skin hydrated and enhances the penetration of other ingredients.

See more about Butylene Glycol →
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Neutral

Hydroxyethylcellulose is a thickening agent used to improve the texture of cosmetic products. It helps to stabilize emulsions and provides a smooth application. It is considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Improves product texture and application.

See more about Hydroxyethylcellulose →
Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil
Neutral

Citronella oil is commonly used for its insect-repelling properties. It has a fresh, lemony scent and can provide a refreshing feel to the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides a refreshing scent and may help repel insects.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Neutral

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It helps to cleanse the skin and create foam. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics, though it can cause irritation in some individuals.

Risks

May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing and foaming properties.

See more about Cocamidopropyl Betaine →
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Neutral

Sodium Cocoamphoacetate is a mild surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It is derived from coconut oil and is considered gentle on the skin. It is often used in formulations for sensitive skin.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Gently cleanses the skin without causing irritation.

Hydroxyacetophenone
Neutral

Hydroxyacetophenone is an antioxidant and preservative used to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It helps to protect the product from degradation. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Stabilizes the product and provides antioxidant benefits.

See more about Hydroxyacetophenone →
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Neutral

Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is a mild surfactant used for its foaming and cleansing properties. It is derived from coconut oil and is considered gentle on the skin. It is often used in formulations for sensitive skin.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing and foaming properties.

See more about Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine →
1,2-Hexanediol
Neutral

1,2-Hexanediol is a solvent and preservative used to enhance the stability of cosmetic formulations. It helps to prevent microbial growth. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Enhances product stability and prevents microbial growth.

See more about 1,2-Hexanediol →
Caprylyl Glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and skin conditioning agent. It helps to retain moisture in the skin and improve the texture of cosmetic products. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Moisturizes the skin and improves product texture.

See more about Caprylyl Glycol →
Propanediol
Neutral

Propanediol is a solvent and humectant used to improve the texture and moisture content of cosmetic products. It is derived from corn sugar and is considered safe for use. It helps to enhance the penetration of other ingredients.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Improves skin hydration and enhances ingredient penetration.

See more about Propanediol →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It also acts as an exfoliant and antioxidant. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Balances pH and provides mild exfoliation.

See more about Citric Acid →
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Neutral

O-Cymen-5-Ol is a preservative with antimicrobial properties. It helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in cosmetic products. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about O-Cymen-5-Ol →
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
Neutral

PPG-5-Ceteth-20 is an emulsifier and surfactant used to improve the texture and stability of cosmetic products. It helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability.

See more about PPG-5-Ceteth-20 →
Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is a strong alkaline compound that helps to neutralize acidic ingredients. It is considered safe for use in low concentrations.

Risks

Can cause irritation or burns if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Balances pH and neutralizes acidic components.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in very sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing suitable for sensitive skin types.

See more about Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate →
Disodium EDTA
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Enhances product stability and prevents metal ion interference.

See more about Disodium EDTA →
Sodium Benzoate
Bad

Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Sodium Benzoate →

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