Dermalogica Special Gel Facial Cleanser Face Wash for All Skin Types 16.9 oz
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
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) OilGood
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.
Quillaja Saponaria Bark ExtractGood
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 OilGood
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.
Melissa Officinalis Leaf ExtractGood
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 OilGood
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.
GlycerinGood
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.
Water/Aqua/EauNeutral
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.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin SulfonateNeutral
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.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
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.
HydroxyethylcelluloseNeutral
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.
Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) OilNeutral
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 BetaineNeutral
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.
Sodium CocoamphoacetateNeutral
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.
HydroxyacetophenoneNeutral
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.
Cocamidopropyl HydroxysultaineNeutral
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.
1,2-HexanediolNeutral
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.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
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.
PropanediolNeutral
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.
Citric AcidNeutral
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.
O-Cymen-5-OlNeutral
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.
PPG-5-Ceteth-20Neutral
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.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
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.
Sodium Lauroyl SarcosinateBad
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.
Disodium EDTABad
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.
Sodium BenzoateBad
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.
Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping
Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.
Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle PlayAmazon pricing & content
Amazon price as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.