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Summary
Highlights
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is a iconic soap-free, foaming gel cleanser. Formulated with lavender, it removes impurities and excess oils, leaving the skin feeling smooth and clean, without disturbing the skin's natural moisture balance.
Benefits
- Reduces waste and refills original Special Cleansing Gel
- Washes away impurities without stripping or drying
- Calming agents help soothe and purify skin
Key Ingredients
- Lavender: soothes and reduces redness and acne scarring
- Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract: naturally foams and cleanses
- Balm Mint: soothes and cleanses the skin
Item 2606356
When your Special Cleansing Gel bottle is empty, take cap or pump off the bottle. Unscrew the cap from the refill's resealable spout. Tilt pouch over bottle opening. Place the spout towards the opening of the bottle and slowly pour the product into the bottle. Replace cap back onto the resealable pouch and bottle. Use Special Cleansing Gel as directed on bottle.
Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Propanediol, Citric Acid, O-Cymen5-Ol, Disodium EDTA, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate.
This brand is excluded from most Ulta Beauty coupons.
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Questions
Ask a QuestionQ&A
Showing 20 out of 212 Questions
- Q
I have microbladed eyebrows. Is this cleanser safe to use on them? Is this the most gentle dermalogica cleanser? Thanks!
- Asked by Sassy Cassie
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. Special Cleansing Gel is safe to use after the healing process is complete. Ultracalming Cleanser is also a good option as it delicately fortifies skin’s protective barrier without leaving an irritating residue, and easily rinses away or wipes off, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Best wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
I use dernalogica porescreen spf30 very sparingly on a daily basis. Is it sufficient to remove it with special cleanser.
- Asked by hsnsenel
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. We recommend a double cleanse to ensure a thorough and effective cleaning of the skin. The process involves two steps: Oil-based cleanser: The first step uses an oil-based cleanser to dissolve and remove makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and other oily debris. This step is crucial because oil-based substances can be challenging to remove with water-based cleansers alone Water-based cleanser: The second step uses a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities, such as sweat and environmental pollutants. This allows the skin to be deeply cleansed and prepped for better absorption of subsequent skincare products Best wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
Was the scent recently changed? The new bottle I purchased from Ulta smells much different the scent I have known.
- Asked by Jeremy
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. The Special Cleansing Gel formulation has not changed. If you feel as though the aroma is off, we suggest you contact the place of purchase to process an exchange. Best wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
After washing my face with most products, my face gets oiler. I have such a difficult time finding a good cleanser that does not do that. How is your cleanser?
- Asked by Excess Oil
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. For items available in Ulta Beauty, please check with your local store. Best Wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
how long should the larger size last me?
- Asked by madi
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. The estimated usage count for Special Cleansing Gel is 400. Best Wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
Can you use morning and night?
- Asked by Alissa
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. Yes, Special Cleansing Gel can be used morning and night and should be followed by a moisturizer. Best Wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
Im more on the dry side, 50 year old. Would this be recommended?
- Asked by Lori
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. For dry skin, we recommend Intensive Moisture Cleanser. This light, creamy cleanser enhanced with BioReplenish Complex removes impurities while actively nourishing dry, depleted skin. This emollient, lipid-enriched formula cleanses skin while helping to minimize damage of vital proteins and lipids that defend against dryness. Best Wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
Is formula changed ?
- Asked by Lola
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. No, the formula has not just however the pump dispenser hass been updated. Best Wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
New formula?? Ive been using this for years and new bottle comes with pump smells different and also irritates eye lids. ????
- Asked by NessaSD
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. The Special Cleansing Gel formulation has not changed and should not cause irritation. We did redesign the bottle pump. If you are not satisfied with your product, please return to place of purchase. Best Wishes The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
How many ounces in travel size special cleansing gel?
- Asked by Doodles
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. Special Cleansing Gel travel size contains 1.7oz. Best Wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
Is this product fragrance free?
- Asked by Mm
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. Yes, our formulas are free of artificial colors and fragrances, mineral oil, lanolin, S.D. alcohol, parabens and microplastics. Best Wishes The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
is this okay to use after shaving ur face with a facial razor ??
- Asked by bella
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. Yes, Special Cleansing Gel is safe to use after shaving. Best Wishes The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
Hi, Is this product GF ?
- Asked by lulu
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. Yes, we are certified cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan.We have been clean since 1986. Our formulas are free of artificial colors and fragrances, mineral oil, lanolin, S.D. alcohol, parabens and microplastics. Best Wishes The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
I have sensitive very oily skin with dry patches and get the little sebum pores on my chin and cheeks (not acne). will this product break me out? some face washes i use have actually made more texture and bumps show up
- Asked by dani
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageHello, thank you for contacting Dermalogica. Yes, Special Cleansing Gel is a soap-free, foaming gel cleanses all skin conditions. Refreshing lather thoroughly removes impurities, without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance. Best Wishes, The Dermalogica TeamWas this answer helpful to you
- Q
I'm using the special cleansing gel. What moisturizer should I follow up with?
- Asked by April
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageThanks for contacting Dermalogica. Your moisturizer choice would be dependent on your skin type and concerns. Skin type ranges from normal, oily, acneic, combination. Check out our Moisturizer choices based on your skin type. Best Wishes, Dermalogica Team.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
I'm a first time user of the special cleansing gel. I noticed my skin feels smooth after using it, but my skin looks dry when I look in the mirror, and my lines are more pronounced. Is there something I should be using in addition to the special cleansing gel? Please let me know.
- Asked by April
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageThanks for contacting Dermalogica. Are you following up your skin cleanser with a toner or moisturizer? Perhaps adding in an exfoliant to complete the regimen? Completing your skin care routine will help place moisture back in the skin and help combat any active skin concerns. Best Wishes, Dermalogica Team.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
I'm a first time user of dermalogica and bought the pre cleanse I love it but am I suppose to buy a cleanser to remove the rest of the make up? I need help I don't know what I need to get. What are the steps?
- Asked by Ana
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageThanks for contacting Dermalogica. PreCleanse is a the first step in our suggested Double Cleanse routine. You will want to follow PreCleanse with another cleanser to fully remove all excess product, dirt, and debris. Choosing your second cleanser should be done based on skin type and conditions. Special Cleansing Gel was formulated for all skin types and is a great starting point! Best Wishes, Dermalogica Team. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
I normally buy cleaning gel and use everyday but received glycolic wash as free gift and i like too..which is best for every day use and the difference between 2 Thanks in advance
- Asked by Tyesha
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageThanks for contacting Dermalogica. Daily Glycolic Cleanser can be used daily just as Special Cleansing Gel. Both are non-stripping formulas perfect for daily use. Formulaically, they are very different! Glycolic and lactic acid make the DGC a perfect choice for those looking for an exfoliating cleanser. Best Wishes, Dermalogica Team. Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Does it help with dark spots?
- Asked by Hames
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageThanks for contacting Dermalogica. If you are looking for dark spot correction, we suggest a cleanser like Daily Glycolic Cleanser alongside our Powerbright products for best results! Best Wishes, Dermalogica Team.Was this answer helpful to you
- Q
Does this help with pores and oil?
- Asked by Linds
- Official Answer By Dermalogica US - Brand EngageThanks for contacting Dermalogica. Regular cleansing will always have an impact on oil production! Special Cleansing Gel is great for regulating barrier balance and without causing stripping of vital oil production. If you're interested in reduction of pores, we suggest exfoliation with one of our foliant products and Micro Pore Mist! Best Wishes, Dermalogica Team. Was this answer helpful to you
Reviews
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Most Helpful Positive Review
No More Ashamed Pores
Let me tell you about my love life. Over the past decade or so, I haven't found been able to find love anywhere within the cleansing department. The cleansers on the shelves at my nearest department store routinely broke my heart. Didn't live up to my expectations. Contained fragrances, colors, bead...
Most Helpful Critical Review
Sad about the change.
I have been using this cleanser for over 13 years. It's the one skincare product I have never had to consider changing - no matter what was going on with my complexion, Special Cleansing Gel worked. Until now. The change in my latest shipment was immediately noticeable - fragrance! Not a good sign f...
1546 results
Dry skin
From my personal experience this product cause a very dry skin no recommend for mature aging skin
Great product
This face cleaner is gentle, and makes my face feel clean. I get the big bottle and it lasts a really long time. You only need a small amount to lather up.
This broke me out.
I used to have a lot of acne. I used to buy a lot of stuff to treat acne and it never went away. I got pregnant and you know when you're pregnant you can't really use everything so I limited my skin care to really simple stuff such as just normal face cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen and that's it after getting pregnant and after one full year postpartum my skin is thriving no acne at all nothing and I said maybe everything that I was buying to treat acne was actually keeping it and not treating it so using simple skin care really healed my skin I ran out of my normal face cleanser. I said OK let me try this out. Suddenly my face is all acne so I am sure that this is what broke me out because I haven't changed anything in my skin care other than this. Definitely would not buy again.

do NOT buy this hot garbage
this destroyed my face. cystic white heads allllll over my.cheeks and jawline very displeased. will be returning this garbage
Staple in my daily routine
I have sensitive skin and this product works great. It cleanses my skin without stripping it/drying it out.