Dermalogica • Essential Cleansing Solution • Cleansers

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SarahJaneD on 6/6/2013 8:27:00 PM more reviews by SarahJaneD

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

If you skin is dehydrated/sensitive this is the cleanser for you! In the winter my skin becomes so dehydrated no matter how much water I drink the cold weather, central heating ect. dehydrates my skin. It feels tight and gives that cling film look to the skin. I started using essential cleansing solution last winter and noticed a huge improvement compared to previous winters. I could see a difference after about 1week. It gave my skin the moisture that it needed, my skin looked and felt healthy. In the summer I switch to dermalogica's special cleansing gel as the essential cleansing solution can be a bit rich for me. As I said if your dehydrated give this product a go. Dermalogica is pricey but you get what you pay for, the results are amazing & a little goes a long way.

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*TOP REVIEWER* kyl77 on 11/2/2012 9:46:00 PM more reviews by kyl77

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Other, Medium   Eyes: Green    

This is a very gentle lotion style cleanser, which worked well on my sensitive skin. It has a nice texture and is a pleasure to use. However, I feel there are a lot of comparable products out there at more affordable prices. I would definately buy this again if it were on sale.

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*TOP REVIEWER* franzvonstuck on 3/17/2012 4:09:00 AM more reviews by franzvonstuck

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

Although my skin is a bitch when it comes to celansing, I always try to find something better than my HG Cetaphil. I was punished again for changing my cleanser or at least trying to.
My skin is basically combination, acne-prone, dehydrated and very sensitive. I purchased a travel size of 50 ml, because I always want to test with a sample or travel size frist before wasting money on a pricey product, which I cannot use on my face.
This cleanser stripped my skin and made it feel sore. My skin feels uncomfortable and tight. It also feels like my skin is on the edge of having a really bad allergical reaction.I´ve got an itching feeling from using this cleanser. Overall it´s way too harsh for me. This cleanser is recommended for dry skin, but it left my face with white, flaky patches, which usually happens, if I´m using a drying cleanser.
So please, test it before you buy it.
I was intrigued, because some other reviewers described it as "like Cetaphil, but better". For me, it was only 10 times harsher and ruining my skin. Had to calm down my skin with Avene´s Thermal water and Clean-AC cream.
Didn´t work on my skin.
Not recommending it for sensitive skin and I wonder how this could work on a dry skin with such a harsh drying effect? But I know, my skin is overly sensitive and dry and many products that work beautifully for other people just ruin my skin.

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Whend1212 on 10/2/2011 6:41:00 AM more reviews by Whend1212

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I would highly recommend this product. It's my favorite cleanser and ever since I started using it, I rarely break out. I was having a lot of trouble with breakouts for a year, after moving to a very humid climate and was spending a lot of money on facials. Even the facials didn't do much to help the acne. Then i started using this cleanser and the breakouts almost all stopped. The bottle recommends cleansing twice but I just use it once, applied generously all over the face, and then rinse and that seems to work fine. But I don't used much make up so if you do, you may want to do the double wash. This doesn't take off eye make-up so an eye makeup remover is still needed. It's creamy and feels moisterizing too. I love the pump because it's hygenic.

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junkie_on_prowl on 7/4/2011 1:36:00 PM more reviews by junkie_on_prowl

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This was an ok product but I am not won over. Basically it is a very gentle and soft cleanser. If you use a full face of makeup it is probably better to double cleanse your face i.e. use a makeup remover prior to using this. This is probably better for the colder months of the year.

It didn't irrirate my dehydrated skin, but I don't feel absolutely clean either. When I use this cleanser I always use toner as well and always check my facial cotton for evidence of dirt!

It does come in a very large size though (500ml) but I would not repurchase. It is taking me a long time to finish this bottle...

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Mariaka on 6/10/2011 2:35:00 PM more reviews by Mariaka

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I'm in love with this cleanser. It is creamy and rich, not soapy and not lathering. It is occasionally refreshing to use a lathering cleanser, on especially hot and sweaty days, but generally--and I live in the South, on the third floor of an un-A/C'd apartment building--I love this product precisely because it is more like a mask than a soap. That might not make sense, but maybe I can explain.
I have problems with clogged pores: ethnically, my skin is better suited to cold northern latitudes, so the April through October onslaught of heat and humidity is not my thing. Being that I feel so put upon by the climate, I have recently begun to feel that the chemists' principle of "like dissolves like" (oil dissolves oil, oil-free dissolves oil-free, etc.) is a very helpful approach to skin care. I've been using this cleanser for over a month now, and not only are my clogged pores loosening up and dissolving--I help this along by going to the gym a couple of times per week, and after my workout I sit for about 20 minutes in the hot tub or the sauna, then I shower and wash my face--but also because this cleanser is COMPLETELY non-drying, I am able to skip daytime moisturizers. I know, I know that we're supposed to moisturize all of the time, like it's the most important thing we could do aside from a healthy diet and staying out of the sun. But with this cleanser, I feel like my skin finally has some respite from harsh anti-acne-style cleansers. I'm just being good to my face, using this Essential Cleansing Solution, and my face is reflecting the better treatment.
Having said all of that, I will admit two things: I use Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant every day after cleansing, and I still keep two other cleansers (a clay anti-acne cleanser, and a lathery cleanser) around for use about once a week, just for that squeaky clean effect.

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Jessie_online on 4/14/2011 6:04:00 AM more reviews by Jessie_online

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I love Dermalogica but this was just not the product for me.

I feel a bit bad giving such a low score as it might just be it was all wrong for my skin type. I have normal/combo skin and this just felt like it was not removing any dirt or grime, after a few days use i experienced small spots forming under the skin. After switching to the special cleansing gel everything was back to normal.

It might work if you have very dry skin but i think you'd find yourself using another product to clean your face properly. If like me it breaks you out, i suggest the cleansing gel instead... now that i LOVE!

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purdonm on 4/12/2011 5:08:00 AM more reviews by purdonm

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is the best cleanser I have ever used. If you have normal to dry sensitive skin then this is for you. It has completely cleared up the dry irritated patches on my cheeks and chin area. It is also really good if you get the odd blemish as it seems to clear everything up.

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drok on 11/7/2010 5:26:00 AM more reviews by drok

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

It doesn't clean at all and irritates the skin.

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Gracelina on 9/8/2010 3:00:00 AM more reviews by Gracelina

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

This cleanser is ok, but didn't do anything wonderful for my skin. It was suitable for my dry skin, but not great. I found it annoying that it didn't really take off makeup, and i found the smell a wee bit chemically. Having heard great things about the brand i was disappointed by this product. It isn't cheap, definitely not worth the money i paid, won't be repurchasing.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Cinnabuns on 6/10/2010 1:38:00 PM more reviews by Cinnabuns

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I had a sample of this so decided to give it a try. I have always preferred a foaming cleanser instead of a creamy one. I can't seem to ever get past the lotion-like feel. This is a good cleanser though for those that need a cream cleanser. I like it more than Cetaphil which I hate. I also like that it does not have any artificial fragrance or color.

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Dragica on 4/24/2010 5:46:00 PM more reviews by Dragica

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I changed to this from Dermalogica's Ultracalming Cleanser because the ultracalming, while lovely, didn't help with my occasional blemishes. I bought the little travel size of the Essential Cleansing Solution, it was cheap and lasted me about four weeks when used twice a day, I really like the product so I recently purchased the full size.

This cleanser has really helped my combination skin, my dry and flaky cheeks has become nice and smooth and it also takes care of my somewhat oily t-zone and the small blemishes i sometimes get. The consistency is nice and creamy and I rinse it off with water. It does not remove eyemakeup well so I use the PreCleanse first and then the Essential Cleansing Solution before I finish with the Skin Smoothing Cream also from Dermalogica, this has worked wonders for my skin!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Mathilda91 on 1/31/2010 8:53:00 AM more reviews by Mathilda91

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Red, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

This is the best cleanser I've ever tried. My skin is dry-combination, and this cleanses without stripping my skin of moisture. It's even mild enough to remove eye-makeup with. I use it after my precleanse when I wear make-up; if I'm barefaced I use the preclense alone, or this one alone. It is rather longlastning, not like a lathering product, but very good for a cream-one. My skin feels soft and clean. If go from a lathering cleanser to this, you might think your face isn't clean, but it is, just nu stripped of its moisture.

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*TOP REVIEWER* mac222 on 11/24/2009 6:57:00 AM more reviews by mac222

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

This has been my go to cleanser for 6+ years. I am completely satisfied with the job that it does, which is to cleanse my face thoroughly without stripping and keeping my sometimes sensitive skin calm and balanced. I have tried a majority of the skin care lines out there and Dermalogica is my hands down favorite. This cleanser's milky, creamy consistency is very pampering to my skin which tends toward dryness. I always do a double cleanse, something I picked up from a Dermalogica rep years ago, and always have clear, glowing skin!

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droolyslime on 6/3/2009 11:14:00 PM more reviews by droolyslime

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I love, love, love this product. It is the gentlest, yet most effective, moisturizing cleanser that I have ever used. It has a creamy texture that dissolves right into skin like a nourishing lotion, and rinses away perfectly with just a bit of water. I've actually left this cleanser on my skin for several minutes just to let it get into my pores and soften the gunk. I've never had a single breakout from this, nor had to suffer through tightness, dry skin, or irritability. I've gone through two 16.9oz bottles so far and am planning to buy another this fall. Am looking for a slightly more astringent cleanser for the summer months, since my skin chemistry seems to change dramatically once the sun comes. Highly recommended for dry or combination sensitive skin that could use a little tender loving care.

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Jacksxxx on 6/2/2009 12:43:00 PM more reviews by Jacksxxx

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

This is recommended for dry and sensitive skin but within a few seconds of skin contact I get prickly cheeks with red patches so it's evidently not good for my sensitive skin.

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*TOP REVIEWER* gurululu on 12/20/2008 8:56:00 PM more reviews by gurululu

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I got this product as a Christmas gift from my salon. It definitely doesn't dry out the skin but it definitely doesn't take off makeup. I used it in the shower and can't believe the amount of black mascara that was still on my face. It was almost as if it didn't take any of it off. Then I used my alcohol free witch hazel astringent to remove any makeup remains and had to go through 4 cotton balls to get the makeup off. I truly don't understand how these seemingly reputable companies test these products. Do they not see in advance that it doesn't take off any makeup? I will use the remains of this product in the morning since it is nicely moisturizing and I wake up without makeup. Luckily it is a small bottle so I won't feel so guilty for wasting it if I do decide to toss it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* savethemarianne on 12/17/2008 10:34:00 AM more reviews by savethemarianne

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This is the first dermalogica product I've tried and I was very impressed but not totally blown away, which I felt I should have been considering the price. It left my face notably clean, soft and non irritated, and removed foundation but didn't work on waterproof eye makeup even with a cloth. I would definitely use it as a facial cleanser when I have the extra money as a lot of cleanser dry me out/irritate me and this is special to not do so, but I feel like I could get others just as good for less, and I need to buy a seperate eye make up remover.

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Corky1 on 9/26/2008 7:47:00 AM more reviews by Corky1

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this cleanser a month ago as I've used up my Special Cleansing Gel, which I've been using for the past 2 years straight. My skin was feeling a little dry so I thought I'd try this.

I'm still unsure about this cleanser - hence the 3 rating - while I wouldn't consider it bad, I wouldn't say it's good either. It's so-so. It cleanses my skin but doesn't leave a squeaky clean feeling. It always feels like there's something left on my skin. It does leave my skin feeling soft though and not stripped of moisture.

Overall it's OK but I don't think I'll buy it again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* MissHiss on 7/26/2008 6:51:00 AM more reviews by MissHiss

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I love this cleanser. I got a sample and after a week I knew this product was well worth it. I bought the large bottle with a pump as I find the cream too thick for the regular bottle.


This does so much for my dry and dehydrated skin. It cleanses, hydrates and plums up my skin. It is the plumping factor that makes this product stand above all other cleansers for me. I use it as a facewash when I don't have make-up on, and I wipe it off and then rinse when I do.


No allergies or breakouts, just soft plump skin. Highly recommend this.

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