Reviews for Special Cleansing Gel by Dermalogica
- Overall Rating:
(55 reviews)
Rating:
May 19, 2013 3:51pm
ok but nothing special
this cleanser is gentle and does the job of cleansing the skin, however I just didn't find it did anything special for my skin in general. Its not a product i would buy again. After several weeks of use i felt my skin was not really improving and if anything it felt dehydrating. I didn't even finish the bottle.
Rating:
Mar 19, 2013 11:34am
Perfect!
I have oily/acne-prone/sensitive skin but it is also dehydrated, so its always been really hard for me to find the right skincare.
After using a sample sachet of this cleanser, I was immediately impressed and I knew I had to buy it. I had been using Artistry's Balancing Cleanser for over 3 years which worked well because it was gentle but did nothing special for my skin otherwise.
Special Cleansing Gel is a clear gel that foams up with water. I wet my face and put a pea-sized amount into wet hands and turn it into a foamy lather, then I apply it to my face in circular motions for a minute to get a good clean and rinse off with water.
My skin is left feeling really clean but not tight whatsoever, my skin feels hydrated which is what I love about it compared to anything I've tried before. It really does have that 'cooling' effect, which helps the redness from my breakouts settle down.
It has a very natural scent to it, a slight bit of lavender and something else I cant put my finger on but its a very pleasant scent which doesn't really appeal to me but doesn't turn me off either. I bought it in 500ml, which comes with a pump that makes it really easy to dispense the perfect amount of product.
Dermalogica is an expensive brand but for the price of their large bottles you really get a lot that will last 1 year+. Always get some samples before you buy because the same product won't always work for everyone.
So far with continued use my skin has really turned around from what it was and is finally looking more calm and clearer! Really happy I got the chance to sample this product as I've found a great cleanser for my skin type.
Rating:
Mar 9, 2013 10:26am
Great for everyday use
I have combination skin and I find this product works quite well for me as the balance of moisturizing and cleansing is perfect. I love how I can just use a tiny drop to wash my face as it lathers quite nicely. It also has a nice calming/cooling effect. I bought a 500ml bottle so this should last me a whole year or even longer I reckon! Which is very cost effective considering I bought it for $50.
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by Marshmello brain.
Rating:
Jan 21, 2013 5:42pm
Skin feels clean
A really good cleanser for my combination skin. Does not leave my skin feeling tight. I only cleanse once in the morning and twice if I've been wearing makeup. It works well if allowed to lather well beforehand. It has a nice mild lavender scent which is kind of soothing.
Rating:
Jan 19, 2013 11:59am
amazing,
I use my M.A.C cleanse off oil and then use the special cleansing gel with my clarisonic, and the end results are amazing, i go to bed feeling so fresh and clean. the special cleansing gel has improved my skin so well, at first i just used crappy drugstore products with my clarisonic and i didn't notice much of a difference expect i broke out worse then i thought during my purging stage, so when i got the cleansing gel to use mid purging stage, my skin started to clear up and then purging stage wasn't nearly as bad as what it was with garnier. I'm really happy with this purchase and recommend it to all my customers that come in wanting somthing to clear their face up without drying it out.
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by Hellonickers.
Rating:
Aug 24, 2012 7:19pm
Love this
A gentle cleanser. It lathers a little and glides so easily over my face for thorough cleansing.
Rating:
Aug 14, 2012 7:58pm
Not drying
I used to hate this cleanser as it made my skin feel so tight when I used it with my Clarisonic. However, since I started to use it on its own, I actually started to like it again. It dosen't make my skin feel tight now when I lather it up a lot. I make sure its very foamy and use it in the shower. I don't have to use a lot of moisturiser afterwards either as my skin is so smooth!
Rating:
Jul 28, 2012 8:46pm
the bset
I am in love with this cleanser!! I have been using it twice daily and find it has prevented many pimples. I used to break out occasionally around my nose and forehead, now if i break out they are small pimples near my chin, a much better position. I believe this cleanser is to thank as it thoroughly cleans my skin without drying or irritating the skin. it is a cult classic!
Rating:
May 29, 2012 12:46pm
Good for summer
I loved this at first, but it started to dry out my skin a little too much. Smells great, and gets most makeup off easily.
This would be a great cleanser for normal/oily skin, I think i'll try a cream cleanser for my dry skin next time.
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by Betelgeuse.
Rating:
Mar 16, 2012 2:48pm
A great all-rounder.
I just keep coming back to Special Cleansing Gel as they have really nailed the basics with it. It lathers beautifully, doesn't dry out or irritate my skin, and leaves my skin squeaky clean without the tightness.
It use it with Active Moist and I find they are a great combo! As I have breakout-prone skin I am currently alternating SCG with the mediBac Skin Clearing Wash.
I believe that it would work well for most skin types, including skin like mine which is prone to oiliness in the t-zone. Although, like most Dermalogica products, it seems expensive, a 250ml bottle will last you a good few months - a little product goes a long way as it lathers well.
Overall, a great, basic cleanser which does a great job!
Rating:
Jan 29, 2012 4:28pm
Too drying for my combo/sensitive skin
I bought this as part of a dermalogica kit. I found it worked really well and thoroughly cleansed my face so I bought the massive pump. Unofrtunately after using this for about 4 weeks I found my skin was getting really dry.. my lips particularly. I had to put lip balm on the second I stepped out of the shower as they were tight and sore. I tried switching up my moisturisers but still got the same thing, but when I stopped using this cleanser the problems went away.
It does work great on my husband's very oily skin.
Rating:
Nov 18, 2011 12:29pm
Lovely, but not active enough for my skin
This is a lovely cleansing gel, but as it has no continuous active ingredients, it wasn't suited to my skin. My face still kept breaking out and was always oily. For my skin I need something with Glycolic Acid to ensure it is always working. This would be great to maintain a good routine once you have resolved any breakouts or skin concerns you have.
I found I only needed a small amount and at first it was hard to work out how much to use to get that lathering effect that they recommend. A large bottle of this will last at least a year so it's definitely good value for money. It's very light with a consistency similar to Cetophyl.
Shame its not suited to my skin at this stage.
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by NellieLahiff.
Rating:
Nov 5, 2011 11:31pm
DemalogicaSpecial Cleansing Gel
I have combination skin and this is my favourite gel cleanser. I find that it is not drying and a little goes a long way. The scent is fresh and light which is great for me cause I don't like strong scented cleansers. I use it with the Dermalogica Precleanse or wipes to remove make up first.
Rating:
Aug 25, 2011 11:46pm
Amazing, used during my make-up course at tafe
there was no one in my course that had a problem with this product, it really put a lovely clean to your skin, as it does say, it is much better used with a double cleanse system, first cleanse more used to remove make-up excess oil or dirt over the skin, then second cleanse really gets in there and does a deep clean. Make sure you have removed all make-up before hand to get best effect :)
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by chantalykins.
Rating:
Aug 23, 2011 6:43pm
fantastic
I will definitely repurchase! This is a great cleanser for me ,they suggest you do a "double cleanse" to take off all your makeup and then get your face really clean. I can use this twice in a row and it doesn't dry my skin out. I have a problem with cleansers in that sometimes they really seem to make my face feel tight afterwards ... this one feels really nice.
Rating:
Jul 23, 2011 9:32pm
terrific cleanser!
I love this cleanser to bits! although, I have one slight issue, I can only use it in cooler months as it just can keep up with my troublesome skin in the summer. Prehaps better suited to less oily skin
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by Dizzylizzy.
Rating:
Jun 21, 2011 11:31am
It's all about the foam!
Special Cleansing Gel is a cult favourite and after just one use it's easy to see why!
The most important thing to remember when using Special Cleansing Gel is getting the consistancy just right before you apply it to your skin.
From somebody who has enjoyed a decade of cleansing with this product, here is how you can enjoy the best results from your Special Cleansing Gel;
Firstly, cup your hand and add a 10c piece of Special Cleansing Gel to your damp hand. Add water until you create a soft, foamy lather before applying Special Cleansing Gel to your damp skin. This product contains an ingredient called Saponaria which LOVES water so the more you add, the better your foam- the better your foam, the better your cleanse! Simple! If you do not activate your Special Cleansing Gel in this way, the concentrated gel can leave your skin feeling tight.
If you have any questions or feedback or would like to discuss your experience with Dermalogica's Special Cleansing Gel please contact our Dermalogica Sydney Head Office on 1800 659 118 or email us at enquiry@dermalogica.com.au
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by DermalogicaSydney.
Rating:
Jun 19, 2011 4:17pm
Too drying!
This cleanser definately feels like it cleans your face however it leaves skin feeling tight and after a while dry too. I originally thought this was how my skin was meant to feel after a cleanse but now that I use a different cleanser I can definately see that this one is not good!
Rating:
Mar 7, 2011 5:55pm
Cleansing but a bit drying.
This looks like a clear gel that isn't thick in consistency. Quite runny. After wetting face and hands down and applying this to my face, it foams up immediately to a very nice lather. I usually rub this into my face in circular motions for 60 secs, just to make sure I'm getting all the makeup and built-up grime off my face. It feels great to use, my only negative was that it left my skin feeling a bit dryer than normal. I have very dry/mature skin and use hydrating cream cleansers most of the time.
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by iluvfacialz.
Rating:
Feb 28, 2011 4:42pm
Possibly my HG cleanser
This fresh smelling cleanser foams up so well with the tiniest drop and leaves my combination/sensitive skin bright and smooth. I use it in combination with a clarisonic and love the obvious difference in my skin. On a brief hiatus from the cleanser recently my skin really went into protest mode! You get a lot of product for the price and Dermalogica always delivers top quality ingredients. Even in winter this cleanser doesn't dry my skin out as many do. I wont be going without it again!
Rating:
Feb 8, 2011 9:52pm
perfect balance
I've just recently gotten into skincare and hadn't thought much of dermalogica since its always been on the expensive side. The first time i tried this i loved it. When i first squeezed some into my hand i didn't think much of it since it was on the runny side however it was just wonderful. It was a perfect cleanser. I have combination skin/sometimes sensitive and this cleanser was neither harsh or gentle and so in the end my skin felt clean and fresh.
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by investress.
Rating:
Jan 24, 2011 2:38pm
a great gel cleanser
I love the mint smell, it's refreshing. I have very senitive skin, but have no problem at all with this product.
It doesn't make your skin over dry. Considering the price/mL, it is economical and does a better job than other cleansers in the market.
Rating:
Jan 19, 2011 6:23pm
Great gel cleanser
I have used this cleanser for a few years. It is an effective cleanser without stripping or drying the skin.
Recently I have started using this with my Clarisonic and it has worked a treat - it removed all traces of makeup and dirt.
Suitable for all skin types - for the record I have dry skin.
Rating:
Jan 16, 2011 12:49pm
Makes my skin feel so refreshed!
I love this product, my sister started using it quite some time ago and got me onto it. I have acne prone skin and a little dry too, this product makes my skin feel so soft and refreshed, without the feeling of drying it out.
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by Unleashed82.
Rating:
Jan 11, 2011 2:51pm
great
Love it. Been using this product for some time. And when I run out I always think a cheaper brand will do. However I always return to this product. I swear by dermologica
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by Hpaternott.
Rating:
Jan 8, 2011 10:28am
Great product, but not worth the cost as there are others just as good but cheaper
lather on hands before application
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by Erica rach.
Rating:
Jan 7, 2011 9:01pm
dries out skin, like dish washer for me
cleans off oil and cleans skin thoroughly but was really harsh on my face. it was good for the back in the shower. this was recommended to me before the clean start range came out. it is for adults and when used on teenagers, it peels off the skin and makes it become sensitive. was not for me.
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by Jenkneefar.
Rating:
Nov 21, 2010 1:26pm
My Star Performer
So great to use in the shower and the big pump pack bottle lasts around 12 months as long as my husband doesnt use it as body wash! If my skin is ever being problematic, I just go back to my fail safe cleanser and all is right again.
Rating:
Nov 19, 2010 5:37pm
The Most Popular Cleanser out there
Tons of my friends have this product. It works great with most skin types and leaves you feeling refreshed and oil free, without the tightness of most gel cleansers. You feel truely pampered.
Rating:
Nov 16, 2010 12:34pm
luved it
I love this cleanser, leaves ur skin feeling clean but without the drying effects.
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by emeraldeyez.
Rating:
Nov 15, 2010 3:50pm
Hmmm...
Well I was really excited when I first tried the special cleansing gel as part of the combination pack from dermalogica and sadly to say it will be my last. It does lather up beautifully, but what I don't like about is is the cost and the fact that it doesn't remove my makeup.
Rating:
Sep 10, 2010 4:10pm
Great cleanser
Works well on my combination skin. I only use it at night as I need something slightly more "hard core" for the mornings.
I love the texture and smell, and It doesn't make my skin overly dry.
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by starstruck.
Rating:
Jul 21, 2010 10:37pm
A bit dry for my skin
I had acne prone, combination skin and this was recommended by my beautician. I liked the nice subtle lavender smell of the cleanser and the gel had a great texture. A little also goes a long way so its good value for money. However, after a while, it started feeling a little bit too drying for my skin.
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by Lovelylily.
Rating:
Mar 14, 2010 1:30pm
Dermalogica Cleansing Gel Is Special!
I like the convenience of a dry cleanser as with wet cleansers I always get water everywhere when I am washing my face with them. You could do the freestyle in the bathroom it is that bad so I only use a wet cleanser like the Special Cleansing Gel in the shower.
I adore the different cleansers Dermalogica have to offer and they are a better quality brand to the cheaper costing cleanser.
This cleanser is a clear sheer scented gel that I lather a small amount of onto my hands and massage the cleanser onto my face and seconds later I am rinsing it off as it does its magic that fast. It is so worth spending the extra money on a Dermalogica cleanser like this Special Cleansing Gel as like this cleanser a lot of the Dermalogica cleansers not only cleanse my face but it also sloughs off the dead skin cells and leaves my face so soft. Not long after cleansing with this gel my face experiences a tightening effect that lasts for hours so I just know it is doing something special in the fight against free radicals and ageing when a product does this to my skin.
Another great cleanser from Dermalogica. If they make a dry cleanser one I think I would fall in love.
Rating:
Dec 17, 2009 1:21am
All time fave cleanser
This really leaves my skin feeling clean, refreshed and soft. You only need to use a small amount too - so it goes a long way. I buy the large pump bottle and it lasts around six months.
Rating:
Aug 13, 2009 1:16pm
Best feel cleanser
Helped to really clean and not dry out my skin and eventually assisted in relieving any irritations.
Rating:
Aug 5, 2009 12:21pm
Soap-free
This cleansing gel has just been recommended to me when I had a facial recently. It is great for my skin as it is soap-free, so doesnt leave my skin dry and contains no artificial fragrances or colours. I love how it foams, so its easy to apply in the shower or over the sink.
Rating:
Aug 4, 2009 10:38am
Gel cleanser
I've always like the feel of gels, rather than traditional cleanser with a soapy feel to it. This cleanser is wonderful. It made my skin brighter and feels so refreshed thanks to the balm mint, but yet so subtle. Recommended for normal skin types.
Rating:
Jul 23, 2009 11:04am
Fantastic
I love this cleansing gel, my skins feels smooth after using it twice a day.
Rating:
Jul 10, 2009 9:22pm
Favourite Cleanser for All Conditions
This is one of my all time favourite cleansers that I have been able to use when my skin has been dehydrated, when it has been congested, in dryer winters and hot sticky summers. Brilliant all rounder!!!
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by Travellingstranger.
Rating:
Jul 6, 2009 3:51pm
Love it Love it Love it!
This is a fantasic cleansing gel for everyday use for those with combination skin! Absolutley Fabulous!
Rating:
May 4, 2009 2:55pm
Great product
When I first tried the Special Cleansing Gel I was a bit turned off by the texture of the gel, but I soon got used to it, and was loving the way my skin felt afterwards.
Rating:
Apr 21, 2009 11:02am
face savin cleanser
A terrific fresh smelling cleanser, fantastic for oily or combination skin, left my skin feeling clean and not tight
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by Fatima_babz.
Rating:
Mar 26, 2009 10:18pm
Great everyday cleanser, but a bit too harsh.
I really love Dermalogica as a brand, as they are fragrance free (major yay!), but this cleanser dries out my oily skin, leaving it tight and dry. I'm guesing if you use a moisturiser after your skin should be fine, but for me, I prefer something more gentle, like Dermalogica's UltraCalming Cleanser, which is fantastic for my acne-prone but sensitive skin!
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by Sydneyswans910.
Rating:
Mar 16, 2009 2:29pm
Not for me
I was hesitant in trying this gel cleanser as from experience they tend to dry and irritate my skin. I was right. The cleanser soaped up easily and smelled lovely, but it made my skin feel tight and uncomfortable. I have blemishes and a slightly oily T-zone, but I also have sensitive skin so this product just isn't suited to me.
Rating:
Mar 11, 2009 1:31pm
Great for excess oil allover, Not so Great for sen
I bought a kit from Dermalogica which contained this cleanser. My skin was extremely oily and acne prone when I used this so I thought it would be mild. Being quite sensitive outside my T Zone I wasn't worried. The first 2-3 weeks it really helped clear up the excess oil and my skin began to feel normal after feeling like someone had basted my face with oil! I do expect though that this is because I had been using cheaper products which broke my skin out. However before I could finish the little bottle my skin outside my T zone became so dry it started to sting and get flaky on my cheeks. I then started alternating it with a natural cleanser. I have really hard skin to control. My T zone is always oily, but my whole face can break out if I switch to cheaper products- even my cheeks! My skin outside my T Zone is very sensitive so I have to really watch my skin. Overall this was a good product although I still prefer something stronger for when I need to de-oil like MD Form.or Alpha H. If you have skin like me it is always best to alternate with something more gentle or use it only on your T Zone. I wouldn't buy this again although I could feel why some people would love it :-) Dermalogica just doesn't do "it" for me. I am still a firm M.D Form girl.
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by chocochicky.
Rating:
Feb 3, 2009 8:52pm
Good cleanser
I've been lucky enough to try a few Dermalogica cleansers through getting samples. I really liked the clay cleanser, but this is probably better suited to my combo skin. Was very gentle, only a small amount needed, lightly foaming and I actually used to remove my eye makeup with no irritation. Skin didn't feel at all stripped, just as if I'd had no makeup on in the first place. Lovely product.
Rating:
Nov 19, 2008 7:48pm
The right stuff
This is a fantastic cleanser but at a price. I would love using all of Dermalogica, but the wallet doesn't allow it.
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by MissKrispy.
Rating:
Sep 30, 2008 11:54am
Gentle & Effective
A very gentle cleanser that is great for everyday use. Doesn't leave your skin feeling tight or dry. However, you might still need something else to remove really heavy eye makeup.
Rating:
Aug 2, 2008 9:34pm
Great value for money
Amazing product which kept my skin soft, supple and hydrated. It even removed my makeup! A+
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by Spoilt by Pink Diva.
Rating:
Apr 16, 2008 9:42pm
Refreshing Cleanser
This is a great cleanser which leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed without stripping it of all its natural oils and doesn't leave me with that tight feeling.
Rating:
Mar 4, 2008 6:19pm
facesaving cleanser
This cleanser cleans deeply without stripping all the oil from my skin. It leaves my face clean and refreshed
Rating:
Feb 10, 2008 3:05pm
Very Spesh!
This cleansing gel is so gentle that even with my very dry skin I didn't get any tightness at all. I love the creamy feel of this gel when washing my face and the sutble hint of mint. Leaves my skin feeling so clean and fresh!
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by ZoutLiquorice.
Rating:
Jan 21, 2008 2:31pm
** award winner **
Best Cleanser for Combo Skin over $30 – Special Cleansing Gel (winner), Dolly Beauty Awards 2007
Read the full review of Special Cleansing Gel by Dermalogica.
Rating:
Nov 19, 2007 10:39am
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
A terrific fresh smelling cleanser, fantastic for oily or combination skin, left my skin feeling clean and not tight.
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