SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel for oily skin
Lipo Hydroxy Acid
Glycolic Acid
Salicylic Acid
GlycerinHigh
- SuperiorOily Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- HighSafety
A great choice for oily skin; a few cleansers fit it even better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Excellent suitability for your oily skin is provided by salicylic acid and capryloyl salicylic acid, which effectively regulate sebum and offer keratolytic action to decongest pores.
- Moderate exfoliation for your oily skin is achieved through glycolic acid and salicylic acid, offering mild chemical exfoliation to address concerns like oily shine.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your oily skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.
How to apply
- Use your cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your skin fresh. Always make sure to follow with a good SPF in the morning.
- Apply your cleanser as the first step in the morning or the second step in the evening before your toner.
- Gently massage a small amount onto your face using circular motions, then rinse well with water .
- You can apply this cleanser safely on damp skin for a refreshing and easy wash.
- Avoid getting the product directly into your eyes and stop use if irritation occurs.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 800+ reviewsThis cleanser is widely celebrated by users with oily, acne-prone, and aging skin for its ability to deeply exfoliate and decongest pores using a blend of LHA, glycolic, and salicylic acids. While most users report clearer, smoother, and brighter skin, a minority find it too drying or experience an initial "purge" of breakouts.
Highlights
Deeply exfoliates Mostly Mentioned
- “decongests clogged pores”
- “refines skin surface”
- “removes dead skin”
- “deep clean feeling”
Clears acne Often Mentioned
- “gets rid of blackheads”
- “controls adult acne”
- “breakouts appear reduced”
- “keeps skin clear”
Controls oil Often Mentioned
- “reduces oil”
- “less oily throughout day”
- “removes excess sebum”
- “matte finish”
Refines texture Often Mentioned
- “smoothes skin texture”
- “skin feels soft”
- “improves skin clarity”
- “brightens complexion”
Refreshing feel Sometimes Noted
- “cooling sensation”
- “tingling feel”
- “fresh citrus scent”
- “feels invigorating”
Can be drying Sometimes Noted
- “good but drying”
- “felt tight after”
- “stripped natural oils”
- “too harsh for daily use”
High price point Sometimes Noted
- “expensive”
- “pricey for a wash”
- “costly investment”
- “wish it was cheaper”
Causes breakouts Rarely Noted
- “broke me out”
- “worsened acne initially”
- “caused purging”
- “irritated my skin”
Poor packaging Rarely Noted
- “pours out too fast”
- “hard to control amount”
- “wastes product”
- “leaks easily”
Sources: lovi.care, lovelyskin.com, bluemercury.com, skinceuticals.com, reddit.com, dermstore.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel a great fit for oily skin?
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel is a great fit for oily skin because salicylic acid and capryloyl salicylic acid regulate sebum and unclog pores, while glycolic acid gently reduces oily shine. It has an excellent safety profile with no risk of irritation from harsh ingredients.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for oily skin?
Salicylic acid and capryloyl salicylic acid are great for your oily skin because they help control oil and clear out clogged pores. Glycolic acid and salicylic acid also provide mild exfoliation to help reduce oily shine without causing irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
What does Lipo Hydroxy Acid do for oily skin?
Lipo Hydroxy Acid helps keep oily skin clear by diving deep into pores to sweep away dead cells and excess oil. This gentle action helps calm redness and reduces breakouts while keeping your face feeling smooth and balanced.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015Experimental Dermatology, 2019
What does Glycolic Acid do for oily skin?
Glycolic acid helps clear away dead skin and excess oil for a smooth, clean feel. It gently removes buildup from the surface, which keeps pores clear and skin looking fresh.
Molecules, 2023Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2011
Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for oily skin?
This cleanser goes in your morning and evening routine as the main cleansing step. It is unlikely to cause irritation because it lacks harsh ingredients, and it helps manage oil and clear pores with salicylic acid and glycolic acid.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this cleanser with retinol by applying it first to clean your skin, followed by your retinol treatment once your skin is fully dry. This helps manage oily shine while being unlikely to cause irritation.
How often should I use this cleanser?
You can use this cleanser daily as part of your morning and evening routine to help regulate oil and keep pores clear. This product is unlikely to cause irritation and fits your skin well.
Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel is a great fit for oily skin because ingredients like salicylic acid and capryloyl salicylic acid help clear out pores and keep extra oil under control. It is unlikely to cause breakouts, and its gentle acids help stop pores from getting clogged.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?
This cleanser is formulated for facial skin and may be too strong for the very thin skin around the eyes, though it can generally be used on oily areas of the body. Salicylic acid and glycolic acid help clear pores and control oil, but sensitive areas may react strongly to active acids.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
Daily treatment with a facial serum containing multiple acids reduced post-inflammatory hyperchromia lesion grade and number by 29.4% at 56 days, and decreased skin oiliness by 30.7% at 7 days in Brazilian patients with acne vulgaris.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene showed no hindrance compared to adapalene monotherapy and provided benefits in reducing complications in 25 subjects with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase.
BioMed Research International, 2020Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Capryloyl salicylic acid peel reduced fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation comparably to glycolic acid peel in 44 female volunteers, with no statistically significant differences between the two treatments.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008Combining a salicylic acid and lipohydroxy acid facial serum and mask improved closed comedones and acne severity significantly more than serum alone in adults with acne over 8 weeks, with no adverse reactions reported.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023Parity was demonstrated between an OTC BPO 5.5% formulation with lipohydroxy acid and tretinoin cream 0.025% versus prescription clindamycin 1%-BPO 5% gel and tretinoin cream 0.025% in participants with mild to moderate acne vulgaris at 12 weeks.
Cutis, 2012Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks.
International Journal of Dermatology, 2000Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone.
Dermatologic Surgery, 2017Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients.
CMAJ, 2010Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid achieved the greatest lesion reduction at early 2 to 4 week time points compared to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, while 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin showed similar efficacy at 10 to 12 weeks in acne patients.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001
Ingredients
Water, Coco-Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Triethanolamine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Disteareth-100 Ipdi, Salicylic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Menthol, Disodium Edta, Steareth-100
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
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