# Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser for dry sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for dry sensitive skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Canada.

Brand: [Clarins](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/clarins)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for dry sensitive skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your dry and sensitive skin as glycerin and shea butter provide humectant and emollient actions, respectively, to address dryness and flakiness.
- The cleansing agents, sodium cocoyl isethionate and sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, effectively remove impurities while maintaining a gentle profile for your skin.
- The formula is safe for your skin due to the absence of harsh or prohibited ingredients, minimizing irritation risks.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low (this page)
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Alpine Herbs, Shea Extracts Butter, Tamarindus Indica Pulp, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

## What the research says

- A 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Sodium cocoyl isethionate micelles are too large to penetrate stratum corneum aqueous pores, resulting in significant steric hindrance that prevents skin barrier perturbation and explains its skin mildness. ([Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/))
- A cleansing lotion containing tamarind fruit pulp extract showed no significant difference in skin irritation, transepidermal water loss, or erythema compared with a placebo product and de-ionized water in 15 healthy females. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17760696/))
- A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events. ([Lasers in Medical Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/))
- A skin barrier restoring cream with shea butter, silkflo, and vitamin E increased type I procollagen synthesis, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, decreased reactive oxygen species generation, and promoted hyaluronic acid production in H2O2-stimulated human keratinocyte cells compared to untreated cells. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39528438/))
- Topical application of a water-in-oil cosmetic emulsion containing 4% Tamarindus indica seeds extract significantly improved skin elasticity, moisture content, and surface evaluation parameters in 11 healthy male volunteers compared to a control base over 12 weeks. ([Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28951709/))
- Tamarindus indica n-hexane extracts from various organs demonstrated anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities by inhibiting nitric oxide and promoting fibroblast migration in in-vitro assays compared to control cells. ([Plants, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36616217/))
- The 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, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, the Gentle Foaming Cleanser line is highly regarded for its effective yet gentle cleansing, creating a rich lather that removes impurities without stripping the skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. While many appreciate the pleasant scent and the product's longevity, a notable number of long-time users express disappointment with the reformulation from the original version, citing a strong fragrance and occasional skin irritation as drawbacks.

- Liked: Effective gentle cleansing (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Non-drying formula (often mentioned)
- Liked: Rich creamy lather (often mentioned)
- Liked: Long-lasting tube (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Pleasant spa scent (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Reformulation disappointment (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong fragrance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Drying for some (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Eye irritation (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your face fresh. Start slowly once a day if your dry skin feels sensitive at first.
- Apply your cleanser first thing in your routine before any toner or moisturizer. Follow the usual steps for your AM or PM daily routine.
- Gently massage the cleanser onto your face using soft circular motions. Avoid harsh rubbing to protect your dry skin.
- Apply the cleanser to slightly damp skin to help it clean gently without stripping moisture. This method is very safe for sensitive and dry skin types.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and avoid the delicate eye area. Always do a patch test before using the product for the first time.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser a weak match for dry sensitive skin?

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser is a weak match because, although it contains glycerin and shea butter to help with dryness and flakiness, it does not provide the deep moisture and barrier restoration that dry sensitive skin needs. A cleanser of this type needs rich hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and skin health.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a poor fit for dry sensitive skin?

This cleanser is a weak match for dry sensitive skin because it lacks the ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and richer barrier-repairing ingredients needed to properly lock in moisture and protect this skin type.

### What do Alpine Herbs do for dry sensitive skin?

Alpine Herbs help soothe dry sensitive skin and keep it comfortable by calming redness and locking in moisture. They provide gentle relief without causing irritation, making your face feel soft and smooth.

### What does Shea Butter do for dry sensitive skin?

Shea butter helps soothe dry sensitive skin by providing rich moisture and supporting the skin barrier to keep it calm and soft. It is unlikely to cause irritation and may reduce tightness. This skin type needs moisturizers with soothing plant oils and gentle hydrators.
Sources: [International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29280987/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26596512/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?

In a routine for dry sensitive skin, this cleanser goes in the morning and evening steps to remove impurities while maintaining a gentle profile. Because this cleanser is a weak match for your skin, a suitable cleanser for this type needs added gentle ingredients and hydrating boosters to address dryness and flakiness.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/)

### Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cleanser with retinol by washing your face with it before applying your retinol treatment. Because this cleanser is a weak match for dry sensitive skin, dry skin types need a gentle cleanser with extra hydrating ingredients like ceramides and soothing plant extracts to protect the skin barrier.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily as part of your morning and evening routine to wash away impurities. A gentle daily routine featuring a mild cleanser helps improve dryness and keeps skin comfortable without causing irritation.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/)

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to cause breakouts for dry sensitive skin because its ingredients have a safe profile that minimizes irritation risks. However, a product for this skin needs extra soothing and deeply moisturizing ingredients like ceramides and plant oils to keep skin calm and smooth.

### Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?

This cleanser is a weak match for dry sensitive skin, as the eyelid and other delicate areas need a very gentle, hydrating cleanser with rich butters and glycerin to prevent tightness and irritation.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17760696/)

### Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum).

## Alternatives for dry sensitive skin

- [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$30.56 at Amazon
- [ETUDE Soonjung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/etude/soonjung-ph-6-5-whip-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$25.96 at Amazon

## Routine for dry sensitive skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$49.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/d-alba/uvessence-mild-waterfull-sun-cream-spf-50/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$38.00 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$17.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$49.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/galactomyces-95-tone-balancing-essence/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.49 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.99 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$17.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/mediheal/vita-essential-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/galactomyces-95-tone-balancing-essence/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.49 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ca: CA$48.00 (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D6S2ZT58?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Shoppers Drug Mart: CA$48.00 (https://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/clarins-soothing-gentle-foaming-cleanser/p/BB_3666057216480?variantCode=3666057216480)
- Sephora: CA$48.00 (https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/clarins-gentle-renewing-cleansing-mousse-P475080?skuId=2481216)
Prices checked 10 Oct – 3 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Squalane, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Propanediol, Glycol Distearate, Coconut Acid, Glyceryl Behenate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, C14-22 Alcohols, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Sodium Isethionate, Parfum, Sodium Citrate, Chlorphenesin, Citric Acid, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Disodium Edta, Maltodextrin, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, T-Butyl Alcohol, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract, Gentiana Lutea Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Matricaria Flower Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/clarins/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin