# Dermalogica ultracalming™ cleanser for dry sensitive skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dermalogica/ultracalmingtm-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: [Dermalogica](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/dermalogica)
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 great choice for dry sensitive skin; a few cleansers fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Highly suitable for your dry skin as glycerin provides humectant action, and the absence of harsh surfactants prevents stripping.
- The presence of Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine offers moderate cleansing to remove impurities, while the formula is safe for your sensitive skin.
- This cleanser is formulated without harsh ingredients, ensuring no irritation for your dry and sensitive skin.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Citric Acid

## 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/))
- The cytotoxic effect of sodium lauryl sulphate on normal human keratinocytes was significantly decreased when combined with cocamidopropyl betaine, Tween 20, and Tween 80 at concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration. ([Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12677096/))
- 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/))
- A novel composition containing salicylic acid, capryloyl salicylic acid, HEPES, glycolic acid, citric acid, and dioic acid showed similar tolerance and efficacy compared with clindamycin 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in subjects with acne vulgaris. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23545907/))
- 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, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/))
- Topical 20% citric acid lotion increases viable epidermal thickness and dermal glycosaminoglycan content in sun-damaged skin compared to vehicle alone. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 1997](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9256916/))

## What reviewers say

Users consistently report that it effectively reduces redness and fortifies the skin barrier, leaving it hydrated. Many note that it is too mild to remove heavy makeup or sunscreen on its own, often requiring a double-cleanse routine.

- Liked: Extremely gentle (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Non-stripping (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Poor makeup removal (often mentioned)
- Liked: Pleasant scent (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Safe for eyes (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Texture preference (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

### What makes Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser a great fit for dry sensitive skin?

Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser is a great fit because glycerin helps keep your skin hydrated, and gentle cleansers wash away impurities without stripping dry areas. It is formulated without harsh ingredients, which helps prevent irritation and keeps sensitive skin calm.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Glycerin helps keep dry skin soft by holding onto moisture, and gentle cleansers like Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, and Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate wash away dirt without stripping away your natural oils. This formula is unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate do for dry sensitive skin?

Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate cleanses dry sensitive skin gently while helping to keep the skin barrier safe from irritation and dryness. This mild cleansing ingredient washes away dirt without stripping away natural moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft and calm.
Sources: [Dermatologic Therapy, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14728695/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305430/)

### What does Cocamidopropyl Betaine do for dry sensitive skin?

Cocamidopropyl betaine is a cleansing ingredient that may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin. If you have easily irritated skin, this type of product needs very gentle, well-tolerated cleansers and soothing ingredients to keep skin calm.
Sources: [Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24507163/)

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

This cleanser goes in your morning and evening routine, used after a makeup remover at night. It is a great fit for your dry sensitive skin because glycerin draws in moisture while gentle cleansers lift away impurities without stripping your skin.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

You can use this cleanser in your routine when using retinol, as it washes away impurities gently without stripping your dry and sensitive skin. Use the cleanser first to clean your skin, and then follow with your retinol treatment.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine. Using a gentle cleanser helps remove impurities without stripping dry and sensitive skin.
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 clog pores or cause breakouts for dry sensitive skin because it avoids heavy, pore-clogging oils and uses gentle cleansers that rinse clean without stripping natural moisture. The formula helps keep skin calm by leaving out harsh irritants.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/)

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

Yes, you can use this cleanser around the eyes and on your body because its gentle formula is safe and unlikely to cause irritation. The glycerin helps keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated while you wash.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum, limonene, linalool, and citral).

## 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

## Pairs well with

- 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
- 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

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ca: CA$108.00 (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00D58RWPU?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Sephora: CA$69.00 (https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/ultracalming-cleanser-P423127?skuId=2002368)
Prices checked 15 Oct – 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Disodium Edta, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool, Citral
## 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/dermalogica/ultracalmingtm-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dermalogica/ultracalmingtm-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/ultracalmingtm-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dermalogica/ultracalmingtm-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/dermalogica/ultracalmingtm-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dermalogica/ultracalmingtm-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dermalogica/ultracalmingtm-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/dermalogica/ultracalmingtm-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dermalogica/ultracalmingtm-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dermalogica/ultracalmingtm-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dermalogica/ultracalmingtm-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dermalogica/ultracalmingtm-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dermalogica/ultracalmingtm-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin