# Dr. Althea Amino Gel Cleanser for dry skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/amino-gel-cleanser/for/dry-skin

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

Brand: [Dr. Althea](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/dr-althea)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, 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 skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers general hydration benefits for your dry or flaky skin due to the presence of Glycerin and Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, which provide moisturizing and humectant effects.
- Provides moderate cleansing due to cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium cocoyl isethionate, aiding in impurity removal without causing dryness.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your dry skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Glycerin

## 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/))
- Betula alba bark extract and Empetrum nigrum fruit juice upregulated barrier genes, strengthened the skin barrier, and showed significantly better skin restructuring, hydration, and TEWL compared to placebo and 3% niacinamide. ([International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36293365/))
- 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 limited data, this gel-to-foam cleanser is highly regarded by users with sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin for its effective yet gentle cleansing. It is frequently praised for leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated without stripping its natural moisture barrier, and is noted for its soothing properties. Some users with specific dehydration concerns found it slightly drying, and a few mentioned it requires effort to lather.

- Liked: Gentle & non-stripping (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Soothing for sensitive (often mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating finish (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Pleasant texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Lathering effort (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Residue feeling (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Slightly drying (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your skin clean. Start using it daily right away since your skin is not sensitive.
- Apply this cleanser as the very first step in your morning routine and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Follow with your toner and moisturizer afterwards.
- Gently massage a small amount of cleanser onto your face using soft circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply this cleanser on slightly damp skin for a comfortable and refreshing wash. This helps maintain your skin's natural moisture while cleansing away dirt.
- Avoid getting the cleanser directly into your eyes to prevent any irritation. Do a simple patch test before your first use to ensure your skin likes it.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Dr. Althea Amino Gel Cleanser a weak match for dry skin?

This cleanser is a weak match for dry skin because it lacks the rich blend of hydrating ingredients and barrier-repairing ceramides and hyaluronic acid that a cleanser of this type needs to maintain moisture levels in dry skin.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

This cleanser is a weak match for dry skin because it lacks essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, which are needed to provide deep hydration and support the skin barrier. While it contains glycerin to help draw in moisture and mild cleansers that remove impurities without stripping the skin, it does not offer enough moisture for dry skin types.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Water do for dry skin?

Drinking more water helps increase skin hydration and may reduce clinical signs of dryness and roughness, particularly for individuals with lower prior water consumption.
Sources: [Skin Research and Technology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29392767/)

### What does Birch Juice do for dry skin?

Birch juice is generally used in skincare to help hydrate dry skin, though it needs supportive ingredients like plant oils or ceramides to properly lock in moisture and reinforce the skin barrier.
Sources: [Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21709432/)

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

This cleanser goes in both your morning and evening routine as the first step before your toners, treatments, and moisturizers. Using a mild cleanser as part of a consistent daily routine helps improve visual dryness and overall skin comfort.
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, applying it first to wash your face before putting on your retinol. Because this cleanser is a weak match for dry skin, a cleanser of this type needs extra moisturizing ingredients like ceramides and rich oils to keep dry skin soft and comfortable.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

This cleanser may be used in your morning and evening routines. To keep dry skin comfortable, a cleanser of this type needs added richer moisturizing ingredients and oils that lock in hydration.
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 skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for dry skin. It has a very safe formula with gentle cleansing ingredients that clean without being harsh, though a dry skin type needs a creamy cleanser with rich oils and butters to stay soft and smooth.
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?

This cleanser is generally safe to use on the thin skin around your eyes and on your body because it has a very safe formula with no harsh ingredients. However, because it is a weak match for dry skin, a cleanser for this skin needs extra rich oils and heavy moisturizing ingredients to keep dry skin soft and smooth.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-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-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-skin) — Superior fit — CA$25.96 at Amazon

## Routine for dry skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dear-klairs/supple-preparation-unscented-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$27.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tata-harper/repairative-moisturizer/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$162.00 at Amazon
- SPF: [d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/d-alba/piedmont-waterfull-mild-sunscreen/for/dry-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-skin) — Superior fit — CA$17.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-poremizing-fresh-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$22.09 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tata-harper/repairative-moisturizer/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$162.00 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$17.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-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-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-poremizing-fresh-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$22.09 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tata-harper/repairative-moisturizer/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$162.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ca: CA$29.79 (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07RY6Q6QM?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 3 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Disodium Edta
## 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/dr-althea/amino-gel-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dr-althea/amino-gel-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dr-althea/amino-gel-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dr-althea/amino-gel-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/dr-althea/amino-gel-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dr-althea/amino-gel-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-althea/amino-gel-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/dr-althea/amino-gel-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/amino-gel-cleanser/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-althea/amino-gel-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dr-althea/amino-gel-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-althea/amino-gel-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dr-althea/amino-gel-cleanser/for/dry-skin