🇨🇦Canada

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser for dry sensitive skin

Average

  • AverageDry Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for dry sensitive skin; other cleansers fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. 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

  • Offers moderate cleansing for your dry and sensitive skin, as caprylic capric triglyceride and theobroma cacao seed butter help dissolve impurities without causing irritation. Glycerin and panthenol provide humectant action, offering some hydration for dry or flaky skin.
  • The formula is safe for your dry and sensitive skin, containing no harsh ingredients that could trigger irritation.
  • While it offers some hydration, the product lacks sufficient emollient ingredients for optimal moisture replenishment for your dry skin.

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.

People Say

★4.8Overall rating based on 1.6k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, this cream cleanser is highly praised for its rich texture that effectively removes makeup and leaves dry, sensitive skin feeling hydrated and polished. Some users with acne-prone or reactive skin reported breakouts and irritation, possibly due to the cocoa butter or eucalyptus fragrance.

Highlights

  • Effective makeup remover Mostly Mentioned
    • “Melts waterproof mascara”
    • “Removes heavy makeup”
    • “Dissolves daily grime”
  • Softens and hydrates Often Mentioned
    • “Leaves skin soft”
    • “Non-drying formula”
    • “Polishes skin smooth”
  • Spa-like experience Often Mentioned
    • “Smells like a spa”
    • “Luxurious daily ritual”
    • “Relaxing eucalyptus scent”
  • Gentle on sensitive skin Sometimes Noted
    • “Soothing and non-stripping”
  • High price point Sometimes Noted
    • “Expensive for cleanser”
    • “Pricey daily staple”
    • “Not budget friendly”
  • Causes breakouts Rarely Noted
    • “Clogged my pores”
    • “Cocoa butter acne”
    • “Spots the next day”
  • Cloth maintenance Rarely Noted
    • “Cloth dries hard”
    • “High maintenance washing”
    • “Cloths get stained”
  • Scent irritation Rarely Noted
    • “Eucalyptus stings eyes”
    • “Fragrance caused redness”
    • “Too strong smell”

Sources: lovi.care, boots.com, lizearle.com, lookfantastic.com, johnlewis.com, influenster.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish work for dry sensitive skin?

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish works reasonably well for dry sensitive skin by gently melting away dirt without causing irritation, though other products fit it better. It helps hydrate dry or flaky skin with glycerin and panthenol, but it may not provide enough rich moisturizing oils and softeners to fully nourish very dry skin.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

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

Caprylic capric triglyceride and cocoa butter help dissolve impurities without irritating dry sensitive skin, while glycerin and panthenol provide moisture. This cleanser works for this skin type, though it needs rich moisturizing oils and extra soothing ingredients to provide optimal hydration.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

What does Cocoa Butter do for dry sensitive skin?

Cocoa butter helps keep dry sensitive skin soft and smooth by forming a protective layer that locks in moisture and lowers friction. This type of skin needs ingredients that provide rich moisture and a strong barrier to prevent irritation and dryness.

PloS One, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023

What does Eucalyptus Essential Oil do for dry sensitive skin?

Eucalyptus essential oil helps calm redness and ease irritation on dry sensitive skin through its anti-inflammatory properties. Because concentrated essential oils can sometimes cause irritation, this skin type needs soothing ingredients and gentle moisturizers like ceramides or plant oils to protect the skin barrier.

Inflammopharmacology, 2025Archiv Der Pharmazie, 2025

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

This cleanser goes in your morning and evening routine after any makeup remover and before your soothing toner. Using a mild cleanser as part of a daily skincare routine helps improve dryness and keeps skin comfortable without causing irritation.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022

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

You can use this cleanser with retinol by applying the cleanser first to gently wash your face, followed by your retinol treatment. This cleanser is safe for dry and sensitive skin because it avoids harsh irritants, though this skin type needs extra softening and smoothing ingredients like plant oils and rich butters for optimal moisture replenishment.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily in the morning and evening as part of your routine. Using a mild cleanser helps gently remove impurities while supporting skin comfort, though dry skin of this type needs richer softening ingredients and extra moisture replenishment for best results.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022

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

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for your dry sensitive skin, as reviewers rarely report breakouts and the formula avoids harsh irritants. A product of this type needs non-greasy ingredients and soothing plant extracts to clean gently without causing breakouts.

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

You can use this cleanser on the body and around the eyes, as it has a very safe formula that is unlikely to cause irritation. However, because it lacks rich moisturizing ingredients, dry skin on the body needs a product with heavier smoothing and softening ingredients to stay comfortable and well-hydrated.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene). Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

What the research says

  • Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.

    American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
  • A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.

    The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
  • A panthenol-enriched mask significantly decreased erythema and hyperpigmentation, increased sebum and stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to a saline dressing in 60 subjects undergoing facial laser treatment.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
  • A multiple W/O/W emulsion containing Rosmarinus officinalis L., Avena sativa L., and Linum usitatissimum L. extracts showed no irritant, phototoxic, inflammatory, or allergenic potential in human skin models and patch tests, establishing its safety as a cosmetic base.

    Pharmaceutics, 2021
  • An ointment containing larch turpentine, eucalyptus oil, and turpentine oil improved discomfort scores (7.3 vs. 4.7) and increased complete healing (67% vs. 46%) compared to placebo in outpatients with painful skin abscesses over 10 days.

    Complementary Medicine Research, 2023
  • Apigenin protects against UVA-induced cytotoxicity and senescence in normal human dermal fibroblasts, decreases MMP-1 expression, and when applied topically as a cream in human subjects, increases dermal density and elasticity while reducing fine wrinkle length, skin evenness, moisture content, and transepidermal water loss compared to control cream.

    International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2016
  • Topical chamomile oil combined with a night splint significantly improved the symptomatic and functional status of patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome compared to placebo, while electrodiagnostic parameters showed no significant changes.

    Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2015
  • German chamomile solution applied twice a day healed peristomal skin lesions significantly faster than once-a-day 1% hydrocortisone ointment in colostomy patients, with a mean healing time of 8.89 days versus 14.53 days.

    Ostomy/wound Management, 2011
  • Topical application of rosemary essential oil-loaded lipid nanoparticles in gel vehicles significantly increased skin hydration compared to gels containing free oil, and increased elasticity to a lesser extent, in ten healthy volunteers.

    Pharmaceutics, 2017
  • Topical application of a cream containing the NHE1 activator rosmarinic acid decreased skin surface pH and transepidermal water loss while increasing skin hydration in 50-60-year-old adult females compared to vehicle cream and no treatment.

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022
  • An alcoholic extract of rosemary leaves, Rosm1, demonstrates strong antioxidant activity and inhibits oxidative alterations to skin surface lipids when evaluated in vitro and in vivo.

    International Journal of Tissue Reactions, 2000
  • Topical application of a honey, olive oil, and beeswax mixture three times daily for up to 4 weeks resulted in clinical responses in 86% of patients with pityriasis versicolor, 78% with tinea cruris, and 75% with tinea corporis.

    Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2004
  • A prototype body cream containing bee venom, propolis, honey, beeswax, and royal jelly demonstrated stability for 90 days, high antioxidant capacity of 85.45%, lack of cytotoxicity with over 70% cell viability, and no irritation or allergic reaction in dermatological analysis, while improving skin parameters in a panel test.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
  • MUD1 protected human dermal fibroblasts against AAPH-induced oxidative stress by increasing cell viability, reducing oxidative damage, improving mitochondrial functionality, and enhancing wound healing capacities.

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018

Why other cleansers fit dry sensitive skin better

  • Transgenic cucumber expressing poly-γ-glutamic acid synthesis genes increased water content by 6-14%, reduced water loss by 11-12%, decreased facial wrinkles and roughness by 19.58% and 24.97%, decreased skin melanin by 5.27%, and improved facial elasticity in human skin and zebrafish compared to controls.

    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024

Ingredients

Water, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Esters, Alba Cera Beeswax Cera, Glycerin, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Stearate, Eucalyptus Globulus Oil Leaf, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary Leaf Extract, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Matricaria Flower Extract, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sorbitol, Limonene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide

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.

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.