Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser for dry sensitive skin
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Copper Gluconate
Zinc Gluconate
Dimethyl Mea Dmae
Aha Complex
Low
- LowDry Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- ConcerningSafety
A weak match for dry sensitive skin; the cleansers alongside 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 exfoliation for your dry or flaky skin due to the presence of citric acid, which can be too harsh for sensitive, dry skin.
- The cleanser is unsuitable for your dry skin as sodium laureth sulfate can strip natural oils, and it lacks emollient or humectant ingredients to support barrier function.
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
★4.5Overall rating based on 1.5k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, users frequently praise this gel cleanser for its ability to thoroughly remove makeup and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier, making it a favorite for those with normal to dry skin. Many report softer, brighter, and more radiant skin after use, though a notable minority of users express dissatisfaction with the product's strong fragrance and the recent packaging change from a glass bottle to a plastic tube.
Highlights
Gentle and non-drying Mostly Mentioned
- “never dry or tight”
- “leaves skin soft”
- “doesn't strip moisture”
- “gentle on sensitive skin”
Effective makeup remover Often Mentioned
- “removes all makeup”
- “takes off mascara”
- “cleans thoroughly”
- “melts away dirt”
Anti-aging benefits Sometimes Noted
- “firming effect”
- “helps with fine lines”
- “youthful glow”
- “great for mature skin”
Improves skin texture Sometimes Noted
- “skin looks brighter”
- “smoother complexion”
- “pores look smaller”
- “improves tone”
Packaging issues Sometimes Noted
- “hate the new tube”
- “cap breaks easily”
- “leaks in travel”
- “hard to control amount”
Unpleasant scent Sometimes Noted
- “smells like perfume”
- “strong floral scent”
- “fragrance is awful”
- “scent is overpowering”
Eye irritation Rarely Noted
- “burns my eyes”
- “stings if near eyes”
- “irritates eyes”
- “have to be careful”
High price point Rarely Noted
- “very pricey”
- “expensive for a cleanser”
- “wait for a sale”
- “cost is high”
Sources: lovi.care, nordstrom.com, dermstore.com, perriconemd.com, and more
Questions and answers
Why is Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser a weak match for dry sensitive skin?
Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser is a weak match for dry sensitive skin because it contains sodium laureth sulfate, which can strip natural oils, and lacks the soothing, moisturizing ingredients and barrier-supporting hydrators that this skin type needs.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999
Which ingredients make this cleanser a poor fit for dry sensitive skin?
Citric acid and sodium laureth sulfate make this cleanser a poor fit for dry sensitive skin because they can strip natural oils and cause irritation. Cleansers for this skin type need gentle, soothing ingredients and moisturizing oils that hydrate without stripping natural moisture.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999
What does Alpha Lipoic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?
Alpha lipoic acid helps smooth out fine lines and makes skin texture more even. It may also reduce skin roughness without causing irritation or peeling.
European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2014The British Journal of Dermatology, 2003
What does Copper Gluconate do for dry sensitive skin?
Copper Gluconate helps keep dry sensitive skin feeling calm and smooth by supporting its natural moisture barrier. It is unlikely to cause irritation and works to keep the skin comfortable throughout the day.
Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?
This cleanser is a weak match for dry sensitive skin because its ingredients can strip natural oils and cause irritation. A cleanser for this skin needs gentle surfactants along with soothing and moisturizing ingredients to keep the skin barrier comfortable and soft.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026
Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?
This cleanser is a weak match for your dry sensitive skin because it contains ingredients that can strip natural oils and cause irritation. A cleanser for this skin needs gentle surfactants along with ingredients that lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999
How often should I use this cleanser?
This cleanser is a weak match for your dry sensitive skin because its ingredients can strip natural oils and irritate dry areas. Cleansers for this skin need gentle cleansing agents paired with nourishing oils and moisture-locking ingredients to keep the skin soft and comfortable.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999
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, but it may strip natural oils and cause irritation because it contains sodium laureth sulfate and lacks ingredients that keep skin soft and moisturized. A cleanser for this skin needs gentle cleansing agents along with soothing, moisturizing ingredients that protect your skin barrier.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999
Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?
This cleanser is too harsh for the thin skin around the eyes and dry skin on the body because it contains strong cleansing agents that strip natural oils and lacks soothing, moisturizing ingredients to support your skin barrier. A product of this type needs gentle cleansers paired with rich moisturizing ingredients to protect and hydrate sensitive areas.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026
Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum).
What the research says
Treatment with sodium lauryl ether sulfate emulsion increased transepidermal water loss and skin surface pH while reducing stratum corneum hydration and natural moisturizing factor content compared to diacyl phospholipid emulsions and controls, irrespective of UVA irradiation, in eight healthy volunteers.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026Skin irritation potential of surfactant mixtures in 13 human subjects was dose dependent, with the highest irritation observed in formulations containing sodium laureth sulfate, lauryl glucoside, and cocamide DEA together.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 1999Topical 30% P407 gel loaded with ALA cubosomes reduced facial lines, nearly resolved fine lines in the periorbital and upper lip areas, and improved skin color and texture without irritation or peeling in volunteers.
European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2014Application of 5% cubosomal alpha lipoic acid gel twice daily for 6 months significantly improved global aesthetic scores and increased epidermal thickness compared to placebo in 20 aging female faces.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017Treatment with a cream containing 5% alpha-lipoic acid for 12 weeks reduces skin roughness by an average of 50.8% compared to 40.7% with placebo in women with photoaged facial skin.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2003Zinc gluconate induced alpha2, alpha3, alphaV, and alpha6 integrins, copper gluconate induced alpha2, alpha6, and beta1, and manganese gluconate induced most studied integrins in cultured keratinocytes.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 1999A dermocosmetic cream containing Punica granatum Pericarp extract, Salicylic acid, Niacinamide, Zinc gluconate, and Aqua Posae Filiformis significantly decreased inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesion counts in subjects with mild to moderate acne compared to untreated hemi-faces after 15 days.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026Daily use of a deep cleansing gel containing salicylic acid 2%, zinc gluconate 0.2% and lipohydroxy acid 0.05% significantly reduced total lesion count by 56.3% after 84 days in 35 subjects with mild to moderate truncal acne.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023Different strains of Propionibacterium acnes modulate cutaneous innate immunity with varying pro-inflammatory potentials, with P. acnes type III showing the highest and P. avidum the weakest, and zinc gluconate down-regulates the expression of most induced immune markers.
Experimental Dermatology, 2013Daily application of 3% DMAE facial gel for 16 weeks safely and efficaciously mitigates forehead lines and periorbital fine wrinkles, improves lip shape and fullness and overall aging skin appearance, and increases skin firmness compared to placebo.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2005A gel containing 3% 2-dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) increased skin firmness, demonstrated by increased shear wave velocity in 30 volunteers compared to a formulation without DMAE.
Skin Research and Technology, 2002A DMAE-based formulation increased dermal and collagen fiber thickness in hairless mice and enhanced stratum corneum water content in human forearm skin compared to control formulations, without significantly modifying mechanical properties.
Die Pharmazie, 2009
Why other cleansers fit dry sensitive skin better
- Sodium laureth sulfate in this cleanser
Treatment with sodium lauryl ether sulfate emulsion increased transepidermal water loss and skin surface pH while reducing stratum corneum hydration and natural moisturizing factor content compared to diacyl phospholipid emulsions and controls, irrespective of UVA irradiation, in eight healthy volunteers.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026
Ingredients
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Ppg-2 Hydroxyethyl Coco Isostearamide, Dimethyl Mea Dmae, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Thioctic Acid Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Disodium Edta, Parfum, Benzophenone-4, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone
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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