# ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser for dry skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/zo-skin-health/gentle-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: [ZO Skin Health](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/zo-skin-health)
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 moderate cleansing for your dry skin, as glycerin provides some humectant action, but the formula lacks sufficient emollients to fully address dryness.
- The cleansing agents, Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine, are effective at pore cleansing but do not offer specialized benefits for flaky skin.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract

## What the research says

- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Topical green tea extract significantly improved clinical symptoms, tear breakup times, and meibomian gland health compared to standard treatment in patients with dry eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. ([Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28384900/))
- Topical low-dose green tea extract reduces UVB-induced p53 expression and apoptosis in human skin keratinocytes compared to placebo. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18631247/))
- An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31239743/))
- Topical steroid withdrawal is driven by excess mitochondrial NAD+ metabolism that can be successfully targeted using complex I-inhibiting interventions such as metformin and berberine. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40088241/))
- Topical steroid withdrawal presents as a distinct dermatopathology characterized by burning, flushing, thermodysregulation, and elevated mitochondrial NAD+ oxidation, which can be improved by targeting complex I with metformin or berberine. ([MedRxiv, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38712043/))
- Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose hydrogel formulations of berberine chloride-loaded escinosomes increased skin residence time and transdermal permeability while maintaining high safety and biocompatibility without skin irritation. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32682035/))

## Why other cleansers fit dry skin better

- Phytosphingosine increased filaggrin metabolism and skin hydration in human skin by stimulating filaggrin biosynthesis and degradation leading to natural moisturizing factor formation. ([Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28936777/))
- Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans. ([Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10965426/))

## What reviewers say

This cleanser is highly rated for its ability to deeply cleanse pores and remove makeup without stripping the skin's natural moisture. It is often recommended for all skin types, including sensitive and post-procedure skin, leaving it feeling refreshed, soft, and hydrated. Some users find it to be expensive, and there are concerns about counterfeit products being sold online. A small number of users with very sensitive skin reported mild irritation due to fragrance or dye, and a few found it too drying.

- Liked: Effective makeup removal (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Non-stripping, hydrating (often mentioned)
- Liked: Pleasant sensory experience (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Versatile for skin types (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Risk of counterfeits (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Drying for some (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Fragrance/dye sensitivity (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 ZO Gentle Cleanser a weak match for dry skin?

This cleanser is a weak match for your dry skin because it only offers moderate cleansing and lacks sufficient softening ingredients to fully address dryness. A cleanser of this type needs rich hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide 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 skin?

This cleanser is a weak match for dry skin because strong cleansing agents like sodium laureth sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine can strip away essential moisture. A cleanser for dry skin needs rich moisturizing ingredients and skin-softening oils to keep the skin comfortable and protected.

### What do Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids do for dry skin?

Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids help cleanse dry skin gently by reducing irritation and protecting your skin barrier. This ingredient works by using mild cleansing agents that limit damage to skin proteins and lipids, helping keep your skin feeling soft rather than stripped.
Sources: [Dermatologic Therapy, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14728695/)

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

Cocamidopropyl betaine is a cleansing ingredient that is unlikely to cause major issues when used in rinse-off products, though it may occasionally cause mild irritation or skin sensitivity for some people. Dry skin needs gentle cleansers formulated with surfactants that have diminished interactions with skin proteins and lipids, combined with a neutral or acidic pH and moisturizing agents to reduce barrier damage and improve hydration.
Sources: [Toxicological Research, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38911545/), [Dermatologic Therapy, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14728695/)

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

This cleanser goes in your morning and evening routine as the cleansing step before you hydrate and moisturize. Because it is a weak match for dry skin, a cleanser for this skin type needs extra softening ingredients and richer moisturizing agents to prevent tightness and keep skin soft.
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 in your routine, but a cleanser of this type for dry skin needs extra moisturizing ingredients like ceramides and rich emollients to protect against the dryness that retinol may cause.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine. Dry skin needs a cleanser that includes plenty of skin-softening ingredients to keep the skin comfortable.
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 on dry skin, as its cleansing agents effectively clear pores without heavy oils that typically trigger blemishes. However, because it is a weak match for dry skin, a cleanser of this type needs extra rich softening ingredients and added moisture protectors to keep dry skin comfortable and flake-free.

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

You can use this cleanser on your body, but the skin around your eyes is much thinner and may be more easily irritated by strong cleansing agents. A cleanser for dry skin needs extra rich softening ingredients and gentle cleansers to keep the skin comfortable without stripping away needed moisture.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

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

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

## 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$74.65 (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07GV3NNNL?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 3 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Glycerin, Pterocarpus Soyauxii Extract Wood, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Hordeum Distichon Barley Extrait Dorge À Deux Rangs Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool, Sodium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Blue 1 Ci 42090, Red 33 Ci 17200
## 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/zo-skin-health/gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/zo-skin-health/gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/zo-skin-health/gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/zo-skin-health/gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/zo-skin-health/gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/zo-skin-health/gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/zo-skin-health/gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/zo-skin-health/gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/zo-skin-health/gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/zo-skin-health/gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/zo-skin-health/gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/zo-skin-health/gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/zo-skin-health/gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin