# Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel for sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for sensitive skin.**
Normal Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/sensitive-skin

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

Brand: [Mario Badescu](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/brands/mario-badescu)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with sensitive skin: redness, stinging, and reactions to new products. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for sensitive skin; other cleansers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate cleansing and mild enzymatic exfoliation suitable for your normal skin due to Carica Papaya Fruit Extract and Grapefruit Fruit Extract, which help smooth texture.
- Glycerin provides humectant action, offering general cleansing benefits that align with your normal skin type.
- The product is safe for your sensitive skin as it lacks prohibited or harsh ingredients that could cause irritation.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/sensitive-skin): Average (this page)
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Grapefruit Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine

## What the research says

- Incorporating 1, 2, and 5 percent papain into starch- and carboxymethyl cellulose-based films preserved proteolytic and skin exfoliation activity while improving mechanical properties and water solubility compared to control films, with immobilized enzyme maintaining stability for up to 90 days. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36652986/))
- 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/))
- Topical papain treatment may slightly decrease pain within 30 minutes in humans stung by Chrysaora chinensis compared to placebo. ([Wilderness & Environmental Medicine, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26827260/))
- A fixed combination of hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinol glycospheres, and papain glycospheres in aqueous gel applied once daily for 12 weeks achieved a 41% mean reduction in GAGS score and a 40.8% mean reduction in total lesions, with 15.3% of patients experiencing mild to moderate local side effects, in 94 evaluable patients with comedonal-papular, mild to moderate acne of the face. ([Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25876142/))
- Reflux extraction of Carica papaya leaves yielded higher antioxidant capacity and superior in vitro wound-healing activities including fibroblast proliferation, cell migration, and collagen synthesis in human skin fibroblasts compared to ultrasonic-assisted extraction and agitation. ([Molecules, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31991676/))
- Topical application of an aqueous gel containing 0.1% w/w naringenin demonstrated in vitro safety, significantly reduced UV-induced stratum corneum lipid peroxidation, and showed in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy against methyl nicotinate-induced inflammation in human participants compared to a blank gel and untreated area, while chlorogenic acid, apigenin, and kaempferol displayed pro-oxidant profiles. ([Frontiers in Chemistry, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38831914/))
- Topical application of a naringenin-containing formulation protected hairless mice from ultraviolet B-induced skin damage by inhibiting edema, cytokine production, superoxide anion, and lipid hydroperoxides while maintaining antioxidant enzymes and glutathione levels. ([PloS One, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26741806/))
- Encapsulating naringenin, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), and kaempferol into nanostructured lipid carriers provided prolonged release, stability, and antioxidant protection against oxidative stress in human keratinocytes, with an NDGA and kaempferol mixture showing synergistic antioxidant effects. ([Pharmaceutics, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34959324/))
- 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/))
- Topical 2% tea lotion significantly decreased inflammatory lesions and was superior to 5% zinc sulphate solution in patients with acne vulgaris. ([Saudi Medical Journal, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19082228/))
- Topical 2% tea lotion significantly reduced the mean lesion count of papules and pustules in patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to a control solution over 2 months. ([Saudi Medical Journal, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16432600/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this non-foaming gel cleanser is highly recommended for combination and oily skin types, effectively removing excess oil and impurities while maintaining skin hydration. Users frequently report a brighter, refreshed complexion and improved skin texture. However, it may not fully remove heavy makeup and some users dislike the lack of lather or are concerned about parabens.

- Liked: Gentle and non-drying (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Brightening and refreshing (often mentioned)
- Liked: Effective oil control (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Poor makeup removal (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves skin texture (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Pleasant scent (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Non-foaming texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Contains parabens (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Eye irritation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Price vs. value (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your cleanser in the AM and PM routines every day. Start using it daily since your sensitive skin needs gentle care.
- Apply this first in your morning and evening skincare routine before toner and moisturizer. This clears away dirt without upsetting your skin.
- Gently massage a small amount onto your face using soft circles. Avoid any rough rubbing to keep redness away.
- Apply the cleanser on slightly damp skin to help it wash away impurities softly. Clean skin feels fresh and comfortable afterwards.
- Avoid getting the cleanser in your eyes and do a quick patch test before first use. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel work for sensitive skin?

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel is an average fit for sensitive skin, offering gentle cleansing and light exfoliation that helps smooth texture without causing irritation. However, a cleanser for this skin needs soothing and hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides, along with barrier-repairing components, to better maintain skin health and prevent redness.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36652986/)

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

Glycerin helps keep your skin hydrated while offering gentle cleansing that is unlikely to cause irritation. To work best for sensitive skin, a cleanser of this type needs soothing and hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and ceramide-3 to calm redness and protect the skin barrier.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Papaya Fruit Extract do for sensitive skin?

Papaya fruit extract helps gently lift away dead skin cells to keep skin smooth and soft, but it may cause irritation if your skin is sensitive. To care for sensitive skin safely, products of this type need soothing ingredients like plant extracts and hydrating agents that calm redness and support the skin barrier.
Sources: [International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36652986/)

### What does Grapefruit Fruit Extract do for sensitive skin?

Grapefruit Fruit Extract helps calm sensitive skin by fighting irritation and oxidative stress. It is unlikely to cause issues when used as directed, leaving your skin feeling more comfortable.
Sources: [PloS One, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26741806/)

### Where does it go in a skincare routine for sensitive skin?

Use this cleanser in both your morning and evening routines before applying toners, treatments, and moisturizers. Sensitive skin needs gentle cleansers with soothing ingredients and hydrating components like glycerin to keep skin calm and soft while washing.
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 by using the cleanser first and applying your retinol afterward. Because this cleanser contains fruit extracts that smooth texture through mild exfoliation, using it with strong treatments like retinol may occasionally cause redness or irritation on sensitive skin.

### How often should I use it?

Use this cleanser once a day as part of your routine, or adjust frequency based on how your skin responds to the fruit extracts. Sensitive skin needs a gentle cleanser that cleans without harsh ingredients, along with soothing and moisturizing steps to keep the skin calm and comfortable.
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 this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for sensitive skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for sensitive skin because it lacks heavy, pore-blocking ingredients and harsh irritants. A cleanser for this skin needs gentle cleansing agents and soothing ingredients that keep pores clear without disrupting the skin barrier.

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

This cleanser works safely on the body, but the thin skin around the eyes needs a gentler product with soothing ingredients and extra moisture to prevent irritation. Papaya fruit extract and glycerin help smooth and hydrate the skin, though sensitive areas require a milder formula.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/), [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, linalool, hexyl cinnamal, benzyl alcohol, limonene, citronellol, and geraniol).

## Alternatives for sensitive skin

- [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €19.75 at Amazon
- [Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cetaphil/gentle-foaming-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €12.76 at Amazon
- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €20.50 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Soothing Toner: [SKIN1004 Centella Asiatica Toning Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/skin1004/centella-asiatica-toning-toner/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €23.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [Bioderma Bioderma Photoderm Mineral SPF 50+](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/bioderma/photoderm-mineral-fluide-spf50/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €19.13 at Amazon
- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €10.97 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Notino: €18.00 (https://www.notino.es/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel-gel-de-limpieza-profunda-para-todo-tipo-de-pieles/p-16091912/)
- Lookfantastic: €18.40 (https://www.lookfantastic.es/p/mario-badescu-enzyme-cleansing-gel/13320037/)
Prices checked 17 Oct 2026.

## Ingredients

Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Peg-8 Stearate, Ppg-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Grapefruit Fruit Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Triethanolamine, Diazolidinyl Urea, Mica, Ci 77891 Titanium Dioxide, Ci 19140 Yellow 5, Ci 42090 Blue 1, Ci 15985, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Alcohol, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol
## 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/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/sensitive-skin (this page)
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/mario-badescu/enzyme-cleansing-gel/for/sensitive-skin