# Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Caution fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

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

Brand: [Dermalogica](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/brands/dermalogica)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A poor match for oily acne-prone skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate cleansing for your oily skin with sodium cocoyl isethionate and decyl glucoside, effectively removing impurities without stripping.
- While glycerin and shea butter provide soothing benefits, the emollient action of shea butter and safflower seed oil may be too heavy for your oily skin.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-skin): Caution
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/dry-skin): Superior
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Superior
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Caution (this page)

## Key ingredients

Glycerin, Ceramide Np, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate

## 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events. ([Lasers in Medical Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/))
- A skin barrier restoring cream with shea butter, silkflo, and vitamin E increased type I procollagen synthesis, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, decreased reactive oxygen species generation, and promoted hyaluronic acid production in H2O2-stimulated human keratinocyte cells compared to untreated cells. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39528438/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this creamy, lipid-enriched cleanser is highly praised for nourishing dry, mature, or sensitive skin while effectively removing impurities and light makeup. Users frequently report that it leaves skin feeling soft, hydrated, and balanced, without tightness or stripping. Some users find the price point high and note a strong scent, while a low number of reviews mention potential irritation or that it may be too rich for oily skin types.

- Liked: Deeply hydrating (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle formula (often mentioned)
- Liked: Softens skin (often mentioned)
- Liked: Efficient cleansing (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong scent (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes irritation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Too rich for oily skin (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this cleanser as part of your AM and PM routine. Start using it daily to help clear your breakouts.
- Apply this cleanser as the first step in the morning and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Follow it with your toner and moisturizer.
- Gently massage a small amount of the cleanser onto your face using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.
- Apply the cleanser on slightly damp skin to help clean deeply and remove excess oil. This works best for oily skin types.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise caution with Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser for oily acne-prone skin?

Lovi advises caution because the rich shea butter and oils may feel too heavy for your oily skin. A cleanser for this skin needs ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, and ceramides to balance oil and keep skin clear without heavy oils.

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a poor fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Shea butter and safflower seed oil make this cleanser a poor fit because their heavy texture may clog pores on oily skin. A cleanser for this skin needs soothing and effective ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, probiotics, and salicylic acid to balance oil production and maintain skin clarity without causing irritation.

### What does Glycerin do for oily acne-prone skin?

Glycerin helps keep oily acne-prone skin hydrated without feeling heavy. It draws moisture into the skin while supporting the skin barrier so it stays soft and balanced.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What do Ceramides do for oily acne-prone skin?

Ceramides help keep oily acne-prone skin calm and smooth by strengthening the skin barrier and locking in moisture. Since acne-prone skin often has lower levels of these natural lipids, adding ceramides helps reduce irritation, redness, and moisture loss. A product for this skin type needs barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides and gentle hydrators to prevent dryness and balance oil.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41749022/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37605504/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser goes into your morning and evening routine as a wash, but it may be a poor match for your oily skin because heavy ingredients like shea butter can feel too rich. Oily skin needs a lightweight, oil-controlling cleanser with gentle foaming agents and clarifying ingredients to keep pores clear without adding extra weight.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/)

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

You should exercise caution when using this cleanser with retinol on oily acne-prone skin, as heavy ingredients like shea butter and safflower seed oil may be too rich for your skin type. If you do use them together, apply the cleanser first to remove impurities gently, rinse thoroughly, and follow with your retinol treatment. Oily acne-prone skin needs lightweight, non-greasy cleansers and treatments with salicylic acid or niacinamide to help clear pores without adding extra weight.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/), [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/)

### How often should I use this cleanser?

This cleanser may be used daily in your morning and evening routine, though it can feel too heavy for oily skin. Oily skin needs a cleanser with light, clarifying ingredients that wash away excess oil without heavy butters and oils.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/)

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This rich cleanser may be too heavy for your oily skin, as heavy oils and shea butter can clog pores and trigger breakouts. Oily acne-prone skin needs a lightweight cleanser with gentle cleansing ingredients that clear away impurities without adding extra richness.
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 body, but the skin around your eyes is much thinner and may be more sensitive to heavier ingredients. Oily acne-prone skin on the body and face needs a gentle cleanser that clears away impurities without heavy butters or oils that can clog pores.
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 (limonene).

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €21.45 at Amazon
- [Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetaphil/daily-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €27.82 at Amazon
- [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-low-ph-gel-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €18.98 at Amazon

## Routine for oily acne-prone skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €95.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €36.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €16.50 at Amazon
- SPF: [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €15.64 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €22.67 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €95.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/aha-bha-clarifying-treatment-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €12.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-10-zinc-1/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €8.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €16.50 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €22.67 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €95.00 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €76.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/sand-and-sky/australian-pink-clay-porefining-face-mask/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €48.22 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €36.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-10-zinc-1/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €8.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Ireland has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Divinyldimethicone Dimethicone Copolymer, Sodium Astrocaryum Murumuruate, Ceramide Np, Phytosterols, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Hydrogenated Coconut Acid, Hydrolyzed Cottonseed Protein, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, C12-13 Pareth-3, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Citrus Reticulata Oil Leaf Tangerine Oil Leaf, Myristic Acid, Trideceth-12, Jasmine Oil, Linoleic Acid, Amyris Balsamifera Oil Bark, Cananga Odorata Oil Flower, Lemon Peel Oil, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Clove Oil Leaf, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil Flower, Salvia Sclarea Oil, Lemon Fruit Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Canarium Luzonicum Nonvolatiles Gum, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil Flower, Guaiacum Officinale Oil Wood, Rosa Damascena Oil Flower, Zingiber Officinale Oil Root, Disodium Edta, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Pinus Sylvestris Cone Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary Leaf Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Linolenic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Isethionate, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Polysilicone-11, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Peg-12 Dimethicone, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol
## 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/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin