# Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser for oily skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-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 skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

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

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate cleansing for your oily skin, with ingredients like sodium cocoyl isethionate and decyl glucoside effectively removing impurities without stripping.
- While glycerin and shea butter provide soothing benefits, the presence of emollient ingredients like Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil may not be ideal for managing oily shine.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-skin): Caution (this page)
- [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

## 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 your cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your skin fresh. Always make sure to follow with a good SPF in the morning.
- Apply your cleanser as the first step in the morning or the second step in the evening before your toner.
- Gently massage a small amount onto your face using circular motions, then rinse well with water .
- You can apply this cleanser safely on damp skin for a refreshing and easy wash.
- Avoid getting the product directly into your eyes and stop use if irritation occurs.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

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

Lovi advises caution because heavy oils in this cleanser may not be ideal for managing oily shine. A cleanser for this skin needs ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid to control excess oil and clear pores.

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

The shea butter and oils like safflower seed oil make this cleanser a poor fit because they add heavy moisture that may not be ideal for managing oily shine. A cleanser for this skin needs balancing ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, and ceramides to manage oil and support skin health without clogging pores.

### What does Glycerin do for oily skin?

Glycerin helps keep oily skin hydrated without feeling heavy and supports the skin barrier. Because this product is a weak fit for your skin, an ideal product of this type needs lightweight hydrators and ingredients that balance oil while protecting the skin.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [International Journal of Toxicology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31840548/)

### What do Ceramides do for oily skin?

Ceramides help keep oily skin balanced by strengthening the skin barrier and locking in moisture without feeling heavy. They are unlikely to clog pores and may help calm irritation, making them a good fit if your skin is both oily and prone to breakouts.
Sources: [International Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18717861/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299457/)

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

This cleanser fits into both your morning and evening routine. Oily skin needs a gentle cleanser that clears away impurities and excess shine without heavy oils or rich butters.

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

You can use this cleanser in your routine before retinol, but it may not be the best match because its heavy oils can add unwanted shine to oily skin. Oily skin of this type needs lightweight cleansers with oil-controlling ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide to keep pores clear and manage excess oil.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/)

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You should use this cleanser once or twice daily as part of your morning and evening routine. Oily skin typically needs a cleanser with oil-controlling and balancing ingredients to manage shine and impurities effectively without adding heavy oils.

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

This cleanser may feel too rich and is unlikely to be ideal for managing oily shine because it contains heavier oils that can weigh down the skin. Oily skin needs a lightweight wash with gentle cleansers and oil-balancing ingredients that clear away impurities without adding extra weight.
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?

You can use this cleanser on your body, but you should use caution around the eyes because the skin there is much thinner and more sensitive. Cleansers for this skin need gentle, non-stripping ingredients that clean effectively without causing irritation.
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 skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €21.45 at Amazon
- [Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetaphil/daily-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €27.82 at Amazon
- [Etude Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/etude/soon-jung-ph-6-5-whip-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — High fit — €18.33 at Amazon

## Routine for oily skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €21.45 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €19.99 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-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-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-skin) — Superior fit — €22.67 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €21.45 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Pixi Glow Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/pixi/glow-tonic/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €34.00 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-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-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-skin) — Superior fit — €22.67 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €21.45 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €76.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dr-sebagh/deep-exfoliating-mask/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €82.85 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €19.99 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-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-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-skin (this page)
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dermalogica/intensive-moisture-cleanser/for/oily-skin