# La Mer The Essence Foaming Cleanser for dry sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for dry sensitive skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin

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

Brand: [La Mer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/brands/la-mer)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for dry sensitive skin; a few cleansers fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Highly suitable for your dry and sensitive skin as myristic acid and glycerin effectively cleanse impurities while providing essential hydration. Sodium hyaluronate and trehalose further support barrier repair and hydration, addressing your dry or flaky skin concerns.
- The formulation is safe for your skin due to the absence of harsh or prohibited ingredients, minimizing the risk of irritation.
- This cleanser offers excellent cleansing functionality and addresses your dry skin needs with beneficial humectants and barrier-repairing ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High (this page)
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Glycerin, Algae Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacin, Caffeine

## What the research says

- Sodium trehalose sulfate decreased transepidermal water loss and increased stratum corneum water content in participants with low stratum corneum water content when applied for 4 weeks compared to placebo. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38606717/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Treatment with lipid algae extract reduced the level of oxidized proteins in human keratinocytes and stratum corneum skin cells. ([Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15247018/))
- Topical astaxanthin-loaded algae extract hydrogel and lipogel formulations exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and successful in vitro release, suggesting their potential as anti-aging formulations. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29745467/))
- Antarctic marine algae extracts increased cell viability, protected against inflammation, and enhanced the barrier integrity of human intestinal and keratinocyte cell lines damaged by lipopolysaccharide or ultraviolet radiation. ([Marine Drugs, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36135751/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))
- Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))
- A topical cosmetic slimming product containing tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine, caffeine, carnitine, forskolin and retinol significantly reduced body circumferences and improved skin aspect compared with placebo in 78 women over 12 weeks. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21564138/))
- Topical sunscreen formulations containing caffeine combined with UV filters increased in vivo anti-UVB protection by approximately 25% and showed higher SPF values compared to caffeine-free sunscreen, while being well tolerated by the skin of healthy subjects. ([Frontiers in Physiology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31130869/))
- Caffeine gel combined with choline geranate showed high skin permeation capacity and superior clinical results in cellulite treatment compared to caffeine gel without ionic liquid. ([AAPS PharmSciTech, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33796955/))

## What reviewers say

Users generally praise this cleanser for its luxurious, rich lather that leaves oily and combination skin feeling refreshed without residue. Those with dry or sensitive skin frequently report that the formula is too stripping and the strong fragrance can cause irritation.

- Liked: High efficiency (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Deep cleansing (often mentioned)
- Liked: Luxurious lather (often mentioned)
- Disliked: High price point (often mentioned)
- Liked: Pleasant scent (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Post-wash feel (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Drying or stripping (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong fragrance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Reformulation concerns (rarely noted)

## 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.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes La Mer The Essence Foaming Cleanser a great fit for dry sensitive skin?

This cleanser is a great fit because myristic acid and glycerin wash away impurities while bringing essential moisture to dry areas. Ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and trehalose help repair the skin barrier and soothe your skin without causing irritation.
Sources: [Skin Research and Technology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38606717/)

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

Myristic acid and glycerin effectively cleanse impurities while providing essential hydration, and sodium hyaluronate and trehalose support barrier repair for dry or flaky skin. This combination minimizes the risk of irritation while addressing dry skin needs with beneficial moisture-holding and barrier-repairing ingredients.
Sources: [Skin Research and Technology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38606717/)

### What does Glycerin do for dry sensitive skin?

Glycerin helps dry sensitive skin by drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it there, making the skin soft and smooth. It is very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation while improving how well the skin holds onto water. This type of skin needs ingredients that boost hydration and repair the barrier without causing stinging.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/)

### What does Algae Extract do for dry sensitive skin?

Algae extract helps calm dry and sensitive skin while reducing water loss and defending against irritation. It is unlikely to cause issues and may help keep the skin barrier strong and comfortable.
Sources: [Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22289731/), [International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33220376/)

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

This cleanser is used both morning and evening as the first or second step of your routine to wash away impurities while keeping your skin calm and hydrated. A mild daily routine helps improve visual dryness and overall comfort in dry skin.
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 in your routine to wash your face before applying your retinol treatment. This cleanser is a great fit for dry sensitive skin because glycerin and sodium hyaluronate help cleanse impurities while providing essential hydration and supporting the skin barrier.
Sources: [Skin Research and Technology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38606717/)

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser twice a day in your morning and evening routines. Using a mild cleanser daily helps improve hydration and supports dry skin without causing irritation.
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 sensitive skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for dry sensitive skin because its formulation avoids heavy, pore-blocking ingredients and focuses on gentle cleansing. It helps keep skin clean while supporting hydration with glycerin and sodium hyaluronate.

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

Yes, you can use this cleanser on the body and around the eyes, as its gentle formula is safe and well-suited for delicate areas. Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate help maintain moisture, which is beneficial for thinner skin types.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/), [Skin Research and Technology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38606717/)

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

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

## Alternatives for dry sensitive skin

- [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €14.68 at Amazon
- [Torriden DIVE IN Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/torriden/dive-in-cleansing-foam/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €19.64 at Amazon
- [ETUDE Soonjung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/etude/soonjung-ph-6-5-whip-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €18.75 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Soothing Toner: [Pixi Milky Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/pixi/milky-tonic/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €27.17 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dr-g/green-mild-up-sun/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €23.00 at Amazon
- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €16.25 at Amazon

## Where to buy

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

## Ingredients

Declustered Water, Water, Eau De-Structuree, Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Behenic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Potassium Hydroxide, Lauric Acid, Stearic Acid, Algae Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Medicago Sativa Seed Powder, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake Sunflower Seedcake, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal Seed, Eucalyptus Globulus Oil Leaf Eucalyptus Oil Leaf, Sodium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, Tocopheryl Succinate, Niacin, Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder, Quartz Powder, Nephrite Powder, Pearl Powder, Caffeine, Sea Salt, Sel Marin, Humic Acids, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sucrose, Tourmaline, Macrocystis Pyrifera Protein Kelp Protein, Polyquaternium-51, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Trehalose, Cellulose, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Coco Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Pca, Peg-3 Distearate, Urea, Parfum, Disodium Edta, Linalool, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Yellow 5 Ci 19140, Ci 15985, Blue 1 Ci 42090, Green 5 Ci 61570
## 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/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin (this page)
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/la-mer/the-essence-foaming-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin