Clean & Clear deep action cream cleanser for dry sensitive skin

Cetyl Alcohol
Stearyl Alcohol
Caution
- CautionDry Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- ConcerningSafety
A poor match for dry sensitive skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Unsuitable for your dry and sensitive skin as menthol can be drying and irritating, while the absence of sufficient humectants and emollients fails to support your skin barrier.
- While the formula offers moderate cleansing with cetyl and stearyl alcohols, it lacks specialized ingredients to address your dry or flaky skin concerns effectively.
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.
People Say
★4.2Overall rating based on 1.4k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this cleanser is highly regarded for its creamy texture and refreshing, cooling sensation that leaves skin feeling thoroughly cleansed and soft without excessive stripping. It is particularly effective for those managing acne-prone or combination skin, though individuals with very sensitive skin may find the menthol-induced tingle or fragrance unsuitable.
Highlights
Cooling sensation Mostly Mentioned
- “Love the cooling tingle”
- “Feels like an arctic breeze”
- “Refreshing minty feel”
Affordable price Often Mentioned
- “Great value for money”
- “Lasts for months”
- “Very affordable”
Deep cleansing Often Mentioned
- “Cleans deep into pores”
- “Removes oil and dirt”
- “Face feels super clean”
Creamy texture Sometimes Noted
- “Soft and creamy”
- “Feels like butter”
- “Not harsh on skin”
Potential dryness Sometimes Noted
- “Leaves face feeling dry”
- “A bit too drying”
- “Need moisturizer after”
Sensitive skin irritation Sometimes Noted
- “Too harsh for sensitive skin”
- “Caused some irritation”
- “Not for sensitive types”
Difficult to rinse Rarely Noted
- “Hard to wash off”
- “Leaves a slight residue”
- “Doesn't rinse clean”
Unwanted scent Rarely Noted
- “Fragrance is unnecessary”
- “Smell isn't the same”
- “Not a fan of the scent”
Sources: lovi.care, cleanandclear.com, walmart.com, qfc.com, reviewstream.com, shopsavvy.com, and more
Questions and answers
Why does Lovi advise caution with Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser for dry sensitive skin?
Lovi advises caution because menthol may be drying and irritating to your skin, and the formula lacks enough moisturizing ingredients to support your skin barrier. A cleanser for dry sensitive skin needs soothing ingredients, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and protect against irritation.
Which ingredients make this cleanser a poor fit for dry sensitive skin?
This cleanser is a poor fit for your dry sensitive skin because it contains menthol, which can be drying and irritating. A cleanser for this skin type needs hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and protect the skin barrier.
What does Water do for dry sensitive skin?
Hard water increases soap deposits and dryness, making dry sensitive skin more prone to irritation and flare-ups. A product of this type needs gentle cleansers and soothing ingredients to calm the skin and protect its moisture barrier against hard water minerals.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2018Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 2021
What does Cetyl Alcohol do for dry sensitive skin?
Cetyl alcohol helps keep dry sensitive skin soft and hydrated while supporting the skin barrier. It is unlikely to cause irritation and works well to improve overall skin feel.
Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?
Clean & Clear deep action cream cleanser goes in the morning and evening routine for dry sensitive skin, but this cleanser is a poor match because menthol can be drying and irritating. A cleanser for dry sensitive skin needs soothing hydrating ingredients like glycerin and rich emollients to support the skin barrier.
Can I use this cleanser with salicylic acid, and in what order?
This cleanser is a poor match for dry and sensitive skin because menthol may be drying and irritating, while lacking enough softeners to support your skin barrier. Using it alongside salicylic acid may increase irritation, so this skin type needs a gentle cleanser packed with hydrating and soothing ingredients instead.
How often should I use this cleanser?
This cleanser is a poor match for dry and sensitive skin because menthol may be drying and irritating, and it lacks sufficient soft, smoothing ingredients to support your skin barrier. A cleanser of this type for your skin needs gentle moisturizing ingredients and barrier-supporting softeners to keep it calm and comfortable.
Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?
This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause purging on dry sensitive skin, but it may cause dryness and irritation. A cleanser for this skin needs gentle hydrating ingredients like glycerin and soothing plant extracts instead of drying agents like menthol to protect your skin barrier.
Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?
This cleanser is a poor match for the thin skin around your eyes and your body because menthol may dry and irritate you while lacking the extra soothing and softening ingredients this skin needs.
Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol are fatty alcohols, which soften the skin.
What the research says
A soap-free cleansing lotion containing cetyl alcohol and sodium cocoyl apple amino acids reduced skin surface impurities and improved skin hydration, barrier function, and skin tone in 27 healthy adult subjects over 30 days.
Cureus, 2025
Ingredients
Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Steareth-21, Steareth-2, Menthol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.