# Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash for dry skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-skin

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

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

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

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

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent cleansing for acne-prone skin due to salicylic acid and melaleuca alternifolia tree oil, which exfoliate and decongest pores, but this combination can strip natural oils and exacerbate dryness for your dry skin.
- While it provides moderate exfoliation for dry or flaky skin, the keratolytic and antimicrobial actions of these ingredients make it highly unsuitable for your dry skin type.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-skin): Warning (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/sensitive-skin): Low
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/mature-skin): Low
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Superior

## Key ingredients

Salicylic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Oil Leaf, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil Lavender Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Rhizome Licorice Root Extract Rhizome

## What the research says

- A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/))
- The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/))
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients. ([CMAJ, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid achieved the greatest lesion reduction at early 2 to 4 week time points compared to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, while 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin showed similar efficacy at 10 to 12 weeks in acne patients. ([Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20488582/))
- A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo. ([Clinical Pharmacology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/))
- Tea tree oil nanoemulsion containing adapalene gel demonstrated significantly greater reductions in total, inflammatory, and non-inflammatory acne lesions as well as acne severity index compared to adapalene marketed gel in 100 patients with acne vulgaris over 12 weeks. ([Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34251536/))
- Topical 5% tea tree oil gel significantly improved total acne lesions and acne severity index compared to placebo in 60 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris, showing 3.55 times and 5.75 times greater efficacy respectively. ([Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/))
- A novel D-limonene and Gelucire 44/12 based microemulsion formulated with Labrasol and Labrafil M 1944 CS showed high stability, optical transparency, nanometric globule size, and a safe in vivo skin profile on mice ear skin. ([Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33880349/))
- Polysaccharide-based O/W emulsions incorporated with lavender essential oil applied to cellulosic support are non-irritating, provide softness and moisturizing effects, and are safe for topical patch applications. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34547316/))
- Gellan gum hydrogel films co-encapsulating ofloxacin with tea tree or lavender oil achieved 98% wound contraction and completely healed epidermis in rats after ten days of treatment compared to baseline. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33130262/))
- Topical application of lavender oil significantly promoted wound contraction, collagen synthesis, and fibroblast differentiation with up-regulation of TGF-beta in a rat model compared to control. ([BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27229681/))
- Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism. ([Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26273313/))
- Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25381913/))
- Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide. ([Advanced Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39783908/))

## What reviewers say

This foaming wash is widely praised for effectively clearing hormonal and teenage acne on both the face and body without stripping the skin of moisture. While most users find it gentle and refreshing, a minority experience dryness or irritation, and some note a "purging" phase before seeing results. This summary is based on a very large amount of data and should definitely be taken into account.

- Liked: Clears acne (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle and non-drying (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves texture (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Pleasant scent (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Versatile for body (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Can be drying (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Purging period (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Skin irritation (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your skin clean. Start using it daily right away since your skin is not sensitive.
- Apply this cleanser as the very first step in your morning routine and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Follow with your toner and moisturizer afterwards.
- Gently massage a small amount of cleanser onto your face using soft circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply this cleanser on slightly damp skin for a comfortable and refreshing wash. This helps maintain your skin's natural moisture while cleansing away dirt.
- Avoid getting the cleanser directly into your eyes to prevent any irritation. Do a simple patch test before your first use to ensure your skin likes it.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise against Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash for dry skin?

This cleanser can strip natural oils and make your dry skin even drier because its ingredients exfoliate and decongest pores. A cleanser for dry skin needs hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to support the moisture barrier.

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

Salicylic acid and tea tree oil make this cleanser a poor fit because they strip natural oils and dry out dry skin. A cleanser for dry skin needs hydrating and soothing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to support the moisture barrier.

### What does Salicylic Acid do for dry skin?

Salicylic acid is generally not a good fit for dry skin, as it is meant to clear out pores and remove dead skin rather than hydrate. Because dry skin needs soothing and moisture rather than exfoliation, a product for dry skin needs nourishing ingredients like urea to lock in moisture and keep the skin soft.

### What does Tea Tree Oil do for dry skin?

Tea tree oil is not a good fit for dry skin because it can decrease oil levels and potentially cause irritation. Skincare products for dry skin need soothing and deeply hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and rich plant oils to restore moisture and keep the skin soft and smooth.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34986500/)

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

This cleanser is a poor match for dry skin because its salicylic acid and tea tree oil strip natural oils and worsen dryness. Dry skin needs a mild cleanser paired with a gentle moisturizer to protect the skin barrier and maintain hydration.
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 should not use this cleanser on dry skin because its salicylic acid and tea tree oil strip natural oils and worsen dryness. A product of this type needs gentle, hydrating ingredients like ceramides and soothing plant extracts to clean the skin while protecting its barrier.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

This cleanser is a poor match for dry skin because its salicylic acid and tea tree oil strip natural oils and make dryness worse. Dry skin needs a gentle, hydrating cleanser and a rich moisturizer to protect its moisture barrier.
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 skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts since it uses salicylic acid and tea tree oil to clear out pores, but it can strip natural oils and worsen dryness on dry skin. To properly care for dry skin, a cleanser needs gentle hydrating ingredients that clean without removing essential moisture.

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

This cleanser is generally too harsh for the very thin skin around the eyes, though it may be used on thicker areas of the body if you lack sensitivity there. Because dry skin easily loses moisture, a cleanser of this type needs gentle, hydrating ingredients and moisturizing oils to protect your skin barrier instead of stripping away natural oils.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €9.19 at Amazon
- [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €17.59 at Amazon
- [ETUDE Soonjung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/etude/soonjung-ph-6-5-whip-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €20.80 at Amazon

## Routine for dry skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €9.19 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-deep-moisture-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €15.16 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €53.50 at Amazon
- SPF: [Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/thinkbaby/safe-sunscreen-spf-50/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €37.19 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €15.90 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €9.19 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-poremizing-fresh-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €16.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €53.50 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €15.90 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €9.19 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/mediheal/vita-essential-mask/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €31.93 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-poremizing-fresh-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €16.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €53.50 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.it: €29.29 (https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0006B78OO?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 5 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Salicylic Acid, Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Acrylates Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Polysorbate-20, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Oil Leaf, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil Lavender Oil, Oleanolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Rhizome Licorice Root Extract Rhizome, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, 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/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dermalogica/clear-start-breakout-clearing-foaming-wash/for/dry-skin