🇮🇹Italy

Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser for dry sensitive skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser

Average

  • AverageDry Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for dry sensitive skin; other cleansers 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

  • Offers moderate exfoliation for your dry and sensitive skin, as glycolic acid and glycerin provide mild exfoliation and hydration, but it lacks sufficient emollient ingredients like jojoba seed oil to fully address dryness.
  • The presence of humectant ingredients like sodium hyaluronate offers some hydration, but the overall formula is not optimized for significant dryness or flakiness.
  • The product is safe for your dry and sensitive skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

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

★4.6Overall rating based on 400+ reviews

Users consistently praise this cleanser for its ability to combat dullness and uneven texture, leaving skin noticeably brighter and smoother without the harshness often associated with glycolic products. While effective for most skin types, those with drier or sensitive skin often recommend using it once daily or every other day to avoid tightness.

Highlights

  • Gentle exfoliation Mostly Mentioned
    • “non-stripping”
    • “gentle enough for daily use”
    • “doesn't irritate sensitive skin”
  • Brightens and adds glow Often Mentioned
    • “lit from within glow”
    • “undoes dullness”
    • “radiant skin”
  • Pleasant sensory experience Sometimes Noted
    • “fresh citrus scent”
    • “jelly-like texture”
    • “nice lather”
  • Smoothes skin texture Sometimes Noted
    • “glass skin effect”
    • “removes texture”
    • “face feels completely flat/smooth”
  • Can be drying Sometimes Noted
    • “tightness”
    • “dry as a bone”
    • “flaking”
  • High price point Sometimes Noted
    • “splurge”
    • “luxury side of skincare”
    • “expensive”
  • Effective cleansing Rarely Noted
    • “remove makeup well”
    • “cleanse away brightness blockers”
    • “squeaky clean”
  • Eye irritation Rarely Noted
    • “avoid eye area”
    • “stings”
    • “burns”
  • Initial breakouts Rarely Noted
    • “mini freak outs”
    • “small breakouts”
    • “purging”

Sources: lovi.care, sephora.co.uk, johnlewis.com, skinsort.com, lovelyskin.com, ulta.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser work for dry sensitive skin?

Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser works moderately well for dry sensitive skin, offering mild exfoliation and hydration without causing irritation. However, because it lacks sufficient nourishing oils, a cleanser of this type for dry skin needs a rich blend of hydrating and barrier-restoring ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and protect the skin barrier.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

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

Glycolic acid, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate make this cleanser a fit by offering mild exfoliation and hydration for dry sensitive skin. However, since it is only an average fit, a cleanser of this type needs more rich and softening ingredients like jojoba seed oil, ceramides, and extra hydrating agents to fully address dryness and protect the skin barrier.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

What does Glycolic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?

Glycolic acid can be too harsh for dry sensitive skin and may cause irritation, so this skin type needs gentle calming ingredients and deeply nourishing moisturizers to keep the skin barrier safe and smooth.

Acta Dermato-venereologica, 1995The British Journal of Dermatology, 1997

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.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008

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

This cleanser goes in your morning and evening routine, though a product for dry and sensitive skin needs richer nourishing oils and heavy moisturizers to fully comfort dry skin.

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

You can use this cleanser in your routine, but a cleanser of this type for dry sensitive skin needs extra richness and plenty of nourishing oils or heavy moisturizers to prevent flaking and keep your skin soft and comfortable.

How often should I use this cleanser?

This cleanser works for your dry sensitive skin once a week, and people who tolerate it well and see good results may carefully use it more often. To truly comfort dry skin, a cleanser of this type needs rich softening oils and gentle hydrators.

Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?

This cleanser may cause initial breakouts for you, though it is unlikely to irritate your skin. A product of this type needs more rich oils and soothing ingredients to properly comfort dry and sensitive skin.

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

You may use this cleanser on your body, but it is best to avoid the very thin skin around the eyes because it lacks sufficient oils and richer softening ingredients to keep delicate areas comfortable. A cleanser for this skin needs extra rich soothing oils and heavier moisturizers to fully protect against dryness.

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002

Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

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

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

  • Topical application of jojoba wax reduced LPS-induced secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα by approximately 30% and increased the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid compared to untreated skin in an ex-vivo human skin organ culture model.

    Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024

  • Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks.

    International Journal of Dermatology, 2000

  • Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone.

    Dermatologic Surgery, 2017

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Clay jojoba oil facial masks reduced total skin lesions by a mean of 54% after 6 weeks in 133 participants with acne-prone, lesioned skin and mild acne compared to baseline.

    Forschende Komplementarmedizin, 2012

  • Topical jojoba oil application in male mice decreased exercise-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression (Il-1b and Il-6 in soleus, Il-1b in gastrocnemius) compared to untreated exercised mice.

    Biomolecules, 2025

  • Nanolipidgel formulations with argan or jojoba oil and humectants demonstrate good sensory attributes, instrumental properties, and moisturizing efficacy for cosmetic application.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2014

  • Topical application of Calendula officinalis extract cream significantly improved skin hydration and firmness (reflected in significant changes in R0 and R6 parameters) in 21 healthy human volunteers compared to a base cream.

    Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 2011

  • Treatment with standardized extract of Calendula officinalis L. led to a shorter epithelization time and faster healing speed compared to mineral oil in patients with acute skin loss wounds of the hand and fingers healing by secondary intention.

    Tissue Barriers, 2022

  • Topical administration of Calendula provides weak evidence of effectiveness in acute and chronic wounds compared to standard treatments based on a narrative review of available trials.

    Wounds, 2008

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

Why other cleansers fit dry sensitive skin better

Ingredients

Water, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Peg-6 Cocamide, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Succinoglycan, Jojoba Seed Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Leuconostoc Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Urea, Allantoin, Polyquaternium-51, Trehalose, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Glyceryl Oleate, Coconut Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, T-Butyl Alcohol, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Pca, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Limonene

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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Prices checked 15 Oct 2026

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

How does it fit your skin?

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