# Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser for sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for sensitive skin.**
Normal Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin

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

Brand: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/dr-barbara-sturm)
Category: [Exfoliants](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/best/exfoliators)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with sensitive skin: redness, stinging, and reactions to new products. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

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

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation and soothing benefits for your redness and irritation, as ascorbic acid and subtilisin provide gentle enzymatic cleansing suitable for normal skin.
- The presence of lipase further aids in desquamation regulation, enhancing the overall cleansing experience.
- The formula is safe for your sensitive skin, containing no harsh ingredients and including soothing components like ascorbic acid.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin): High (this page)
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dark-spots): Superior
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Ascorbic Acid, Subtilisin, Lipase, Cellulose

## What the research says

- Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation. ([Journal of Periodontology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))
- Nanofibrillar cellulose dressing provides efficient wound healing comparable to polylactide-based copolymer dressings at skin graft donor sites in 24 patients, with significant improvements in observer scar thickness and vascularity and skin elasticity. ([Advances in Wound Care, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32117583/))
- Bacterial cellulose membranes with and without glycerin showed good skin compatibility and no barrier disruption in human subjects compared to a negative control, with glycerin-containing membranes additionally providing a statistically significant skin moisturizing effect (p=0.044). ([European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23973717/))
- AgNP-BC exhibited over 99% reduction in Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with no cytotoxicity, allowing epidermal cell attachment and growth compared to unmodified bacterial cellulose. ([Carbohydrate Polymers, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24507345/))

## What reviewers say

This powder cleanser is highly praised for its ability to provide a deep yet gentle exfoliation, leaving skin feeling exceptionally smooth and refined. It is particularly effective for oily and combination skin types, helping to balance sebum and clear pores. However, users with dry or sensitive skin should use it with caution as it can cause dryness or tightness if applied too frequently.

- Liked: Smoother skin texture (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle deep clean (often mentioned)
- Liked: Ideal for oily/combo skin (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Long-lasting product (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Travel-friendly format (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Drying for dry skin (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Messy application (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Risk of irritation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant smell (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your PM routine once a week. Start slowly and increase usage only if your skin feels comfortable.
- Apply this enzyme powder cleanser after your regular cleanser, and before your hydrating toner and moisturizer.
- Pour a small amount into wet hands, lather into a foam, and gently massage onto your face without harsh rubbing.
- For sensitive skin, apply this product on slightly damp skin to ensure better tolerance and comfort.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your very first use to prevent irritation.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2d8db6e67371d665a6a7736b5ed5d762.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser a great fit for sensitive skin?

Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser is a great fit because it offers moderate exfoliation and soothing benefits for your redness and irritation. Ingredients like ascorbic acid and subtilisin provide gentle cleansing, while lipase helps regulate skin shedding for a smooth, comfortable feel.

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

Ascorbic acid and subtilisin make this cleanser a great fit because they provide gentle enzymatic cleansing without harsh ingredients. Lipase also helps regulate shedding for a smooth clean.

### What does Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate do for sensitive skin?

Sodium lauroyl glutamate is very well tolerated by sensitive skin and helps keep it calm by causing much lower irritation and less water loss than harsh soap ingredients. It gently cleans without disturbing the skin barrier, making it a good choice for people prone to redness or dryness.

### What does Vitamin C do for sensitive skin?

Vitamin C helps brighten skin, smooth out fine lines, and fade dark spots. Clinical studies show it is generally safe and well-tolerated when improving overall skin quality.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37128827/)

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

This enzyme powder cleanser is used once a week in a routine for sensitive skin. It helps gently wash the skin while providing moderate exfoliation and soothing benefits without harsh ingredients.

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

You can use this enzyme cleanser in your weekly routine alongside retinol, but apply them on different days to keep your sensitive skin calm and smooth. Using gentle exfoliating powders and retinoids at the same time is unlikely to feel comfortable, so alternate them to prevent redness and irritation.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can start using this enzyme powder cleanser once a week, and if your sensitive skin tolerates it well and shows good results, you can carefully use it more often. This gentle routine helps manage redness and irritation while avoiding harsh effects.

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

Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser is unlikely to clog pores, cause breakouts, or lead to purging on sensitive skin. The formula avoids heavy, pore-clogging ingredients and carries a low risk of irritation for this skin type.

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for sensitive skin

- [By Wishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/by-wishtrend/green-tea-and-enzyme-powder-wash/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — €20.25 at Amazon
- [NEEDLY Mild Enzyme Cleansing Powder](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/needly/mild-enzyme-cleansing-powder/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — €37.80 at Amazon
- [VT Cica Mild Powder Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/vt/cica-mild-powder-wash/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — €5.60 at Notino

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €21.95 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [SKIN1004 Centella Asiatica Toning Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skin1004/centella-asiatica-toning-toner/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €17.96 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [Bioderma Bioderma Photoderm Mineral SPF 50+](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/bioderma/photoderm-mineral-fluide-spf50/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €19.79 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Notino: €53.90 (https://www.notino.nl/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser-darker-skin-tones-reinigende-en-make-up-removing-schuim/p-16241237/)
Prices checked 26 Oct 2026.

## Ingredients

Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Talc, Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Water, Xanthan Gum, Ascorbic Acid, Subtilisin, Lipase
## 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/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin (this page)
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin