🇳🇱Netherlands

Simple Refreshing Facial Wash for oily acne-prone skin

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

Simple Refreshing Facial Wash

Average

  • HighOily Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other cleansers fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. 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 cleansing for your oily skin, with niacinamide and zinc PCA helping to regulate oil and reduce inflammation, though it lacks specialized ingredients in higher concentrations to fully address your acne and breakouts.
  • The presence of Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Sodium Laureth Sulfate provides effective pore decongestion suitable for oily skin.
  • This product is safe for your skin as it contains no harsh or irritating ingredients.

How to apply

  • Use this cleanser as part of your AM and PM routine. Start using it daily to help clear your breakouts.
  • Apply this cleanser as the first step in the morning and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Follow it with your toner and moisturizer.
  • Gently massage a small amount of the cleanser onto your face using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.
  • Apply the cleanser on slightly damp skin to help clean deeply and remove excess oil. This works best for oily skin types.
  • Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Do a patch test before your first use.

People Say

★4.3Overall rating based on 300+ reviews

This gel-based cleanser is widely praised as a gentle, no-nonsense staple for sensitive and acne-prone skin, effectively removing daily dirt and oil without stripping the moisture barrier. While most users find it non-drying and refreshing, a minority complain about a "slimy" film that is difficult to rinse off or report that it struggles to remove heavy waterproof makeup.

Highlights

  • Gentle & non-irritating Mostly Mentioned
    • “Doesn't burn my eyes”
    • “perfect for sensitive skin”
    • “no redness after use”
  • Effective daily cleanser Often Mentioned
    • “Best morning cleanser”
    • “great second cleanse”
    • “removes daily grime”
    • “reliable everyday wash”
  • Non-stripping Often Mentioned
    • “Skin feels soft not dry”
    • “doesn't leave face tight”
    • “good for dry winter skin”
    • “gentle moisture barrier protection”
  • Fragrance-free Sometimes Noted
    • “No strong smell”
    • “love that it's unscented”
    • “great for fragrance sensitivity”
    • “smells clean and simple”
  • Slimy residue Sometimes Noted
    • “Feels slimy on skin”
    • “takes forever to rinse”
    • “leaves a film”
    • “hard to wash off completely”
  • Weak on makeup Sometimes Noted
    • “Doesn't touch waterproof mascara”
    • “need a separate makeup remover”
    • “left foundation residue”
    • “not for heavy makeup”
  • Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
    • “Gave me tiny red spots”
    • “caused closed comedones”
    • “broke me out after a week”
    • “skin reacted badly”
  • Chemical smell Rarely Noted
    • “Smells like chemicals”
    • “weird plastic scent”
    • “has an odd odor”
    • “smell is off-putting”

Sources: lovi.care, boots.com, simpleskincare.in, amazon.com, makeupalley.com, cosmeticsarena.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Simple Refreshing Facial Wash work for oily acne-prone skin?

Simple Refreshing Facial Wash works moderately well for your oily acne-prone skin, helping to wash away oil and calm irritation with niacinamide and zinc PCA. However, it lacks stronger specialized ingredients to fully handle breakouts. Cleansers that fit this skin better need soothing and acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, probiotics, and higher amounts of niacinamide or ceramides.

The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser fits your oily acne-prone skin because it contains niacinamide and zinc PCA, which help regulate oil and reduce inflammation. To fully address breakouts, a cleanser of this type needs soothing and effective ingredients like ceramides, salicylic acid, or probiotics alongside gentle cleansing agents.

The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020

What does Panthenol do for oily acne-prone skin?

Panthenol helps regulate sebum, improves skin hydration, and reduces redness and irritation in oily acne-prone skin. It is well tolerated and may support barrier recovery without causing adverse reactions.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

What does Niacinamide do for oily acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oil production, calms redness, and is unlikely to irritate oily, acne-prone skin while improving blemishes. Clinical tests show it reduces excess oil and helps clear up both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne breakouts.

Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

Where does it go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser goes as the first step in your morning routine and the second step in your evening routine after a makeup remover. It offers moderate cleansing and helps control oil with niacinamide and zinc PCA, though oily acne-prone skin also needs specialized acne-fighting ingredients in higher concentrations to fully clear breakouts.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020

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

Yes, you can use this cleanser with retinol, applying it first on your skin before your retinol treatment. It helps clear pores and calm your oily skin without harsh irritation, though this type of skin also benefits from specialized breakout-fighting ingredients and stronger acne-targeting actives.

How often should I use it?

You can use this cleanser twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine for moderate oil control. A cleanser of this type works best for oily acne-prone skin when it includes targeted blemish-fighting ingredients and oil-balancing agents in higher concentrations to fully clear breakouts.

The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily acne-prone skin, as it contains gentle cleansers and soothing ingredients like niacinamide and zinc PCA that help calm the skin. However, because it provides only moderate cleansing and lacks stronger acne-fighting ingredients, an oily acne-prone skin type often needs products packed with targeted blemish-clearers and oil-balancing actives to fully stay clear.

The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020

Can I use it around the eyes or on my body?

You can safely use this cleanser on your body, but the thin skin around the eyes may need extra care since cleansers can sometimes feel drying there. Panthenol helps keep skin calm and hydrated, while niacinamide and zinc PCA help balance oil.

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Topical nicotinamide plus an antibacterial adhesive agent and zinc-pyrrolidone carboxylic acid combined with adapalene significantly reduced noninflammatory acne lesions by the second week of therapy compared to placebo with adapalene in patients with moderate acne vulgaris.

    The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020

  • Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.

    American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

  • A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.

    The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

  • A panthenol-enriched mask significantly decreased erythema and hyperpigmentation, increased sebum and stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to a saline dressing in 60 subjects undergoing facial laser treatment.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025

  • Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019

  • Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans.

    Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000

  • Hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol, and isotonic saline nasal sprays all significantly improved dry nose symptoms over four weeks in 240 patients, with hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol providing superior nasal moisturisation compared to the other two.

    Auris, Nasus, Larynx, 2020

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Zinc PCA inhibits UVA-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 production through suppressed AP-1 activation and enhances type I collagen synthesis by increasing SVCT2 mRNA expression in cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2012

  • The cytotoxic effect of sodium lauryl sulphate on normal human keratinocytes was significantly decreased when combined with cocamidopropyl betaine, Tween 20, and Tween 80 at concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration.

    Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2003

  • Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) treatment decreases lipid membrane chain conformational order and stiffness leading to increased water sorption and diffusivity, whereas sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) treatment increases lipid membrane conformational order and stiffness with increased water sorption capacity driven by its hygroscopic nature.

    Langmuir, 2014

Why other cleansers fit oily acne-prone skin better

Ingredients

Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Panthenol Vitamin B5, Niacinamide, Zinc Pca, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium Edta, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate

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 6 Nov 2026

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

How does it fit your skin?

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