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Colorescience Barrier Pro 1-Step Cleanser for dry skin

Colorescience Barrier Pro 1-Step Cleanser

Superior

  • HighDry Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

One of the best cleansers for dry skin.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, 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

  • Excellent for your dry skin, this cleanser effectively removes impurities with Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine while Glycerin and Lactobacillus Ferment provide moderate hydration to support your skin barrier.
  • Propanediol and Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract further enhance moisture retention and barrier function, making it highly suitable for dry skin.
  • The formula is safe for your skin, containing no harsh ingredients and including soothing agents like Lactobacillus Ferment and Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract.

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.

People Say

★4.8Overall rating based on 800+ reviews

This cleanser is highly praised for its ability to effectively remove mineral sunscreen and makeup in a single step without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier. It is frequently recommended for individuals with sensitive, acne-prone, or mature skin who seek a gentle, hydrating, and non-irritating cleansing experience.

Highlights

  • Effective removal Mostly Mentioned
    • “Removes all makeup in one step”
    • “Takes off mineral sunscreen easily”
    • “No need for double cleansing”
  • Gentle on skin Often Mentioned
    • “Doesn't leave skin feeling stripped”
    • “Very gentle but effective”
    • “Perfect for my sensitive skin”
  • Hydrating feel Sometimes Noted
    • “Leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed”
    • “Doesn't leave me feeling tight”
    • “Skin feels hydrated and replenished”
  • Minimal product Sometimes Noted
    • “A little goes a long way”
    • “Only need a drop”
    • “Lasts a long time”
  • Ingredient sensitivity Rarely Noted
    • “Had a reaction to the grapefruit oil”
    • “Sensitive to citrus ingredients”
    • “Caused a minor breakout”
  • Price concerns Rarely Noted
    • “Wouldn't pay full price”
    • “Expensive for a cleanser”
    • “Nothing special for the cost”
  • Slightly drying Rarely Noted
    • “Can feel slightly drying”
    • “Left my skin feeling tight”
    • “Not as moisturizing as expected”

Sources: lovi.care, colorescience.com, dermstore.com, lovelyskin.com, reddit.com, dermstreet.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes Colorescience Barrier Pro 1-Step Cleanser one of the best fits for dry skin?

Colorescience Barrier Pro 1-Step Cleanser is one of the best fits for dry skin because it cleans gently while providing moderate hydration through glycerin and lactobacillus ferment. Propanediol and opuntia ficus-indica stem extract further help lock in moisture and support your skin barrier without any harsh ingredients.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024Molecules, 2015

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

Glycerin, Propanediol, and Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract make this cleanser a great fit for dry skin by helping lock in moisture and support your skin barrier. Lactobacillus Ferment also helps soothe dry skin while keeping the formula gentle and safe.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024Molecules, 2015

What does Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate do for dry skin?

Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is a cleansing ingredient that may strip away natural skin fats like ceramides, which can leave dry skin feeling even drier and more tight. Because cleansers with this ingredient can disrupt the skin barrier, dry skin needs gentle cleansers formulated with soothing moisturizers and skin-softening ingredients that protect moisture levels.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

What does Cocamidopropyl Betaine do for dry skin?

Cocamidopropyl betaine is a cleansing ingredient that is unlikely to cause major issues when used in rinse-off products, though it may occasionally cause mild irritation or skin sensitivity for some people. Dry skin needs gentle cleansers formulated with surfactants that have diminished interactions with skin proteins and lipids, combined with a neutral or acidic pH and moisturizing agents to reduce barrier damage and improve hydration.

Toxicological Research, 2024Dermatologic Therapy, 2004

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

This cleanser is used in both your morning and evening routines to gently remove impurities while supporting your skin barrier. Using a mild cleanser like this helps improve dryness and leaves your skin feeling calm and hydrated.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022

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

You can use this cleanser with retinol by applying it before your retinol step to gently wash your face without stripping moisture. Because it contains soothing ingredients like glycerin and Lactobacillus ferment, it is unlikely to cause irritation when paired with active treatments.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024Molecules, 2015

How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily in both your morning and evening routines. Using a mild cleanser as part of a consistent daily routine helps improve skin hydration and dryness.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022

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

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores, cause breakouts, or lead to purging on dry skin. Its gentle formulation cleans away impurities without harsh ingredients while ingredients like glycerin and propanediol help maintain moisture.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024

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

Yes, you can use this cleanser around the eyes and on your body because its gentle formula safely cleanses without harsh ingredients. Glycerin and Lactobacillus Ferment provide moderate hydration, while Propanediol and Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract help lock in moisture to support your skin barrier.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024Molecules, 2015

Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Topical application of 1,3-propanediol at various concentrations, alone or combined with butylene glycol and/or glycerol, increased skin hydration and reduced trans epidermal water loss in 30 healthy female subjects over an 8-hour period, with the 15% concentration and the addition of glycerol providing greater benefits.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024
  • Nanoemulsions containing 1% Opuntia ficus-indica extract demonstrated suitable stability and successfully increased the water content of the stratum corneum for 5 hours after forearm application.

    Molecules, 2015
  • Opuntia ficus-indica extract activated AHR-NRF2 signaling, inhibited reactive oxygen species generation, and upregulated filaggrin and loricrin expression in human keratinocytes.

    Journal of Medicinal Food, 2015
  • Topical application of 1.0% Lactobacillus ferment from jojoba cake significantly increased skin collagen fluorescence compared to baseline and placebo cream over 56 days in 46 individuals.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026
  • Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser decreased prokaryotic microbial alpha diversity, altered prokaryotic microbiome structure, increased phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine, and decreased ceramides on facial skin.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
  • Coacervates formed from mixed micelles of sodium lauroylsarcosinate and cocamidopropyl betaine with cationic guar gum exhibited a dense porous structure with high viscoelastic modulus under strong electrostatic interactions, and a looser mesh structure with lower viscoelasticity and enhanced skin adsorption under weakened interactions.

    Soft Matter, 2024
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Probiotic-derived lotion successfully reduced inflammatory acne lesion counts and erythema index comparably to 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in patients with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, while causing fewer side effects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
  • Topical application of Lactobacillus plantarum-GMNL6 enhanced collagen synthesis and SPTSSA gene expression while reducing melanin synthesis, Staphylococcus aureus biofilm, and Cutibacterium acnes proliferation, leading to clinical improvements in skin moisture, color, spots, wrinkles, UV spots, and porphyrins in human volunteers.

    International Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021
  • Lactobacillus plantarum extracellular vesicles modulated extracellular matrix related gene expression in vitro and suppressed wrinkle formation and pigmentation in clinical trials.

    Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 2022
  • Topical application of an aqueous gel containing 0.1% w/w naringenin demonstrated in vitro safety, significantly reduced UV-induced stratum corneum lipid peroxidation, and showed in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy against methyl nicotinate-induced inflammation in human participants compared to a blank gel and untreated area, while chlorogenic acid, apigenin, and kaempferol displayed pro-oxidant profiles.

    Frontiers in Chemistry, 2024
  • Topical application of a naringenin-containing formulation protected hairless mice from ultraviolet B-induced skin damage by inhibiting edema, cytokine production, superoxide anion, and lipid hydroperoxides while maintaining antioxidant enzymes and glutathione levels.

    PloS One, 2016
  • Encapsulating naringenin, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), and kaempferol into nanostructured lipid carriers provided prolonged release, stability, and antioxidant protection against oxidative stress in human keratinocytes, with an NDGA and kaempferol mixture showing synergistic antioxidant effects.

    Pharmaceutics, 2021

Ingredients

Water, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Methyl Glucose Caprate, Caprylate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, Glycereth-18 Ethylhexanoate, Propanediol, Glycereth-18, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, Decyl Glucoside, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Sorbitan Laurate, Grapefruit Fruit Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol

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.

How does it fit your skin?

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