# Principia Gel de Limpeza GL-01 for acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for acne-prone skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/acne-prone-skin

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

Brand: [Principia](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/principia)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for acne-prone skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your combination skin as salicylic acid decongests pores and provides general cleansing benefits for acne-prone skin, though it may not be specialized enough to effectively target breakouts.
- The formulation includes ingredients like decyl glucoside and cocamidopropyl betaine for effective cleansing, but it lacks sufficient humectant ingredients to adequately hydrate drier areas of your combination skin.
- The safety profile is good, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/acne-prone-skin): Low (this page)
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Gluconate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Menthol

## What the research says

- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12677096/))
- Coadministration of 40% topical L-menthol with 10% trans-cinnamaldehyde reduced spontaneous pain intensity, neurogenic inflammation, primary and secondary mechanical hyperalgesia, and heat hyperalgesia, but not cold hyperalgesia, in 14 healthy volunteers. ([The Journal of Pain, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27260636/))
- Topical application of menthol-based cooling gel decreased intramuscular temperature by 1.9 °C and increased cutaneous blood flow by 0.3 ml/min in healthy males compared to placebo gel. ([International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30038834/))
- Cooling skin temperature or applying topical menthol reduced histamine-induced itch intensity and flare diameters in healthy male volunteers. ([Neuroscience Letters, 1995](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7624016/))

## Why other cleansers fit acne-prone skin better

- Cosmetic formulations containing 5% Centella asiatica extract showed the best efficacy in improving skin moisture and decreasing transepidermal water loss, while also exhibiting antiinflammatory properties in 25 volunteers compared to baseline measurements. ([Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/))
- A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))
- Glycerol accelerates barrier repair and improves stratum corneum hydration compared to untreated and base-treated sites. ([Acta Dermato-venereologica, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10598752/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this cleanser is highly regarded for oily and acne-prone skin, effectively managing oil and reducing breakouts without over-drying. Users frequently praise its generous volume and active ingredients for visibly improving skin texture and oiliness over time.

- Liked: Excellent oil control (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Great cost-benefit (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective acne treatment (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle but deep cleaning (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Pleasant texture/smell (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Drying for some (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Eye burning (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Potential irritation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Pump/Packaging issues (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM and PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it.
- This cleanser is the first step in your morning routine and the second step after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Always follow up with a toner and moisturizer .
- Gently massage a small amount of the cleanser onto your face in circular motions. Avoid harsh rubbing to keep your skin calm.
- Apply the cleanser on slightly damp skin to help it work effectively against breakouts. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water .
- Avoid the immediate eye area and do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Principia GL-01 a weak match for acne-prone skin?

This cleanser is a weak match because its salicylic acid may not be specialized enough to target breakouts on acne-prone skin, and it lacks sufficient hydrating ingredients to balance drier areas. A product of this type needs powerful blemish-fighting ingredients alongside soothing, hydrating, and barrier-repairing agents to properly care for acne-prone skin.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a poor fit for acne-prone skin?

This cleanser is a weak match because it lacks sufficient hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or ceramides to balance drier areas while clearing breakouts. A cleanser for this skin needs specialized acne-fighting ingredients combined with soothing and barrier-repairing agents to keep the skin calm and smooth.

### What does Salicylic Acid do for acne-prone skin?

Salicylic acid helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing pimples and calming redness without causing many side effects. It works by dipping deep into pores to clear out blockages and control oil, making it a reliable choice for keeping skin smooth and clear.
Sources: [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### What does Glycerin do for acne-prone skin?

Glycerin helps keep acne-prone skin hydrated and calm without clogging pores or feeling heavy. It supports the skin barrier so it stays soft and smooth while handling everyday treatments.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [International Journal of Toxicology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31840548/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This cleanser goes as the first step in your morning routine and the second step in your evening routine after makeup removal. It is a weak match for acne-prone skin because it may not target breakouts specialized enough and lacks sufficient hydrating ingredients for drier areas, meaning an acne-prone cleanser of this type needs targeted blemish-fighting actives and extra moisture-locking ingredients.

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

You can use this cleanser in the same routine as retinol, but apply your retinol after cleansing on completely dry skin to help keep your skin calm. Because this cleanser may not fully target breakouts or hydrate drier spots, acne-prone skin of this type needs specialized blemish-fighting ingredients alongside barrier-restoring ingredients like ceramides to stay smooth and balanced.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26293170/)

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily in the morning and evening as part of your routine. This cleanser offers moderate suitability for acne-prone skin, but an effective option for this skin type needs specialized ingredients to target breakouts and enough moisture to prevent dryness.

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

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores since it contains salicylic acid to help clear them out, but it may not be specialized enough to effectively target existing breakouts. To better care for acne-prone skin, a product of this type needs stronger blemish-fighting ingredients and extra hydrating components to balance drier areas without causing dryness.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

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

You can use this cleanser on your body, but it is not specialized for the very thin skin around the eyes. A cleanser for the eye area needs gentle cleansing agents and soothing hydrators that protect delicate skin without causing irritation.
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 acne-prone skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- [Torriden DIVE IN Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/torriden/dive-in-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $17.00 at Amazon
- [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $14.97 at Amazon

## Routine for acne-prone skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.50 at Amazon
- SPF: [d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/d-alba/piedmont-waterfull-mild-sunscreen/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.99 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $50.00 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Pixi Glow Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/pixi/glow-tonic/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $28.42 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $39.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.50 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $50.00 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $69.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/herbivore-botanicals/blue-tansy-bha-and-enzyme-pore-refining-mask/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $58.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.60 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $39.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in United States has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Sorbeth-450 Tristearate, Peg-9 Cocoate, Peg-32 Distearate, Peg-175 Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Menthol, Sodium Hydroxide
## 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/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/principia/gel-de-limpeza-gl-01/for/acne-prone-skin
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