Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser for dry skin
Ascorbic Acid
Glycerin
Retinyl Palmitate
Tocopheryl Acetate Vitamin E
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract Grape Seed ExtractAverage
- HighDry Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
Works for dry skin; other cleansers fit it better.
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
- Offers moderate cleansing and hydration for your dry skin, with glycerin and caprylic capric triglyceride providing humectant and emollient benefits, though it lacks specialized ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid for significant moisturization.
- Decyl glucoside and glycerin effectively cleanse pores and hydrate, supporting general skin health without irritating your dry skin.
- The product is safe for your dry skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and includes soothing components like glycerin and tocopherol.
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
★4.7Overall rating based on 200+ reviewsWhile the potent citrus scent and lotion-like texture are favorites for most, some users with oily skin or those who prefer a sudsy lather may find it leaves a residue or fails to feel "clean" enough.
Highlights
Deeply hydrating Mostly Mentioned
- “Non-drying formula”
- “leaves skin soft”
- “moisturizing texture”
- “good for winter dryness”
Gentle on sensitive skin Often Mentioned
- “no irritation”
- “calms redness”
- “great for post-peel”
Invigorating citrus scent Often Mentioned
- “Smells like oranges”
- “fresh citrus aroma”
- “spa-like fragrance”
- “delicious orange smell”
Creamy texture Sometimes Noted
- “Feels like lotion”
- “silky consistency”
- “spreads easily”
- “luxurious feel”
Effective makeup removal Sometimes Noted
- “Melts away makeup”
- “removes impurities”
- “cleanses well”
- “good for double cleanse”
Does not lather Sometimes Noted
- “No suds”
- “feels like cold cream”
- “doesn't foam up”
- “weird texture for cleanser”
High price point Sometimes Noted
- “Expensive for cleanser”
- “pricey”
- “cost is high”
- “not budget-friendly”
Packaging pump issues Sometimes Noted
- “Pump stops working”
- “hard to get product out”
- “heavy bottle design”
- “broken dispenser”
Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
- “Caused cystic acne”
- “skin broke out”
- “not for oily skin”
- “clogged pores”
Leaves residue Rarely Noted
- “Feels filmy”
- “leaves oily coating”
- “skin feels heavy”
- “sticky after rinsing”
Sources: lovi.care, walmart.com, lovelyskin.com, dermstore.com, imageskincare.com, womensblogtalk.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser work for dry skin?
This cleanser works moderately well for dry skin, offering gentle cleansing alongside some hydration from glycerin and grape seed extract. To truly thrive, dry skin needs a cleanser of this type to include deep moisturizing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for dry skin?
Glycerin and caprylic capric triglyceride make this cleanser a good fit for dry skin by helping to hydrate and smooth the surface. To work best for dry skin, this type of product needs specialized moisturizing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
What does Vitamin C do for dry skin?
Vitamin C helps dry skin by boosting moisture and keeping the surface smooth and soft. It may also improve skin hydration and support the outer protective barrier over time.
Skin Research and Technology, 2008Experimental Dermatology, 2008
What does Glycerin do for dry skin?
Glycerin helps dry skin by drawing in moisture and keeping it locked in, which makes the skin feel much softer and smoother. It also supports your natural skin barrier to stop water from escaping easily. A product for dry skin needs extra ingredients like hyaluronic acid and soothing plant extracts to truly calm and hydrate dry patches.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008
Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for dry skin?
This cleanser goes in the morning and evening routine right after removing makeup in the evening, followed by a hydrating toner, moisturizer, and SPF in the morning or a treatment and moisturizer at night.
Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this cleanser with retinol, applying the cleanser first before your retinol treatment. It cleanses pores and hydrates your dry skin without irritating it, though dry skin generally benefits most from cleansers with ceramides or hyaluronic acid for deep moisturization.
How often should I use this cleanser?
You can use this cleanser daily in the morning and evening as part of your routine. Mild cleansers used regularly help support skin hydration and maintain general skin health without causing irritation.
Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?
This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for dry skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and uses gentle cleansing agents to wash away impurities without irritation. Because it offers only moderate moisture, dry skin usually needs a cleanser with extra ceramides or hyaluronic acid to stay fully soft and smooth.
Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?
This cleanser works for your dry skin, though it offers only moderate hydration and needs richer ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid for significant moisturization. It is generally safe to use on the body, but the thin skin around the eyes requires extra care and specialized formulas.
Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene and eugenol). Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.
What the research says
Topical application of an emollient emulsion containing 15.0% caprylic/capric triglyceride doubled the amount of urocanic acid isomers and increased skin hydration with reduced transepidermal water loss in healthy subjects, though it did not prevent ultraviolet-induced urocanic acid isomerization.
Life, 2023A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Topical 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, 2003Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.
Journal of Periodontology, 2009Topical 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, 2022A 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, 2017The 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, 2020Ten 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, 2001Over-the-counter retinol products provided only weak evidence for a mild ameliorating effect on fine facial skin wrinkle lines in randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trials, and major methodological flaws call the validity of positive results into question.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2021A cosmetic niacinamide/peptide/retinyl propionate regimen significantly improved periorbital wrinkle appearance relative to a 0.02% tretinoin regimen at 8 weeks with comparable benefits at 24 weeks, while demonstrating significantly better tolerability in 196 women.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2010A novel triple-active cosmetic formulation containing 4-hexylresorcinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide improved the visual appearance of photoageing similarly to 0.02% tretinoin and reversed a consensus gene signature associated with ageing in female adults while causing less skin irritation.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024Topical application of an antioxidant serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented particulate matter-induced degradation of extracellular matrix components, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skin of 15 female volunteers compared to untreated controls.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025Dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate showed non-comedogenic potential with less than a 50% increase in microcomedones in 12 healthy male subjects compared to octyl palmitate.
Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021Topical application of an antioxidant mix containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented PM and UV-induced skin barrier perturbation, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, MMP9 activation, and Type I collagen loss in 15 healthy females compared to untreated exposed skin.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Topical CE Ferulic plus resveratrol BE serum following ablative fractional CO2 laser treatment reduced erythema index (308.9 vs. 325.3), shortened complete scabbing detachment time (6.0 vs. 6.5 days), decreased melanin index (-7.4% vs. +0.2%), and improved skin hydration compared to normal saline in 51 Chinese patients.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2024Resveratrol cream improved skin hydration and tightening compared to cream without resveratrol in a group of probands.
Acta Biochimica Polonica, 2019Topical application of a water-in-oil emulsion containing 2% Muscat hamburg grape seed extract significantly improved melanin, elasticity, and sebum content compared to a placebo in human volunteers over 8 weeks, with no reported skin hypersensitivity.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2015
Why other cleansers fit dry skin better
Phytosphingosine increased filaggrin metabolism and skin hydration in human skin by stimulating filaggrin biosynthesis and degradation leading to natural moisturizing factor formation.
Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans.
Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000
Ingredients
Water, Isododecane, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetyl Alcohol, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate Dicaprate, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Limonene, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Coco-Caprylate Caprate, Decyl Glucoside, Glycereth-26, C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Clove Oil Leaf, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Yeast Polysaccharides, Sodium Hydroxide, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract Grape Seed Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Saponaria Officinalis Root Extract Leaf, Pentylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Superoxide Dismutase, Phenoxyethanol, Eugenol
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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