DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser for combination skin
Sodium Hyaluronate
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Panthenol
Average
- HighCombination Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for combination skin; other cleansers fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. 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 soothing benefits for your combination skin, as decyl glucoside and aloe barbadensis leaf extract effectively remove impurities and provide hydration without stripping.
- Saccharide isomerate and panthenol further support barrier repair and hydration, though specialized ingredients for managing oil production are not present.
- The formula is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh or prohibited ingredients.
How to apply
- Use this cleanser AM and PM as part of your daily routine. Start 3×/week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this cleanser as the very first step in your morning routine and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening.
- Gently massage a small amount of cleanser onto your skin using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- For the best results , apply the cleanser directly onto slightly damp skin to help lift away excess oil.
- Avoid the immediate eye area and do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.
People Say
★4.9Overall rating based on 2.5k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this cleanser is highly regarded for its ability to cleanse effectively without stripping the skin, making it a favorite for those seeking a balanced, hydrated complexion. While it works well for most skin types, including those concerned with aging, a small number of users have reported unexpected dryness or irritation.
Highlights
Effective makeup removal Often Mentioned
- “Takes the day off”
- “Removes excess oil”
- “Cleanses thoroughly”
Non-drying formula Often Mentioned
- “Doesn't dry out”
- “Skin feels hydrated”
- “Not tight or dehydrated”
Gentle on skin Sometimes Noted
- “Mild foaming”
- “Soothes the skin”
- “Great for daily use”
Pleasant experience Sometimes Noted
- “Smells amazing”
- “Feels amazing”
- “Slippery smooth”
Causes dryness Rarely Noted
- “Stripped my skin”
- “Under eyes are dry”
- “Dried it out”
Potential irritation Rarely Noted
- “Noticed irritation”
- “Caused sensitivity”
- “Did not work for me”
Price point Rarely Noted
- “A bit expensive”
- “Higher cost”
- “Premium pricing”
Sources: lovi.care, drmtlgy.com, ulta.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does the DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser work for combination skin?
This cleanser works reasonably well for combination skin by offering gentle cleansing and soothing hydration without stripping moisture. However, because it lacks specialized ingredients for managing oil production, a cleanser for this skin type ideally needs targeted ingredients that control oily shine while maintaining hydration and balance.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025
Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for combination skin?
This cleanser works for your combination skin because decyl glucoside and aloe barbadensis leaf extract lift away dirt while keeping moisture balanced. Saccharide isomerate and panthenol help restore the skin barrier and add hydration. Combination skin of this type needs ingredients that manage oily shine while providing balanced moisture.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025
What does Hyaluronic Acid do for combination skin?
Hyaluronic acid is a great fit for combination skin because it quenches dry areas with a boost of hydration while keeping oily zones balanced. Regular use helps smooth out fine lines and makes your skin feel soft and plump without causing irritation.
Dermatology and Therapy, 2021Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011
What does Aloe Vera Leaf Extract do for combination skin?
Aloe vera leaf extract helps hydrate dry areas and calm oily skin without clogging pores. It improves skin moisture and supports a smooth, balanced feel.
Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for combination skin?
This cleanser goes in your morning and evening routines as the first step of cleansing. It helps wash away impurities and soothe your skin while keeping it hydrated.
Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this cleanser with retinol by applying it first on your skin before your retinol treatment. A cleanser of this type for combination skin needs soothing ingredients like aloe and hydrating helpers like panthenol and sodium hyaluronate to keep skin calm and soft while using strong treatments.
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 help remove impurities and maintain hydration without stripping the skin.
Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?
This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for combination skin because it avoids harsh ingredients and provides gentle hydration with panthenol and sodium hyaluronate. A cleanser for this skin type still needs specialized ingredients to help manage oil production.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?
You can use this cleanser on your body and around your eyes because it has a very safe formula that avoids harsh ingredients. However, combination skin needs a cleanser of this type to also include specialized ingredients that manage oil production in order to give a better fit.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
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, 2017A novel moisturizer containing saccharide isomerate accelerates skin barrier recovery, improves hydration, reduces erythema, and alleviates discomfort compared to a control moisturizer following intense pulsed light treatment in subjects with skin aging.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2025Topical 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, 2002A 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, 2025Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.
Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.
BMC Oral Health, 2019A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo.
Clinical Pharmacology, 2018Topical aloe vera gel significantly accelerated split-thickness skin graft donor-site healing compared to placebo in 12 patients, but showed no significant difference in pain relief.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2018Topical application of Aloe vera cream reduced postoperative pain at rest and during defecation, accelerated wound healing at two weeks, and decreased analgesic requirements in patients after open hemorrhoidectomy compared to placebo.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010Transgenic cucumber expressing poly-γ-glutamic acid synthesis genes increased water content by 6-14%, reduced water loss by 11-12%, decreased facial wrinkles and roughness by 19.58% and 24.97%, decreased skin melanin by 5.27%, and improved facial elasticity in human skin and zebrafish compared to controls.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024Copper Oxide nanoparticles synthesized using cucumber extract exhibited antibacterial, antifungal, UV protection, and reactive-oxygen species inhibition properties with low cellular toxicity and skin-rejuvenating effects when incorporated into skin cream.
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders Drug Targets, 2021Topical treatment with Holothuria parva extract gel showed significant wound contraction compared to the negative control in full-thickness wounded rats.
The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds, 2024A novel D-limonene and Gelucire 44/12 based microemulsion formulated with Labrasol and Labrafil M 1944 CS showed high stability, optical transparency, nanometric globule size, and a safe in vivo skin profile on mice ear skin.
Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2021Moisturizer 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, 2019Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans.
Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000Hyaluronic 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
Why other cleansers fit combination skin better
A botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract continuously reduced skin sebum levels without reactive seborrhea after treatment in 21 healthy volunteers compared to a sodium laureth sulfate cleanser, with neither cleanser causing skin irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019Combined ascorbyl palmitate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate treatment significantly reduced facial sebum secretions in healthy female volunteers compared to a placebo control over 90 days.
Drug Research, 2017
Ingredients
Water, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide Mipa, Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Glycol Distearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Zingiber Officinale Oil Root, Bergamot Oil Fruit, Peppermint Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharide Isomerate, Panthenol, Glycerin, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Peg-6 Caprylic Capric Glycerides, Disodium Edta, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone
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.
-
Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-
Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-
Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-
Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-
Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-
Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-
Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.