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ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser for oily skin

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

ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser

High

  • HighOily Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

A great choice for oily skin; a few cleansers fit it even better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. 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

  • Highly suitable for your oily skin as salicylic acid and Spiraea Ulmaria Extract work to manage oil production and exfoliate dead skin cells, addressing oily shine effectively.
  • The cleanser offers excellent pore decongestion and exfoliation due to sodium laureth sulfate and salicylic acid, further supporting your goal of managing oily shine.
  • The product is safe for your oily skin, with niacinamide and tocopheryl acetate providing soothing benefits and no harsh ingredients present.

How to apply

  • Use your cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your skin fresh. Always make sure to follow with a good SPF in the morning.
  • Apply your cleanser as the first step in the morning or the second step in the evening before your toner.
  • Gently massage a small amount onto your face using circular motions, then rinse well with water .
  • You can apply this cleanser safely on damp skin for a refreshing and easy wash.
  • Avoid getting the product directly into your eyes and stop use if irritation occurs.

People Say

★4.8Overall rating based on 100+ reviews

Users with normal to oily and acne-prone skin frequently praise this cleanser for its deep pore cleansing and oil reduction, leading to smoother skin and fewer breakouts. The formula's exfoliating beads and salicylic acid are noted for their effectiveness. Some users with drier or sensitive skin find it too aggressive, and a few mention concerns about counterfeit products when not purchased from authorized sellers. The high price point is also a recurring comment.

Highlights

  • Effective deep clean Mostly Mentioned
    • “Leaves my face feeling fresh”
    • “Removes all oil and dirt”
    • “Skin feels incredibly clean”
    • “Best for removing makeup”
  • Acne & oil control Often Mentioned
    • “Keeps my acne at bay”
    • “Reduces surface oil”
    • “Helps with cystic breakouts”
    • “Unclogs my pores”
  • Gentle exfoliation Often Mentioned
    • “Beads melt into skin”
    • “Not harsh or scratchy”
    • “Gentle enough for daily use”
    • “Smooths texture instantly”
  • High efficiency Sometimes Noted
    • “A pea-sized amount is enough”
    • “Lasts for months”
    • “Lathers up beautifully”
    • “A little goes a long way”
  • Non-stripping formula Sometimes Noted
    • “Doesn't leave skin tight”
    • “Hydrating finish”
    • “Soft after washing”
    • “Balanced clean”
  • Counterfeit concerns Sometimes Noted
    • “Received a fake product”
    • “Consistency was watery”
    • “Beads didn't dissolve”
    • “Smelled different than the clinic version”
  • High price point Sometimes Noted
    • “Very expensive”
    • “Pricey for a face wash”
    • “Hard on the wallet”
    • “A splurge item”
  • Drying for some Rarely Noted
    • “Made my skin peel”
    • “Too drying for winter”
    • “Left my face tight”
    • “Not for dry skin”
  • Scent Rarely Noted
    • “Smell is too strong”
    • “Perfume scent is overpowering”
    • “Smells like cologne”
    • “Fragrance irritated me”

Sources: lovi.care, influenster.com, amazon.com, skinsort.com, bestviewsreviews.com, myfacedr.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes ZO Exfoliating Cleanser a great fit for oily skin?

This cleanser is a great fit because salicylic acid and Spiraea Ulmaria Extract help manage oil production and clear dead skin cells to reduce oily shine. Ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin E acetate also provide soothing benefits to keep the skin calm.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024BioMed Research International, 2020

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

Salicylic acid and Spiraea Ulmaria Extract make this cleanser a great fit by managing oil production and exfoliating dead skin cells to reduce oily shine. Niacinamide and tocopheryl acetate help by providing soothing benefits for your skin.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024BioMed Research International, 2020

What does Salicylic Acid do for oily skin?

Salicylic acid helps oily skin by reducing excess oil and keeping pores clear. It may also improve overall skin hydration while managing breakouts.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025Experimental Dermatology, 2019

What does Niacinamide do for oily skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oily skin by significantly reducing excess oil production and shine. It is well tolerated and may improve skin texture without clogging pores.

Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006Antioxidants, 2021

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

This cleanser fits into both your morning and evening routines as the starting step to wash your face and manage oily shine. It helps clear out pores and gently exfoliates dead skin cells using salicylic acid, while niacinamide and tocopheryl acetate keep your skin calm and comfortable.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024BioMed Research International, 2020

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

You can use this cleanser with retinol, but to keep your skin calm, use the cleanser and retinol at different times of day or on alternating days since both help clear out pores. It is unlikely to cause harsh irritation as niacinamide and vitamin E help soothe the skin.

How often should I use this cleanser?

This cleanser is a great fit for your oily skin, helping manage oil and clear pores with salicylic acid. You can use it daily as part of your morning and evening routine.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024BioMed Research International, 2020

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

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts because salicylic acid and plant extracts work to clear out pores and manage oily shine. It also features soothing ingredients like niacinamide to help keep skin calm while exfoliating.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024BioMed Research International, 2020

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

This cleanser is intended for facial use and may be too strong for the thin skin around the eyes. For body skin, it can help manage oil and clear pores, though you should check how your skin reacts.

Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum, citronellol, hexyl cinnamal, limonene, and linalool).

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Application of a cream containing lactic acid 12% and pramoxine HCl 1% significantly improved skin dryness, hydration, and itch compared with a nontreated control in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin.

    Cutis, 2004

  • Topical 12% ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of epidermal and dermal atrophy induced by clobetasol propionate in human volunteers, without influencing the corticosteroid's bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties.

    Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992

  • A lactic acid/ceramide lotion significantly improved skin moisturization and desquamation compared to no treatment in women with dry, rough skin on the anterior shins.

    The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020

  • 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

  • Topical 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, 2025

  • Dermatological 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, 2021

  • Topical 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, 2024

Ingredients

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Acrylates Copolymer, Jojoba Esters, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Mannitol, Cellulose, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacin, Niacinamide, Caprylyl Glycol, Laureth-2, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Sulfate, Disodium Edta, Ammonium Lactate, Salicylic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium Pca, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzoic Acid, Parfum, Chromium Hydroxide Green Ci 77289, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool

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

How does it fit your skin?

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How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

QR code: get the Lovi app
Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play