Elemis Superfood Facial Wash for dry sensitive skin
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Persea Gratissima Oil Avocado Oil
Brassica Oleracea Italica Seed Oil
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
Average
- HighDry Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for dry sensitive skin; other cleansers fit it better.
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2017
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, 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
- This formulation offers moderate cleansing benefits for your dry and sensitive skin, with sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and glycerin effectively removing impurities while supporting hydration.
- While Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado Oil) provides some emollient action, the overall formula's primary focus is cleansing rather than deeply addressing your dry or flaky skin concerns.
- The product is safe for your skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and is free from irritants.
How to apply
- Use your cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your face fresh. Start slowly once a day if your dry skin feels sensitive at first.
- Apply your cleanser first thing in your routine before any toner or moisturizer. Follow the usual steps for your AM or PM daily routine.
- Gently massage the cleanser onto your face using soft circular motions. Avoid harsh rubbing to protect your dry skin.
- Apply the cleanser to slightly damp skin to help it clean gently without stripping moisture. This method is very safe for sensitive and dry skin types.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and avoid the delicate eye area. Always do a patch test before using the product for the first time.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 2.9k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this facial wash is highly praised for its gentle, hydrating formula that effectively cleanses and leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed. Most users report improved skin texture and fewer breakouts. A small number of users experienced dryness or breakouts, and some found the price point to be high.
Highlights
Gentle, non-stripping Mostly Mentioned
- “Doesn't leave skin tight”
- “Cleanses without stripping”
- “Feels soft and nourished”
Effective cleansing Often Mentioned
- “Removes makeup and impurities”
- “Deeply cleanses”
- “Gets oily face clean”
Refreshing scent Often Mentioned
- “Smells so natural and fresh”
- “Spa-like aroma”
- “Refreshing green juice scent”
Improves skin texture Sometimes Noted
- “Skin feels like silk”
- “Leaves skin smooth”
- “Clearer, radiant complexion”
High price point Sometimes Noted
- “Wish it was more affordable”
- “Pricey compared to many”
- “Expensive for a cleanser”
Causes breakouts Rarely Noted
- “Horrible cystic breakouts”
- “Reacted terribly”
- “Caused clogged pores”
Drying for some Rarely Noted
- “Leaves skin very dry”
- “Dries my skin out”
- “Not for dry types”
Fragrance sensitivity Rarely Noted
- “Not a fan of fragrance”
- “Strong scent affects eyes”
- “Fairly scented”
Sources: lovi.care, elemis.com, ulta.com, lovelyskin.com, influenster.com, dermstore.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Elemis Superfood Facial Wash work for dry sensitive skin?
This cleanser works moderately well for your dry sensitive skin, removing impurities while supporting hydration with glycerin and plant oils without causing irritation. Cleansers that fit this skin better need rich hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and protect dry skin.
Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for dry sensitive skin?
This cleanser works for dry sensitive skin because it includes avocado oil and glycerin to help cleanse while supporting hydration. A product of this type needs ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and soothing ingredients like allantoin to deeply lock in moisture and protect dry skin.
What does Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide do for dry sensitive skin?
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide helps calm and balance dry sensitive skin by feeding the good bacteria on your face to keep the skin barrier strong and comfortable. This ingredient helps lock in moisture so your skin feels soft and less prone to irritation.
What does Persea Gratissima Oil do for dry sensitive skin?
Persea gratissima oil helps keep dry sensitive skin soft and smooth while improving overall elasticity. It is unlikely to cause irritation when used regularly.
Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?
This cleanser goes into your morning and evening routine as the first cleansing step, and it is safe to use daily because it contains no harsh ingredients. A product for this skin needs rich plant oils and deeply hydrating ingredients to effectively soothe flaky areas and keep the skin soft.
Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this cleanser in your routine, but dry and sensitive skin needs a product with extra nourishing oils and rich barrier-restoring ingredients to comfortably handle retinol. Apply your cleanser first to clean skin, followed by your retinol treatment and a rich moisturizer to keep your face feeling soft and smooth.
How often should I use this cleanser?
You can use this cleanser twice a day in your morning and evening routine as it gently removes impurities while supporting hydration. A cleanser for this skin type needs gentle cleansing ingredients along with rich plant oils and hydrating factors to deeply nourish dry, flaky areas.
Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?
This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for dry sensitive skin, as its safe formula contains no harsh ingredients and is free from irritants. Reviewers rarely complain about breakouts, and studies show that ingredients like pumpkin seed oil have a safe profile with no skin irritation.
Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?
You can use this cleanser on your body, but it is best to avoid the thin skin around your eyes to prevent irritation. For dry sensitive skin, a cleanser of this type needs extra soothing oils and rich moisturizers to truly comfort and protect the skin barrier.
Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum, limonene, geraniol, and linalool). Lauryl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.
What the research says
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, 2017A novel sunprotective dermal formulation containing melatonin, pumpkin seed oil, and four UV filters showed no acute oral or dermal toxicity, no skin sensitization or irritation, no ocular irritation, and no genotoxicity in animal models.
Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2017Topical cream containing saffron extract and avocado oil improved wrinkle grading, reduced nasolabial fold area and volume, and increased skin elasticity in twenty healthy volunteers over 12 weeks without allergic reactions.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Topical treatment with SSFAO 50% or avocado oil increased wound contraction, reepithelialization, collagen density, and tensile strength while showing anti-inflammatory activity compared to petroleum jelly in rats.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013Topical treatment with pumpkin seed oil healed uniform wounds in rats, achieving full re-epithelialization, reappearance of skin appendages, and well-organized collagen fibers compared to untreated controls.
Lipids in Health and Disease, 2016A combinational sunscreen formulation of UV filters, melatonin, and pumpkin seed oil ameliorated UV radiation-induced photoaging in adult Wistar albino rats by increasing SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, and collagen levels, while decreasing skin edema, skin thickness, and inflammatory cytokines compared to UV-exposed controls.
European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2019Topical pumpkin seed oil increased hair follicle proliferation in mice without causing liver toxicity, oxidative stress, or genotoxicity.
Acta Histochemica, 2022
Why other cleansers fit dry sensitive 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, 2017A cream containing panthenol, prebiotics, and probiotic lysate improved facial sensitive skin symptoms and skin barrier function in 110 participants over 28 days.
Skin Research and Technology, 2024A 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
Ingredients
Water, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Lactate, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Lauryl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Persea Gratissima Oil Avocado Oil, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Parfum, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Brassica Oleracea Italica Seed Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Galactoarabinan, Disodium Edta, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, Limonene, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Caramel, Amyris Balsamifera Oil Bark, Urtica Dioica Juice, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Geraniol, Linalool, Rosmarinus Officinalis Oil Leaf Rosemary Oil Leaf, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil Carrot Seed Oil, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract, Triticum Aestivum Leaf Extract Wheatgrass Leaf Extract, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Maltodextrin, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Tocopherol, Copper Gluconate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ascorbic Acid
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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