# Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin

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

Brand: [Grown Alchemist](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/brands/grown-alchemist)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for combination skin; other cleansers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your combination skin, as camellia seed oil and grape seed oil cleanse effectively without stripping, while glycerin and aloe leaf extract provide essential hydration. These ingredients offer general skincare benefits but do not specifically target oily shine concerns.
- The formula is well-suited for combination skin due to emollient oils and humectants that balance moisture without being overly heavy.
- The product is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation from harsh or prohibited ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin): Average (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Olive Leaf Extract, Plantago Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Niacinamide, Camellia Seed Oil

## What the research says

- Tea seed oil makeup remover successfully removed foundation and eyeliner without causing skin irritation in 20 human volunteers, with the 60% formulation showing superior foundation removal compared to other formulations and an olive oil benchmark. ([Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27988044/))
- Liquid crystalline emulsions formulated with camellia seed oil and four different surfactant combinations reduced transepidermal water loss and increased skin hydration without causing skin irritation, with the formulation containing Lecinol S-10 and Tween 80 demonstrating the best clinical results. ([Scientific Reports, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36918671/))
- Application of olive leaf extract-containing cream twice daily for 2 months significantly decreased transepidermal water loss and increased skin hydration and wrinkles in 36 participants with photoaging skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32333467/))
- Topical herbal treatments including lemon balm, olive leaf extract, propolis, and sage-rhubarb cream reduce pain, swelling, lesion size, and healing time in patients with herpes labialis compared with placebo or acyclovir. ([Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40526027/))
- Topical oleuropein formulations reduced erythema, transepidermal water loss, and blood flow by approximately 22%, 35%, and 30% in healthy volunteers with UVB-induced erythema. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18377620/))
- An oil-in-serum formulation containing olive extract standardized in hydroxytyrosol improved skin barrier function and significantly reduced hyperpigmentation in participants with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after 45 days of application. ([AAPS PharmSciTech, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41507660/))
- Plantain leaf proteins exhibit a wound-healing effect on vertebrate skin both in vitro and in vivo. ([Prikladnaia Biokhimiia I Mikrobiologiia, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22808737/))
- Plantago lanceolata water extract improves skin wound healing in rats by inducing the transition of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, increasing wound contraction rates, and enhancing tensile strength through greater extracellular matrix protein organization compared to untreated wounds. ([The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25244603/))
- Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata extracts incorporated into 3D-printed polysaccharide dressings enhanced fibroblast wound closure to 64% and 52%, respectively, compared to 29% for the control. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41592645/))
- A 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, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/))
- Topical 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, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29649056/))
- Topical 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, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20569031/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))

## 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, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/))
- Combined 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/))

## What reviewers say

This cleanser is widely praised by users with dry, sensitive, and mature skin for its ability to cleanse without stripping natural oils, leaving the face feeling soft, hydrated, and soothed. A minority of users with oily or acne-prone skin found it too rich or ineffective at removing heavy makeup, and some experienced sensitivity to the botanical ingredients.

- Liked: Gentle on sensitivity (often mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating & Non-Stripping (often mentioned)
- Liked: Luxurious texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Soothing scent (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Makeup removal (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Polarizing scent (rarely noted)

## 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.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does the Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser work for combination skin?

This cleanser works moderately well for combination skin because plant oils clean without stripping while glycerin and aloe add moisture, though it lacks ingredients that specifically target oily shine. A cleanser for this skin needs ingredients that effectively balance moisture while actively managing oily areas without causing irritation.
Sources: [Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27988044/), [Scientific Reports, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36918671/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for combination skin?

Camellia seed oil and grape seed oil cleanse your skin without stripping it, while glycerin and aloe leaf extract provide hydration. A cleanser for this skin needs ingredients that help balance moisture while managing oily shine.
Sources: [Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27988044/), [Scientific Reports, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36918671/)

### What does Olive Leaf Extract do for combination skin?

Olive leaf extract helps balance combination skin by boosting hydration, calming redness, and protecting against daily sun damage. This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation and may improve skin texture with regular use.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32333467/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18377620/)

### What does Plantago Extract do for combination skin?

Plantago extract helps keep combination skin hydrated and balanced while soothing dry and oily areas. It is unlikely to cause irritation and may improve overall skin texture.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32750209/)

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

This cleanser goes in your morning and evening routine, before your hydrating toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen. A cleanser of this type needs balancing ingredients like niacinamide or clay to help control oily shine on combination skin.

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

You can use this cleanser with retinol by applying the cleanser first on damp skin, rinsing it off, and then following with your retinol treatment once your face is dry. This cleanser is unlikely to irritate your skin, but combination skin needs products that also control oily shine.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily in your morning and evening routines. Combination skin needs a cleanser that balances moisture without feeling heavy, along with ingredients that manage oily shine.

### 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, as it uses lightweight plant oils and hydrating ingredients that balance moisture without leaving a heavy layer. A product for this skin needs gentle oils and balancing extracts that clean without adding excess shine.
Sources: [Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27988044/), [Scientific Reports, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36918671/)

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

You can use this cleanser on your body and around your eyes, as the gentle oils and plant extracts clean effectively without causing irritation on thin skin. Combination skin needs a product of this type that also helps balance oily shine.
Sources: [Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27988044/), [Scientific Reports, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36918671/)

### Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (benzyl alcohol plant, linalool plant, limonene plant, benzyl salicylate plant, and farnesol plant).

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — £14.99 at Amazon
- [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — £44.00 at Amazon
- [Missha Super Aqua Ultra Hyalron Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/missha/super-aqua-ultra-hyalron-cleansing-foam/for/combination-skin) — High fit — £9.86 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — £30.37 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — £14.80 at Amazon
- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — £23.92 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.co.uk: £37.00 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00G3J8ISI?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Lookfantastic: £37.00 (https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/grown-alchemist-hydra-restore-cream-cleanser-100ml/15372565/)
Prices checked 10 Oct – 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil Camellia Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil Grape Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate Plant, Sorbitan Olivate Plant, Cetyl Alcohol Plant, Glycerin Plant, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract Olive Leaf Extract, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract Plantago Major Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Xanthan Gum Polysaccharide Gum, Cananga Odorata Oil Flower Ylang Ylang Oil Flower, Tocopherol Vitamin E Plant, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract Oat Kernel Extract, Zinc Oxide, Pogostemon Cablin Oil Leaf, Fusanus Spicatus Oil Wood Sandalwood Oil Wood, Myroxylon Pereirae Oil Peru Balsam Oil, Niacinamide, Algae Extract Fucus Extract, Benzyl Alcohol Plant, Sodium Phytate Plant, Dehydroacetic Acid, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Linalool Plant, Limonene Plant, Benzyl Salicylate Plant, Farnesol Plant, Benzyl Benzoate Plant
## 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/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin