SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel: Triple-Acid Exfoliating Cleanser for Breakout-Prone, Aging Skin
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel is an exfoliating gel face wash created for skin that deals with breakouts and visible signs of aging at the same time. It clears away excess oil and makeup while it decongests pores, smooths uneven texture, and brightens the look of the complexion.
The formula combines three hydroxy acids: lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA, listed as capryloyl salicylic acid), glycolic acid, and salicylic acid. SkinCeuticals pairs them with glycerin, sorbitol, and a conditioning surfactant, reaching a 12% concentration of key ingredients. The result is a deep-cleansing gel that refines the look of congested pores and helps reduce blemishes without leaving skin dry.
SkinCeuticals recommends it most for oily and combination skin, and its benefits list also names aging skin. The brand describes the formula as free of parabens, soap, fragrance, dye, and alcohol.
Why You'll Like It
- Three exfoliating acids, LHA, glycolic, and salicylic, in one daily cleanser.
- Helps decongest clogged pores and reduce the look of blemishes.
- Removes excess oil and makeup without a dried-out feel.
- Smooths rough texture and brightens a dull-looking complexion.
- Addresses breakouts and visible signs of aging together.
- Paraben-, soap-, fragrance-, dye-, and alcohol-free.
Who Is It For
- Adults with oily or combination skin who still get breakouts.
- Aging skin that is also prone to blemishes and congestion.
- Anyone with visibly clogged pores and excess shine.
- Shoppers who want exfoliation built into their morning and evening cleanse.
LHA Cleansing Gel gives breakout-prone, aging skin a smarter daily cleanse, one that clears pores and refines texture every time you wash.
Benefits
- Exfoliates evenly with a blend of LHA, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid.
- Helps unclog congested pores and refine their appearance.
- Helps reduce blemishes and breakouts.
- Removes excess oil and makeup.
- Smooths skin texture and brightens the complexion.
- Targets visible signs of aging alongside breakouts.
- Cleanses deeply without drying skin, with glycerin and sorbitol in the formula.
- Free of parabens, soap, fragrance, dye, and alcohol.
This triple-acid cleanser is part of the SkinCeuticals acne and oil-control lineup, a brand that builds targeted cleansers, toners, and correctives around clearly defined active ingredients.
Clearer pores and smoother texture begin with the cleanser, and this one is built to do that job well.
How to Use
- Morning and evening, massage a small amount onto a wet face and neck in light circular motions, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Follow with SkinCeuticals LHA Toner, which SkinCeuticals directs to be used after this cleanser.
- In the morning, continue with a SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum and sunscreen; in the evening, follow with a SkinCeuticals corrective product or moisturizer.
Cleanse with it consistently, morning and night, so pores stay clearer and skin keeps its refined finish.
Ingredients
Key Ingredients:
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LHA (Capryloyl Salicylic Acid): A lipo-hydroxy acid derived from salicylic acid that exfoliates, decongests clogged pores, and refines the skin's surface.
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Salicylic Acid: A beta hydroxy acid that refines the look of pores and helps reduce acne.
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Glycolic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid that clears dead skin cell buildup and supports skin hydration.
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Glycerin and Sorbitol: Moisture-binding ingredients that help the gel cleanse deeply without drying the skin.
Full Ingredients: Aqua / Water / Eau, Coco-Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Triethanolamine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Disteareth-100 Ipdi, Salicylic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Menthol, Disodium Edta, Steareth-100
Ingredients may change. Please check the packaging for the most current list.
Three complementary acids working at a 12% combined concentration of key ingredients give this cleanser a level of precision few face washes offer.
FAQ
Can I use SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel every day?
Yes. SkinCeuticals designed LHA Cleansing Gel for use twice a day, morning and evening. Massage a small amount onto a wet face and neck, rinse well with warm water, and pat dry.
What does LHA Cleansing Gel do?
It is an exfoliating cleanser that removes excess oil and makeup while it decongests pores and brightens skin. SkinCeuticals formulated it for aging skin prone to breakouts, refining the look of congested pores and helping reduce blemishes without drying.
What is LHA, and how is it different from salicylic acid?
LHA, or lipo-hydroxy acid, is a derivative of salicylic acid. SkinCeuticals uses it to exfoliate, decongest pores, and refine the skin's surface, and combines it here with salicylic acid and glycolic acid so the three acids work together.
Which skin types is LHA Cleansing Gel best for?
SkinCeuticals recommends it most for oily and combination skin, because the LHA and salicylic acid help remove excess oil and clear congested pores. For more sensitive skin, the brand suggests a gentler hydrating cleanser instead.
Is it a good cleanser for acne-prone skin?
Yes. SkinCeuticals positions LHA Cleansing Gel as a face cleanser for acne-prone skin: salicylic acid helps decongest clogged pores and break down oily sebum, which can contribute to breakouts. For a weekly deep-cleaning step, it fits naturally alongside the SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask.
Does LHA Cleansing Gel remove makeup?
Yes. SkinCeuticals says it removes excess oils and makeup while it exfoliates, so it can serve as your main cleanse at the end of the day.
Can I use it with a retinol?
Yes. SkinCeuticals says LHA Cleansing Gel can be used with a retinol. If retinol is new to you, start once or twice a week and build up gradually as tolerated, and wear a high-protection broad spectrum sunscreen daily, since retinol may increase sun sensitivity.
What treatment pairs well with LHA Cleansing Gel?
For breakout-prone skin that is also showing signs of aging, many routines follow this cleanser with a targeted serum such as SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense, which SkinCeuticals formulates for the same skin profile. Finish with moisturizer at night and sunscreen in the morning.
Can I use it while pregnant or breastfeeding?
SkinCeuticals states that LHA Cleansing Gel can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Still, consult your physician before adding any new product to your routine.
LHA, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid work together at a 12% concentration of key ingredients to decongest pores, smooth uneven texture, and brighten the complexion without leaving skin dry. Make SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel your daily exfoliating face wash for oily, combination, and breakout-prone skin.
