The Clear Guide: GENTLECLEANUpdated 5 days ago
What is GENTLECLEAN?
Every great routine starts with a clean slate. GENTLECLEAN is CLEARSTEM's non-stripping cleanser, formulated to thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and impurities without disrupting your skin barrier or leaving it tight and dry.
Made with Sea Buckthorn, Magnesium PCA, Niacinamide, and Green Tea, GENTLECLEAN cleans deeply while visibly calming and supporting the skin's natural pH balance. It's the first step that makes every other product in your routine work better; because nothing performs well on a compromised barrier.
Formulated without a single pore-clogging ingredient. Suitable for all skin types.
How do I use it?
- Morning: Use GENTLECLEAN only if your skin feels like it needs it — many people skip the morning cleanse and just rinse with water, especially if skin is on the drier side.
- Evening: Always cleanse in the evening to remove SPF, makeup, pollution, and the day's buildup before applying your active serums.
- Apply a small amount to damp skin, massage gently for 30–60 seconds, and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Follow with your full routine: toner/mist, serums, moisturizer, and SPF in the morning.
Do I need to cleanse every morning?
Not necessarily. If your skin tends to be dry or sensitive, a simple water rinse in the morning is often enough. Your skin doesn't accumulate much overnight that needs a full cleanse. Save GENTLECLEAN for evening (non-negotiable) and use your judgment in the morning based on how your skin feels.
Will it dry out my skin?
No — that's exactly what GENTLECLEAN was designed to avoid. Most acne cleansers for blemish-prone skin strip the skin barrier, which actually triggers more oil production and worsens breakouts over time. GENTLECLEAN uses a balanced combination alongside barrier-supporting ingredients like Niacinamide and Green Tea to clean effectively without over-drying.
If your skin feels tight after cleansing, follow immediately with CELLRENEW® and HYDRAGLOW™ to restore hydration.
Can I use GENTLECLEAN with CLEARITY® on the same night?
Yes. GENTLECLEAN is your first step — cleanse, rinse, pat dry — and then apply CLEARITY® as your acid serum step. They work together well; GENTLECLEAN opens the canvas and CLEARITY® goes deeper into the pores.
Can I use it to remove eye makeup?
GENTLECLEAN is not formulated specifically for eye makeup removal. For heavy eye makeup, use a dedicated eye makeup remover first, then follow with GENTLECLEAN for your full face cleanse.
Is it safe to use with other actives like retinol or acids?
Yes — GENTLECLEAN is gentle enough to use as your daily cleanser even when your routine includes retinol, CLEARITY®, or other actives. Because it rinses off, the active ingredients don't remain on the skin long enough to cause irritation or conflict with leave-on products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GENTLECLEAN safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. The formula is balanced to be effective without being harsh. This formula uses Gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid that is more friendly for sensitive skin types. It has a larger molecular weight than other acids so it does not go as deep, providing gentle exfoliation to the skin.
Can I use GENTLECLEAN if I'm also using a prescription acne treatment?
Check with your dermatologist. Your dermatologist is the best person to advise on layering prescription and over-the-counter actives.
What is Niacinamide doing in a cleanser?
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is known to help support the skin barrier, balance excess oil, and even skin tone.
Is it safe while pregnant?
Every pregnancy is different. We recommend consulting your OBGYN with the full ingredient list before use.
*Always follow cleansing with your full routine. A clean canvas is only the beginning — your serums and moisturizer do the real work.