Dermalogica Precleanse 150ml
Description
Description
Cleansing oil for the first step of the double cleanse
At the end of the day, the skin carries more than just makeup. Sunscreen, sebum, fine dust from the air, residues of skincare products, and sweat together form a layer that builds up throughout the day. A regular gel or cream cleanser only partially dissolves this layer — oil-soluble residues like waterproof mascara, SPF, and sebum cannot be washed away with water alone. What remains on the skin blocks the effectiveness of serums and moisturizers that follow.
The Dermalogica Precleanse in the 150 ml size is the first half of the double cleanse and therefore indispensable for those who take their skincare seriously. This cleansing oil works on the principle that oil best dissolves what itself resembles oil: makeup, sebum, and sunscreens are effortlessly removed. Upon contact with water, the oil transforms into a milky emulsion that rinses clean without residue or greasy feeling. 150 ml is the ideal size for daily use — good for about three to four months with an evening routine and excellent for those who have incorporated the double cleanse as a regular step.
Benefits
- Dissolves waterproof makeup, SPF, sebum, and environmental pollution without abrasive action
- Does not draw moisture from the skin and does not irritate, even with daily use
- Does not clog pores — suitable for oily and acne-prone skin
- Nourishes the skin during cleansing with essential fatty acids from apricot and borage oil
- Ensures that your subsequent cleanser, toner, and serum can penetrate deeper on a clean skin
Active ingredients
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: A light plant-based oil derived from coconut oil that forms the base of the formula. This fraction of coconut has the unique ability to bind oil-soluble impurities — makeup, sebum, SPF — without penetrating the pores itself. This allows it to cleanse deeply without leaving the skin with a greasy film or clogged pores.
Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus Armeniaca): Rich in linoleic acid and oleic acid, two essential fatty acids that nourish the skin barrier during cleansing. Unlike sulfate-based cleansers, this oil does not strip lipids from the skin but replenishes them. As a result, the skin does not feel tight or dry after rinsing — a common complaint after traditional cleansing.
Borage seed oil (Borago Officinalis): Contains one of the highest concentrations of gamma-linolenic acid in the plant world. This fatty acid is especially valuable for dry, sensitive, and mature skin because it strengthens the skin barrier and counteracts oxidative damage. A nourishing ingredient in a product that is essentially a cleanser.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol and Tocopheryl Acetate): Two forms of vitamin E that function as powerful antioxidants. They protect the skin from free radicals caused by UV light and pollution — exactly the harmful agents that Precleanse combats on the skin. An ingredient that combines cleansing with skin protection.
Vitamin C derivative (Ascorbyl Palmitate): An oil-soluble form of vitamin C that provides the skin with gentle brightness and protection without the instability of pure ascorbic acid. Works synergistically with vitamin E for combined antioxidant effects.
Rice bran oil (Oryza Sativa): A light plant oil rich in gamma-oryzanol and squalene-like components. Helps protect the skin from oxidation and contributes to smoother, better-circulated skin after cleansing.
Essential oils of orange, mandarin, and grapefruit: Give the product its characteristic fresh scent, which many users cite as a reason to enjoy maintaining the ritual. Additionally, these citrus oils have mild cleansing and antioxidant properties.
Lavender and rosemary extract: Two plant extracts with soothing and mildly antibacterial properties. They support balanced skin during cleansing and contribute to a calm complexion.
How to use
- Dispense 1 to 2 pumps of Precleanse into the dry palm — add water later
- Distribute the oil over the dry face, including the eyes, and massage in circular motions for about a minute
- Focus extra on areas with more makeup or clogged pores, such as the nose and chin
- Wet hands with lukewarm water and continue massaging until the oil turns into a light, milky emulsion
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow with your regular Dermalogica cleanser as the second cleansing step
Suitable for
- All skin types, from dry to oily
- Those who wear makeup, waterproof products, and SPF
- Acne-prone skin and skin with clogged pores or blackheads
- Sensitive and redness-prone skin that experiences irritation from traditional cleansers
- Daily users of the double cleanse as a regular evening routine
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use a cleansing oil if I already have a regular cleanser?
A regular gel- or cream-based cleanser is water-soluble and mainly removes surface dirt and sweat. Oil-soluble residues — waterproof mascara, SPF, sebum, foundation — are never fully dissolved by a water-based cleanser. The Precleanse captures this fraction as the first step, allowing your subsequent cleanser to truly work on the skin instead of on a layer of dirt.
Is this not too heavy for my oily skin?
On the contrary — oily skin actually benefits from a cleansing oil. Oil binds to oil, and that’s exactly what dissolves excess sebum. The formula is non-comedogenic and does not clog pores. Many people with oily or acne-prone skin notice their skin calms down once they include double cleansing in their routine.
How long does a 150 ml bottle last?
With daily evening use, a 150 ml bottle lasts on average three to four months, depending on whether you use two pumps or one pump. If you only use it on days you wear makeup or SPF, it can last six months or longer.
Should I use the Precleanse both morning and evening?
Dermalogica recommends double cleansing both morning and evening. In practice, many skin therapists choose to use the Precleanse only in the evening, when makeup, SPF, and daily buildup of impurities need to be removed. In the morning, one cleansing step with your regular Dermalogica cleanser is sufficient.
Can I also use the Precleanse to remove my eye makeup?
Yes, the formula is safe to use around the eyes and on the eyelids. Gently massage with closed eyes to dissolve mascara and eyeliner, avoid direct contact with the eyeball, and rinse thoroughly. Contact lens wearers should remove lenses beforehand.
How does the Precleanse fit into a routine with retinol or acids?
The Precleanse is gentle enough to combine with any further routine, including retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA. In fact, a thorough cleansing beforehand ensures these active ingredients can work optimally without interference from makeup or SPF residues.
What is the difference with micellar water?
Micellar water contains mild surfactants dissolved in water that remove surface makeup. It works faster but less thoroughly than a cleansing oil. The Precleanse tackles deeper impurities, including waterproof products and sebum, and is rinsed off instead of wiped away — which means less friction on the skin.
