Sephora Amino Acid Clean Skin Gel 15ml

Sephora’s Amino Acid Clean Skin Gel is an okay cleansing option, but a lack of compelling attributes and one misstep keeps it from being among the best of the best.

This comes in an opaque squeeze tube and as advertised, has a gel texture that turns into a light foam when it contacts water. It feels soft and cushiony, and does a good job removing dirt, oil, and makeup, though if you use waterproof or longwearing formulas, we advise using a makeup remover first to ensure all traces are taken care of. It rinses cleanly, but doesn’t leave skin feeling “squeaky clean” (a good thing, because that sensation means skin’s barrier has been stripped of vital substances!).

This contains gentle cleansing agent coco-glucoside and although Sephora makes much of the amino acids this contains, their amounts aren’t as impressive as claimed. The brand is referring to sodium PCA, an amino acid derivative, but although it’s a good hydrating ingredient, it’s used in plenty of other skin care products (and provides more benefit for skin in a leave-on product).

Another issue is that this contains fragrance, and it’s noticeable when you use it. Fragrance, even in a product that’s rinsed off, has the potential to irritate skin not to mention the risk if poses when used around the eyes. The inclusion of fragrance is particularly disappointing given this is billed as being suitable for “even the most sensitive skin.”

In the end, this is simply a product we can’t get too excited about, and which fails to rank among the offerings you’ll find on our list of best cleansers.