• Why make another gentle cleanser?
• Does it take off makeup?
• Who makes it?
• How do I use it to shave?
• How long does it last?

Why make another gentle cleanser?

Originally you guys asked me to make a larger size 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. I was going to stop there, but Eucerin ended up discontinuing my favorite moisturizer so I decided to also develop a moisturizer. Quite honestly, I figured if I'm making two out of three parts of the Regimen I might as well also make a cleanser. Once I decided to make a cleanser, I chose to make it a liquid. Liquid cleansers are less drying and can more easily achieve pH balance. However, liquid cleansers never lathered enough for me. I like a nice lather with my cleanser. So I asked several manufacturers for the impossible--a pH neutral liquid cleanser that lathers well. After trying 11 or 12 samples, the winning manufacturer came through with a carefully combined ingredient list which achieved an exact pH of 5.5. Since the pH of human skin is about 5.5, the result is a cleanser that leaves the skin in an even harmony without over drying or stripping the skin. And it lathers well! I was thrilled. I also made sure there were no perfumes or dyes. If you're looking for a colored or scented cleanser, this is not the one for you. Instead, it is as simple as possible--a neutral pH, a nice substantial feeling in the palm, a gratifying lather, and a clean rinse.

Back to top

Does it take off makeup?

Yes, it works at removing makeup. Jojoba oil may be superior for this, however.

Back to top

How do I use it to shave?

You can use Acne.org Cleanser to shave just as you would a shaving cream. Dispense into your palm--I like 3-4 pumps--and get a nice thick lather going. Apply as shave cream and off you go. See the shaving FAQ for more detailed instructions.

Back to top

Who makes it?

The same manufacturer who makes Acne.org Benzoyl Peroxide makes our cleanser. They are a high-end manufacturer known for using only the highest quality raw materials. I tried six different manufacturer's cleanser samples, and when I tried this one, it was a no-brainer. Even though it was the most expensive sample, it was so much better than any of the others; I immediately decided to move forward with it.

Back to top

How long does it last?

The 2 oz. size lasts about 4-5 days. You might want to consider buying multiple travel sizes for longer trips. See the travel kits page for simpler ordering of multiple travel-size products.

Back to top

• Wet your hands and the skin you'll be washing. You may use cold, warm, or very warm water, whichever you prefer. Then pump out some cleanser into your palm. I like to use two good pumps and get a nice lather going by rubbing my hands back and forth vigorously. If you're strapped for cash, you can probably get away with one pump, but if you're just using one pump, take some extra time to get a nice lather going. A good lather allows your hands to move quickly and gently over the skin. The important thing is that you wash for ten seconds or less. This may seem odd and like you're not washing long enough, but dirt on the surface of your skin does not cause acne, and more cleansing will only irritate. To further reduce irritation, use a gentle touch. When you're washing it should feel like your hands are barely touching your skin at all.
• Acne.org Cleanser can be used on the whole body. It works just as well on the body as on the face.
• Before you start using Acne.org Cleanser, you may want to watch the videos of me cleansing my face.
• Men--in the shower for a shave: Splash your face as often as you can during your shower to get your beard ready for a shave. This will prevent irritation when shaving. The last thing to do in the shower before you get out is to shave. I use three full squirts of gentle cleanser and dispense it into my palm. You can probably get away with two pumps but the shave may be more irritating this way. Now vigorously rub your hands together--go nuts with it--and get a nice good lather going. Now apply that lather super gently to your beard area and shave confidently. Once you have finished shaving, use another half a squirt or so of cleanser to gently wash your forehead and nose and you'll be all set.