There are plenty of cleansers that claim to do it all. But few earn the kind of multi-level loyalty that iS Clinical Cleansing Complex ($49) has—across red carpets, treatment rooms and vanities alike.
A longtime favorite of stars like Lea Michele, Debra Messing, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Zoey Deutch and Tamera Mowry, the lightweight gel cleanser has become just as beloved by dermatologists and medical aestheticians for its skin-smoothing, pore-purifying and glow-boosting results. And now, in a recent survey of more than 1,300 NewBeauty readers,* the praise continues.
Why Readers Keep Reaching for It
Fans of the cleanser aren’t quiet about what sets it apart. “The iS Clinical Cleansing Complex is the best cleanser on the market for oily, acne-prone skin,” said one 30-year-old respondent. Another, 41, echoed the sentiment: “It’s mild yet effective. My skin felt clean, but not overly dry. It improved the appearance of my skin, leaving a glow.”
Many noted that it’s one of the few products they consistently come back to. “This cleanser is the one I always return to,” said one reader, 41. “It cleanses so well but doesn’t strip my skin or leave it tight. I have never experienced any irritation from it.”
For others, the silky texture and long-lasting formula stood out: “It has wonderful slip, a little bit goes a long way, and it leaves my skin feeling clean and hydrated,” shared a 31-year-old reader. One 49-year-old added, “Super concentrated, so the price is very economical when compared to other watered-down cleansers that only last a couple of months.”
Inside the Formula
Part of what makes Cleansing Complex so effective is its thoughtful balance of ingredients. At the heart of the formula is white willow bark, a botanical source of salicylic acid, which helps clear pores and keep breakouts at bay. It’s paired with sugarcane extract, which provides gentle glycolic acid exfoliation to help shed dull surface skin cells without irritating sensitive skin.
Also in the mix: vitamins A, C and E, along with antioxidants and bionutrients that work together to soothe, protect, and support the skin barrier. That makes it a rare cleanser that’s strong enough to address congestion, but gentle enough to use after in-office treatments like microneedling or lasers.
A Sensitive-Skin Favorite That Delivers
It’s that balance—effective but non-stripping, purifying but soothing—that continues to win over users across all skin types, especially those with acne, rosacea, or post-procedure skin. “I have PCOS and this is the only cleanser that has helped my acne,” said one 38-year-old reader. Another, 55, shared: “Its silky formula feels so luxurious and it completely cleanses without drying my skin.”
As one 35-year-old put it: “Lovely cleanser that really feels like it cleanses without stripping your skin. Lots of slip, and a little goes a long way.”With glowing endorsements from readers, experts, and celebrities alike, iS Clinical Cleansing Complex has earned its spot as a cleanser that doesn’t just wash—it works.
*Source: BeautyEngine Advanced Research, 2025
