iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish Review
The Verdict
A genuinely dual-action exfoliating cleanser — physical polishing particles plus a salicylic acid biochemical exfoliant, without plastic microbeads. It's a materially different formula from the plain Cleansing Complex despite the near-identical name: this version contains retinyl palmitate and added fragrance, which matters for anyone sensitive to either, and always check with our team before use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish | Exfoliating Cleanser | 120g
£48.00
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish is a 3-in-1 exfoliating cleanser, toner and make-up remover built on biodegradable Microcrystalline Cellulose and Jojoba Esters for physical exfoliation, plus Salicylic Acid and Sugarcane Extract for biochemical exfoliation. It's the polishing sibling to iS Clinical Cleansing Complex, and according to Skintique's ingredient records also contains retinyl palmitate and added fragrance — two formulation differences worth knowing before you swap one for the other.
What is iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish?
It's a light, foamy gel cleanser that does three jobs in one step — cleanse, exfoliate and remove make-up — using what the product listing describes as eco-friendly Microcrystalline Cellulose and Jojoba Esters in place of plastic microbeads. The listing also names biochemical exfoliants Salicylic Acid and Sugarcane Extract, plus calming botanical extracts Centella Asiatica and Chamomile. It's sold in a 120g size and sits in the cleanse step of iS Clinical's routine, alongside Cleansing Complex, Cream Cleanser and Warming Honey Cleanser. The texture turns into a fuller lather on contact with water and is stated to rinse clean without residue, leaving skin feeling refreshed rather than tight.
Key ingredients
The listing names both physical and biochemical exfoliants working together, rather than relying on one mechanism alone:
- Microcrystalline Cellulose & Jojoba Esters — two biodegradable polishing particles used for physical exfoliation, in place of plastic microbeads.
- Salicylic Acid — a biochemical (BHA) exfoliant, of particular relevance to oily, blemish-prone or congested skin.
- Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract — a further biochemical exfoliant, working alongside the salicylic acid.
- Centella Asiatica & Chamomile Extract — calming botanicals, included to offset the exfoliating actives.
Both retinyl palmitate and fragrance are confirmed on this SKU per Skintique's own ingredient records, and both are genuine formulation differences from the plain Cleansing Complex — see the note below.
Quick facts
| Format | Foaming gel exfoliating cleanser, toner and make-up remover in one |
|---|---|
| Size | 120g |
| Exfoliation type | Dual — physical (biodegradable Microcrystalline Cellulose and Jojoba Esters) and biochemical (Salicylic Acid, Sugarcane Extract) |
| Microbeads | None — positioned as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic microbead exfoliators |
| Contains fragrance | Yes — unlike the plain Cleansing Complex, which is not fragranced |
| Contains retinyl palmitate | Yes — see the ingredient note below |
| Tagged skin types | All skin types and ages, with particular benefit for oily, blemish-prone and congested skin |
| Frequency | Daily, or 3–4 times a week if used as a more intensive treatment step |
Who it's for
- Oily, blemish-prone or congested skin wanting a physical and chemical (BHA) exfoliating step in one product
- Anyone specifically avoiding plastic microbead exfoliators, without giving up a polishing texture
- Established iS Clinical users comfortable adding a salicylic acid step, rather than first-time actives users
Who should skip it
- Anyone fragrance-sensitive — this variant contains added fragrance, unlike the plain Cleansing Complex
- Anyone avoiding retinyl palmitate or salicylic acid, or already using a retinoid or BHA elsewhere, without checking for overlap
- Very dry, reactive or post-procedure skin — iS Clinical's own Cleansing Complex or Warming Honey Cleanser are gentler starting points
A note on Retinyl Palmitate and fragrance
Unlike the plain Cleansing Complex, this Polish variant contains retinyl palmitate, a vitamin A derivative, and added fragrance — the two formulation differences that matter most between the near-identically-named products. See our retinyl palmitate glossary entry for more. Combined with the salicylic acid content, we'd suggest a patch test before regular use if your skin is reactive, and this combination is also why we don't repeat any pregnancy-safe claim for this product — see below.
Cleansing Complex vs Cleansing Complex Polish
| Product | Best for |
|---|---|
| Cleansing Complex | A daily gel cleanser for all skin types, unfragranced, no added BHA — the gentler of the two |
| Cleansing Complex Polish | The exfoliating sibling — adds biodegradable polishing particles, salicylic acid and fragrance — this product |
If you want a weekly treatment-style cleanse rather than a daily exfoliating step, iS Clinical's Warming Honey Cleanser is built for that instead, and doesn't carry either of this product's fragrance or retinyl palmitate flags.
Where it sits on price
Cleansing Complex Polish sits within iS Clinical's standard cleanser price band. iS Clinical isn't on Skintique's MAP-restricted brand list, but prices do move, so check the product page directly for the current figure rather than relying on a number here.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use.
FAQs
What's the difference between iS Clinical Cleansing Complex and Cleansing Complex Polish?
Cleansing Complex is the everyday gel cleanser, unfragranced with no added BHA. Cleansing Complex Polish is its exfoliating sibling, adding biodegradable polishing particles, salicylic acid and fragrance. See our full Cleansing Complex review.
Does iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish contain microbeads?
No — the product listing specifically positions its Microcrystalline Cellulose and Jojoba Esters as an eco-friendly, biodegradable alternative to plastic microbead exfoliators.
Is iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish fragranced?
Yes, this variant contains added fragrance, unlike the plain Cleansing Complex. Worth knowing if you're fragrance-sensitive.
Can I use iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish daily?
It can be used daily, or 3–4 times a week as a more intensive treatment step if your skin doesn't tolerate a daily physical and biochemical exfoliant. Start cautiously and adjust to how your skin responds.
Is iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish safe to use during pregnancy?
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use.