iS Clinical Cream Cleanser Review
The Verdict
Cream Cleanser is the gentle end of iS Clinical's cleanse step: a genuinely non-foaming, emollient-based formula for skin that finds standard washes leave it tight, and a rare wipe-off option that earns its place in travel bags and post-treatment aftercare kits. It isn't for everyone — oilier or congestion-prone skin will get a better clean from the gel Cleansing Complex — but for dry, sensitive or recently-treated skin wanting make-up and SPF removed without a stripped finish, it does the job well.
iS Clinical Cream Cleanser | Moisturising Cream Cleanser | 120ml
£48.00
iS Clinical Cream Cleanser is a thick, non-foaming cream that lifts off make-up, SPF and the day's build-up without stripping the skin's own lipids. Built on safflower seed oil, coconut oil, squalane and glycerin rather than surfactants, it works with water for a normal cleanse or wiped away with a cloth when rinsing isn't practical. No added fragrance.
What is iS Clinical Cream Cleanser?
Cream Cleanser is the gentle option within iS Clinical's cleanse step, alongside Cleansing Complex, Warming Honey Cleanser and Cleansing Complex Polish. Rather than relying on surfactants, it's built around emollients, so make-up and SPF lift away while the skin's own lipids largely stay put. Sold in a 120ml size, it's a common post-in-clinic-treatment choice, per the brand's listing. For the rest of the range, see our iS Clinical reviews hub.
Key ingredients
According to iS Clinical's own product listing, Cream Cleanser is built around:
- Safflower Seed Oil (Carthamus Tinctorius) at 6%, the formula's main emollient
- Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera) at 2%
- Squalane, a lightweight emollient that helps replenish the skin's own lipid layer
- Glycerin, a humectant
The listing also notes the formula contains dimethicone and PEG/Ceteareth emulsifiers — worth knowing if you avoid silicones.
Quick facts
| Format | Thick, non-foaming cream; works with water or wiped off with a cloth |
|---|---|
| Size | 120ml |
| Tagged skin types | Dry, sensitive, normal and combination; commonly used post-procedure |
| Key emollients | Safflower seed oil (6%), coconut oil (2%), squalane, glycerin |
| Fragrance | No added fragrance, per the product listing |
| Contains silicones | Yes — dimethicone and PEG/Ceteareth emulsifiers |
| When to use | Morning and evening, first step of a cleanse-treat-protect routine |
How it feels on skin
The texture is thick, white and genuinely creamy — closer to a light moisturiser than a wash. It doesn't foam, which catches people out at first: give it a slow minute over dry or damp skin rather than expecting lather. Rinsed off with lukewarm water it leaves no film; wiped off with a flannel it leaves a light emollient veil, which is what makes it comfortable on tight, post-treatment skin. Either way, it's non-greasy and doesn't interfere with what's applied afterwards.
Who it's for
- Dry, dehydrated, rough or flaking skin
- Sensitive and reactive skin, including rosacea-prone skin
- Skin recovering from peels, microneedling or laser, as advised by your practitioner
- Anyone using retinoids or acids whose skin has become easily irritated by their regular cleanser
- Anyone wanting a genuine no-water option for travel, illness or post-procedure
Who should skip it
- Oily or congestion-prone skin wanting a deeper clean — the gel Cleansing Complex in the same range is the better fit
- Anyone who reacts to coconut-derived ingredients
- Anyone avoiding silicones — the formula contains dimethicone and PEG/Ceteareth emulsifiers
How it compares to the rest of the iS Clinical cleanser range
Cream Cleanser is the range's gentlest, most emollient option. Here's how the four compare:
| Product | Best for |
|---|---|
| Cream Cleanser | A non-foaming, wipe-off cream for dry, sensitive or post-procedure skin — this product |
| Cleansing Complex | A daily gel cleanser for all skin types that can double as a treatment masque |
| Warming Honey Cleanser | A weekly treatment cleanser built on real honey — not suitable for bee-product allergies |
| Cleansing Complex Polish | An exfoliating cleanser with added salicylic acid and biodegradable polishing particles |
If sensitivity or post-procedure care is your main concern, it's also worth reading our best skincare for sensitive and post-procedure skin guide. iS Clinical isn't on Skintique's MAP-restricted brand list, but prices do move, so check the product page for the current figure.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use.
Our verdict
Cream Cleanser is the gentle end of iS Clinical's cleanse step: a genuinely non-foaming, emollient-based formula for skin that finds standard washes leave it tight, and a rare wipe-off option that earns its place in travel bags and post-treatment aftercare kits. It isn't for everyone — oilier or congestion-prone skin will get a better clean from the gel Cleansing Complex — but for dry, sensitive or recently-treated skin wanting make-up and SPF removed without a stripped finish, it does the job well.
FAQs
Can iS Clinical Cream Cleanser be used without water?
Yes — it can be wiped away with a cloth as well as rinsed off, per the product listing, which is why it's used for travel, illness and post-procedure situations.
Is it good for sensitive skin?
Yes — iS Clinical positions it for dry, sensitive and reactive skin, including rosacea-prone skin, with no added fragrance.
Does it remove makeup and SPF?
Yes, including around the eye area — the listing states it's mild enough to remove eye make-up in the same step.
Cream Cleanser vs Cleansing Complex — which do I need?
Cream Cleanser is the non-foaming, wipe-off option for dry, sensitive or post-procedure skin. Cleansing Complex is a gel suited to all skin types, including oilier skin wanting a deeper clean.
Is it fragrance-free?
Yes — the product listing states there's no added fragrance.
Does iS Clinical Cream Cleanser contain silicones?
Yes — the listing names dimethicone and PEG/Ceteareth emulsifiers.
Is it safe to use during pregnancy?
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use.