Le Mieux Exfoliating Cleansing Gel

A clarifying acid cleanser for oily, congested and blemish-prone skin

A refreshing gel facial wash formulated with 1% salicylic acid and lactic acid to remove excess sebum, makeup and pore-clogging surface debris. Its foaming cleansing system helps refine rough texture and the appearance of enlarged pores while leaving oily skin feeling clean, balanced and refreshed.

Aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, green tea and chamomile complement the exfoliating ingredients with hydrating, antioxidant and conditioning benefits. With consistent use, Exfoliating Cleansing Gel helps the complexion appear smoother, clearer and more refined without presenting itself as an acne medication.

Benefits

• Removes excess oil, makeup and surface impurities

• Contains 1% salicylic acid to exfoliate within oily, congested pores

• Helps reduce the buildup of pore-clogging dead skin cells

• Refines rough or irregular-looking texture

• Helps minimize the visible appearance of enlarged pores

• Supports a clearer, more balanced-looking complexion

• Combines exfoliating acids with hydrating and conditioning botanicals

• Leaves oily skin feeling fresh without physical scrubbing

Best For

Exfoliating Cleansing Gel is particularly well suited to:

• Oily and combination skin

• Congested or enlarged-looking pores

• Blackheads and recurring surface buildup

• Blemish-prone skin

• Excess sebum and unwanted shine

• Rough or uneven-looking texture

• Skin accustomed to exfoliating acids

• Those seeking an exfoliating cleanser rather than a leave-on acid treatment

Dry, highly sensitive or barrier-compromised skin may find this formula too active for daily use.

Why It Is Different

Exfoliating Cleansing Gel combines multiple cleansing agents with 1% salicylic acid, lactic acid and sugar cane extract. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, allowing it to exfoliate within oily pores, while lactic acid works primarily at the skin’s surface to loosen accumulated dead skin cells and support smoother-looking texture.

Because this is a rinse-off cleanser, the acids have less contact time than they would in a leave-on exfoliant. This can make the product a more approachable way to introduce acid exfoliation, although frequency should still be adjusted according to the skin’s tolerance and the other active products in the routine.

• 1% Salicylic Acid: An oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that helps clarify congested pores and reduce excess surface buildup.

• Lactic Acid: An alpha-hydroxy acid that helps smooth rough texture and improve visible radiance.

• Sugar Cane Extract: A botanical source associated with naturally occurring exfoliating compounds.

• Capryloyl Glycine and Sarcosine: Help support a more balanced-looking complexion and manage excess oil.

• Aloe Vera: Helps hydrate and comfort the skin.

• Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts moisture to support a soft, hydrated surface feel.

• Green Tea: Provides antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits.

• Chamomile and Arnica: Help condition and comfort the complexion.

How to Use

Lather a pea-sized amount with warm water between the palms. Gently massage over the face, neck and décolletage using light circular motions, avoiding direct contact with the eyes.

Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. Follow with a hydrating serum and moisturizer. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning.

Le Mieux permits morning and evening use. If you are new to exfoliating acids, begin once daily or every other day and increase only if the skin remains comfortable.

Loshen & Crem’s Recommendation

Exfoliating Cleansing Gel is best for genuinely oily, congested skin—not skin that feels oily because it has been over-cleansed or dehydrated.

Begin slowly if your routine already contains retinol, benzoyl peroxide, exfoliating toners or leave-on AHA and BHA treatments. Using every active at once will not clear the skin faster; it is more likely to create dryness, irritation and a compromised barrier.

For daily makeup or sunscreen removal, use Exfoliating Cleansing Gel as the second step of an evening double cleanse. Avoid aggressive scrubbing and do not leave it sitting on the skin like a mask.

Reduce the frequency if you experience persistent tightness, stinging, flaking or increased sensitivity. Very dry or sensitized skin should choose a gentler cleanser while using exfoliating treatments separately and more strategically.

Complete the Le Mieux Clarifying and Hydrating Routine

1. Cleanse: Exfoliating Cleansing Gel

2. Tone and Soothe: Iso-Cell Recovery Solution

3. Hydrate: Hyaluronic Serum

4. Moisturize: Sheer Hydration

5. Protect: Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning

Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid

Salicylic acid and lactic acid are both chemical exfoliants, but they behave differently.

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that is oil-soluble. This allows it to work within oily, congested pores, helping loosen accumulated sebum and dead skin cells. Exfoliating Cleansing Gel contains 1% salicylic acid.

Lactic acid is a water-soluble alpha-hydroxy acid that works primarily at the skin’s surface. It helps loosen dull, compacted skin cells while supporting a smoother and more even-looking texture.

Together, they provide multi-level exfoliation. However, Exfoliating Cleansing Gel remains a rinse-off product and should not be presented as equivalent to a leave-on salicylic acid treatment or prescription acne therapy.

Which Le Mieux Cleanser Is Right for You?

Choose Exfoliating Cleansing Gel if your skin is oily, blemish-prone or persistently congested and you want a cleanser containing 1% salicylic acid and lactic acid.

Choose Phyto-Nutrient Cleansing Gel if your skin is normal or combination and you want a refreshing gel cleanse for excess oil and congestion without dedicated exfoliating acids.

Choose Brightening Cleanser if your primary concerns are dullness and uneven-looking pigmentation and you want the gentler surface exfoliation of 2% mandelic acid.

Choose Peptide Foam Cleanser if your skin is dry, dehydrated or mature and you prefer a richer, more conditioning cleanser without exfoliating acids.

Ingredients

• 1% Salicylic Acid: Helps clarify congested pores, refine texture and reduce excess surface buildup.

• Lactic Acid: Helps loosen dead skin cells and smooth uneven-looking texture.

• Sugar Cane Extract: Provides botanical exfoliating support.

• Capryloyl Glycine: Helps support balanced oil production and a clearer-looking complexion.

• Sarcosine: Helps manage the appearance of excess oil and shine.

• Aloe Vera Leaf Juice: Hydrates and helps comfort the skin.

• Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts moisture and supports a soft, hydrated surface feel.

• Green Tea Extract: Provides antioxidant and conditioning benefits.

• Chamomile Extract: Helps comfort and condition the complexion.

• Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids: Helps cleanse while supporting a comfortable skin feel.

• Cinnamon Bark Extract: Provides antioxidant and purifying support but may not suit highly reactive skin.

• Bamboo and Coconut Fruit Powder: Help support a smoother, more refined skin feel.

Full Ingredient List:

Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Capryloyl Glycine, Sarcosine, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Powder, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

Ingredient lists may change. Always refer to the product packaging for the most current ingredient list, particularly if you have allergies or sensitivities. Contact info@loshen.ca if you need help reviewing the formula before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much salicylic acid does Exfoliating Cleansing Gel contain?

Le Mieux identifies the formula as containing 1% salicylic acid.

Is this an acne cleanser?

It is a cosmetic exfoliating cleanser formulated for oily, blemish-prone and congested skin. It can help remove excess oil and pore-clogging debris, but it should not be presented as an acne medication or a replacement for professional treatment.

Can it help with blackheads and clogged pores?

Salicylic acid is oil-soluble and can help loosen accumulated sebum and dead skin cells within congested pores. Individual results will depend on the complete routine and the cause of the congestion.

Will it permanently shrink enlarged pores?

No skincare product can permanently change the structural size of a pore. By removing excess oil and accumulated debris, the cleanser may help enlarged pores appear cleaner and less noticeable.

Can it be used every day?

Yes, Le Mieux recommends morning and evening use. We suggest beginning once daily or every other day if you are new to acids, sensitive or already using other exfoliating products.

Can I use it with retinol, benzoyl peroxide or another exfoliating acid?

Possibly, but combining several active products can increase dryness and irritation. Begin by alternating them rather than using everything in the same routine. Professional guidance is recommended for persistent acne or a complex active routine.

Can sensitive or dry skin use it?

It is primarily formulated for oily and congested skin. Dry, highly sensitive or barrier-compromised skin may find the combination of acids, cleansing agents and botanical extracts too active.

Does this cleanser cause purging?

True purging is associated with ingredients that accelerate skin-cell turnover. However, irritation, dryness or a damaged barrier can also produce new bumps and should not automatically be dismissed as purging. Reduce or discontinue use if the skin becomes persistently irritated.

Does it replace a leave-on salicylic acid treatment?

No. This is a rinse-off cleanser with limited contact time. It may be sufficient for mild congestion, but persistent blackheads or breakouts may require a more targeted routine.

Does it remove makeup?

It can remove everyday makeup and surface impurities. For waterproof makeup, long-wear foundation or water-resistant sunscreen, use it as the second step of a double cleanse.

Is it fragrance-free?

No added “Fragrance” or “Parfum” is listed, but the formula contains bitter orange flower water, cinnamon bark, rosemary, sage and other aromatic botanical extracts. Fragrance-reactive skin should patch test carefully.

Can Exfoliating Cleansing Gel be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The formula contains 1% salicylic acid and lactic acid. Pregnancy and breastfeeding recommendations should be personalized, and Le Mieux does not specifically identify this cleanser as pregnancy-safe. Consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before use.

Why is sunscreen important with this cleanser?

Lactic acid exfoliates the skin’s surface, which may increase sensitivity to sun exposure. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning and reapply as directed.