NeoStrata Restore Cleanser on a warm cream background

Cleanse

NeoStrata Restore Cleanser

A gentle, non-foaming cleanser for skin that feels dry, tight or easily irritated.

Best suited to: Dry, sensitive or easily overworked skin.
Another option may be better if: You prefer a fresher, lightly foaming finish.

£32.00

200ml

Guidance continues after purchase

Why it made The Curatory

Cleanser is one of the easiest places to make a routine needlessly harsh. This earns its place because it removes the day without asking sensitive skin to tolerate another aggressive step.

It is particularly useful when retinoids, exfoliants, winter weather or recent treatments have left skin needing a calmer baseline.

It may suit you if…

A strong starting point if your skin feels dry or tight after cleansing, is easily irritated, or needs a gentler cleanser alongside active products.

It can also suit blemish-prone skin that is dehydrated and does not respond well to stronger foaming cleansers.

Another option may be better if…

A light foaming cleanser may suit you better if you strongly prefer a fresher rinse-off feel or your skin is consistently very oily.

If you wear heavy makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, use a suitable first cleanse rather than expecting one gentle cleanse to remove everything.

What to expect

Expect skin to feel clean but still comfortable. This is not intended to treat blemishes, pigmentation or lines on its own.

Although gluconolactone is a useful PHA, the short contact time of a rinse-off cleanser means its main job here is gentle cleansing. Judge it by comfort and consistency rather than dramatic change.

Product overview

This soap-free cleanser falls under Neostrata’s “Restore” umbrella and has been designed to help restore the skin barrier for those with sensitive skin or rosacea. The texture is gel-like, it doesn’t foam and doesn’t leave the skin feeling stripped, dry or tight.

The star ingredient here is gluconolactone a type of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) which has a number of benefits including very gentle exfoliation, hydration and anti-oxidant effects.

As a product that sits on the skin for a matter of seconds before being washed off the anti-oxidant effects aren’t likely to be noticeable but you can expect, over time and when combined with other elements in a skin care routine some extremely gentle exfoliation in a product that will remove left over makeup and the build up of grime from the day without drying your skin out.

Routine placement Where this fits Morning + EveningCleanse

A broad guide to where this sits, without assuming how many steps your routine has.

This product Cleanse

FoundationalAntioxidant Explore this step

OptionalTargeted Explore this step

Essential final stepSPF Explore this step

If neededRemove make-up or tinted SPF before cleansing.

This product Cleanse

OptionalTargeted Explore this step

Treat Explore this step

If neededMoisturise Explore this step

How to introduce it

Massage a small amount over damp skin for around 30–60 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water. Use in the evening; a morning cleanse is optional if your skin is dry or comfortable without one.

There is no need to “build up” this cleanser. If it repeatedly stings or leaves skin feeling uncomfortable, stop and ask us to review the rest of your routine.

Guidance continues after purchase. We can help you introduce, simplify or adjust this product.

Inside the formula

The ingredients that make this special

A closer look at the ingredients doing the most meaningful work in this formula—and what the evidence can reasonably tell us.

Gluconolactone

A PHA that very gently exfoliates and helps to support the skin barrier and calm redness.

Read the clinical context

Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that not only acts as a potent antioxidant but also helps to very gently chemically exfoliate without causing any sensitivity. Gentle exfoliation from PHAs like gluconolactone helps to support the skin barrier and keep it functioning properly, reducing the amount of water that’s lost from the skin and preventing sensitivity.

Panthenol

A well-studied humectant that supports hydration and the skin barrier.

Read the clinical context

Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) has good evidence supporting its ability to improve skin hydration and barrier function by attracting and retaining moisture in the upper layers of the skin. Its soothing effects and ability to reduce irritation are supported by clinical data, making it a reliable ingredient for those with dry and sensitive skin.

View the complete ingredients list

Aqua (Water), Gluconolactone, Triethanolamine, Polyquaternium-10, Propylene Glycol, PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycine, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Panthenol, Sodium Chloride, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol.

The thinking behind the formula

More about NeoStrata

NeoStrata grew from the work of dermatologists Dr Eugene Van Scott and Dr Ruey Yu, whose research helped establish the use of alpha hydroxy acids in modern skincare. The brand has continued to develop acid-based technologies, including polyhydroxy acids, with an emphasis on how active ingredients are formulated and tolerated.

That history is relevant to the Restore Cleanser: gluconolactone is not included simply because acids are fashionable, but as part of a gentle formula intended to support comfortable, consistent cleansing.