This cleansing gel belongs to Faberlic's Retinol 24/7 line, which matters for how it should be used: skin on a retinoid is more reactive than skin that is not, and the cleanser is where that becomes obvious.
Why gentle matters here
Retinoids increase cell turnover and, particularly during the adjustment weeks, leave skin more sensitive. A cleanser that would be fine otherwise can produce stinging, tightness and flaking on top of what the retinoid is already doing.
The signs you are cleansing too harshly: skin feels squeaky, tight after washing, or stings when you apply anything afterwards.
How to use it
- Lukewarm water. Hot water strips lipids and increases redness, and this matters more on retinoid-adjusted skin
- Warm the gel between your palms first — it spreads more evenly
- About thirty seconds of gentle massage with fingertips. Not longer, no brushes, no washcloths
- Rinse thoroughly, paying attention to the hairline and jaw
- Pat dry. Do not rub
In a retinoid routine
Evening: cleanse → let skin dry completely for about ten minutes → retinoid → moisturiser.
That drying gap is not optional. Applying a retinoid to damp skin increases absorption and irritation, and it is the most common reason people find retinol intolerable.
Morning: cleanse gently or with water alone, then moisturiser and sun protection. Sunscreen is not optional alongside a retinoid — it increases sun sensitivity, and skipping protection undoes the benefit.
What not to combine
While your skin is adjusting to a retinoid, avoid scrubs and exfoliating acids entirely. A gentle cleanser plus a retinoid is already an active routine.
If skin becomes irritated
Drop the retinoid frequency back a step rather than pushing through, and keep the cleanser mild. Persistent redness and stinging mean you are moving too fast, not that you need a stronger product.
The full composition is in the Faberlic catalogue. For the wider retinoid introduction schedule, see the skincare section.