Dermalogica Lineup Compared 2026: PreCleanse vs Oil to Foam vs Special Cleansing Gel, Plus Which Exfoliant
Standing at the sink at night, you've got Dermalogica's whole cleansing shelf in front of you: an oil, an oil-to-foam, a micellar milk, a foaming gel, a "magnetic" cleanser and three powder exfoliants. They all clean. But they're designed to do different jobs at different steps, and grabbing the wrong one is how routines get complicated.
GlowTrials compared Dermalogica's cleansers and exfoliants using the formats, listed ingredients, sizes and US prices on the brand's site in October 2026.
Step One Cleansers: Oil, Oil-to-Foam or Micellar Milk
| PreCleanse | Oil to Foam Total Cleanser | Micellar Prebiotic PreCleanse | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Cleansing oil | Gel-oil that turns to foam | Milky micellar cleanser |
| What the brand says it's for | Melting makeup and impurities as the first step of a double cleanse | Removing makeup, sunscreen and debris in one step | A gentle first step, with prebiotics and oat milk |
| Sizes and prices | 1.0 oz $17 · 3.0 oz $35 · 5.1 oz $49 · 10 oz $79 | 8.4 oz $59 | 5.1 oz $49 |
| Pick it if… | You wear long-wear makeup or SPF daily | You want one cleanser instead of two | You prefer a milk texture over oil |
Step Two Cleansers: Gel or Magnetic[+]
| Special Cleansing Gel | Magnetic[+] AfterGlow Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Soap-free foaming gel | Cleanser the brand says acts like a magnet to help skin retain moisture |
| Recommended for (per brand) | Normal, combination and oily skin | All skin types, dehydrated skin |
| Sizes and prices | 1.7 oz $16 · 8.4 oz $49 · 16.9 oz $73 · refill $65 | 5.1 oz $39 · 10.0 oz $69 |
| Pick it if… | You want the classic, refreshing lather | Your skin feels tight after cleansing |
Dermalogica's double-cleanse idea is simple: an oil or milk first to lift makeup and sunscreen, then a gel or cream cleanser for the skin itself. If you don't wear makeup, a single second-step cleanser may be all you need.
Compare the Contenders
The alternatives to the classics, priced as we saw them in October 2026.
Prices change often; the brand's site always shows the current price.
Exfoliants: Microfoliant vs Milkfoliant vs Hydro Masque
| Daily Microfoliant | Daily Milkfoliant | Hydro Masque Exfoliant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Rice-based powder, activates with water | Vegan milky powder, activates with water | Five-minute masque |
| Listed ingredients | Papain, salicylic acid, rice bran, AHAs, colloidal oatmeal, allantoin | Oat and coconut | Exfoliating bamboo |
| How often (per brand) | Gentle enough for daily use | Daily | As a masque |
| Sizes and prices | 0.45 oz $19.50 · 1.4 oz $49 · 2.6 oz $69 · refill $63 | 0.45 oz $19.50 · 2.6 oz $69 · refill $63 | 1.7 oz $64 |
Which exfoliant should you pick?
Microfoliant is the classic, with the longest ingredient list and the most sizes, including a 2.6 oz + refill bundle at $112. Milkfoliant is the vegan, oat-based alternative the brand describes as calming. Hydro Masque Exfoliant is a weekly-style treat rather than a daily step. Most people choose one powder for daily use and add the masque occasionally.
Compare Dermalogica Cleansers →
After Cleansing: Mist and Moisturizer
| Antioxidant Hydramist | Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist | Skin Smoothing Cream | Intensive Moisture Balance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Mist-on toner | Hydrating mist | Moisturizer | Moisturizer |
| Recommended for (per brand) | All skin types | All skin types | Normal, dry and combination skin | Normal and dry skin |
| Sizes and prices | 1.0 oz $16 · 5.1 oz $49 · 8.4 oz $65 | 5.1 oz $49 | 0.5 oz $19.50 to 5.1 oz $99 | 0.5 oz $19.50 to 5.1 oz $99 |
The two moisturizers share the same size ladder and prices, so the choice comes down to your skin: Skin Smoothing Cream is the everyday pick for normal to combination skin, built around the brand's HydraMesh hydration story, while Intensive Moisture Balance is described as ultra-nourishing and aimed at dry skin. Mist either toner on after cleansing, then follow with your moisturizer.
How a Full Routine Adds Up
| Routine | Products | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Try-it-out | PreCleanse 1.0 oz + Special Cleansing Gel 1.7 oz + Microfoliant 0.45 oz | $52.50 |
| Everyday | PreCleanse 5.1 oz + Special Cleansing Gel 8.4 oz + Microfoliant 2.6 oz | $167 |
| Stock-up | PreCleanse 10 oz + Special Cleansing Gel 16.9 oz + Microfoliant refill | $215 |
The Try-it-out routine clears $20 for free shipping and a free travel size; the Everyday routine clears $100, which between October 15 and 20, 2026 also unlocks 3 free minis.
Before You Buy
- Test in travel sizes. Most of these come in sizes from $16 to $19.50.
- Switch to refills once you're sure: Microfoliant refill $63, Special Cleansing Gel refill $65.
- Use the 30-day return window if a cleanser doesn't suit you; gently used items are accepted.
- Watch the gift calendar: free minis, free travel sizes and set codes rotate often.
Lineup FAQ
Do I need both PreCleanse and Special Cleansing Gel?
Only if you want Dermalogica's double cleanse. Oil to Foam Total Cleanser is the brand's one-step alternative.
Can I use Daily Microfoliant every day?
The brand describes it as gentle enough for daily use.
What's the vegan exfoliant?
Daily Milkfoliant, a vegan powder with oat and coconut.
Which sizes have refills?
Daily Microfoliant and Daily Milkfoliant (2.6 oz refills) and Special Cleansing Gel (16.9 oz refill).
The Bottom Line
Pick one first-step cleanser, one second-step cleanser and one powder, start small, then move to jumbos and refills. Check our Dermalogica deals page for the current gift before you order.
How we wrote this: GlowTrials compared Dermalogica cleansers and exfoliants using formats, listed ingredients, sizes and prices from the brand's official US website in October 2026; routine totals are our own math. We haven't personally tested these products and we don't invent ratings or discount codes. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.