A short formula by design: twelve ingredients, no fragrance, no oils, no parabens and no colorant. Neova describes it as a "clear, lightweight gel with a slight blue color" that works up into a light foam. The blue is the copper, which is the only coloured thing on the list.

Who Neova writes it for

In the brand's words, "skin types that need a very gentle cleansing, especially after in-office procedures". The brand calls it a "recommended daily cleanser for those with extremely sensitive skin". Its pH range is 5.0 to 7.0, which Neova publishes on its own cleansers page.

About the surfactants, since sensitive skin usually asks

This is not a sulfate-free cleanser. TEA-Lauryl Sulfate is third on a list of twelve. It is worth being exact about what Neova does claim: "It's designed to be gentle and non-stripping, helping cleanse without disrupting the skin barrier". Its answer then tells anyone avoiding a particular surfactant to read the ingredient list.

Our reading of it: if you avoid sulfates on principle, this is not your cleanser and the full list is in the Ingredients tab. If you avoid them for a different reason, that harsh washes leave your skin tight, then the pH range and the buyers who use it on skin recovering from a treatment are the better guide.

Cu3 Gentle Cleanser specifications

Texture, pH, dose and skin types are Neova's own. The ingredient position and the four free-from lines are read from the ingredient list.

What buyers say about it

Three reviewers here bought it for the same reason: skin recovering after a treatment. One names laser treatments at the dermatologist and reports "soothing and cooling relief". One names a chemical peel. That matches where Neova points it, at skin that needs a very gentle cleansing especially after in-office procedures.

Where it fits in a routine

First step, morning and evening. The copper peptide moisturizer that follows it is Creme de la Copper, and the full line is on our Neova skincare page.