Total Cleans'r Remove-It-All Cleanser
Celebrity Daily Staple
Verified reviewer
Pros & cons.
- +Amino acid surfactant base (sodium cocoyl glycinate) cleanses gently without stripping
- +Rich, creamy lather feels genuinely luxurious during the washing step
- +Effective removal of everyday makeup, regular sunscreen, and light foundation
- +Glycerin prevents post-wash tightness and maintains skin hydration after rinsing
- +Concentrated formula — a pea-sized amount generates substantial lather
- +Refillable packaging options support sustainability goals
- −Contains added fragrance and benzyl salicylate — unnecessary in a basic cleanser
- −Five cosmetic dyes serve no skincare function and are purely aesthetic
- −Struggles with waterproof mascara, longwear liner, and heavy-duty SPF
- −Cocamidopropyl betaine is a known sensitizer (ACDS Allergen of the Year 2004)
- −Price premium over comparable amino acid cleansers from pharmacy brands
The full review.
About Fenty Skin
Established Brand (5-20 years)
Ingredient analysis.
Full INCI list
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Glycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glycol Distearate, Sucrose, Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Coconut Acid, Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Benzyl Salicylate, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 40 (CI 16035), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985)
Skin match.
The science.
The Science
Total Cleans'r's cleansing mechanism relies primarily on sodium cocoyl glycinate, an amino acid surfactant synthesized from coconut-derived fatty acids and the amino acid glycine. Amino acid surfactants form micelles that dissolve sebum and impurities while preserving more of the skin's intercellular lipids compared to anionic sulfate surfactants. Studies comparing amino acid-based cleansers to sodium lauryl sulfate-based formulations consistently show lower transepidermal water loss (TEWL) increases and less disruption to the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) after washing.
Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), the third surfactant, provides foam boosting and viscosity building. CAPB was named the American Contact Dermatitis Society's Allergen of the Year in 2004, with patch-testing data showing sensitization rates of 3-7.2% among dermatitis patients. While the sensitizing potential is often attributed to manufacturing impurities (dimethylaminopropylamine and amidoamine) rather than the surfactant itself, its inclusion is worth noting for consumers with a history of contact dermatitis.
The botanical extracts — Barbados cherry (Malpighia punicifolia), green tea (Camellia sinensis), and ginkgo biloba — contribute antioxidant compounds (ascorbic acid, catechins, and flavonoids respectively). In a rinse-off product with brief skin contact time, the bioavailability of these antioxidants is limited, though some residual conditioning effect may persist on the skin surface after rinsing.
Glycerin, present at what appears to be a meaningful concentration (listed seventh in the INCI), acts as a humectant that binds water to the stratum corneum during and after cleansing, counteracting the dehydrating effects of the surfactant system.
Dermatologist Perspective
Dermatologists generally approve of amino acid-based cleansing systems for their gentler interaction with the skin barrier compared to sulfate detergents. However, board-certified dermatologists note that Total Cleans'r's inclusion of fragrance, benzyl salicylate, and cocamidopropyl betaine limits its suitability for patients with sensitive or dermatitis-prone skin. The five cosmetic dyes, while considered safe in rinse-off cosmetics by regulatory standards, serve no dermatological purpose and represent unnecessary potential sensitizers. Dermatologists who prioritize minimal-ingredient formulations would typically recommend fragrance-free, dye-free cleansers for daily use, particularly for patients with any history of contact sensitivities.
Where it fits in your routine.
Wet your face with lukewarm water. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of Total Cleans'r into clean hands. Massage it onto your face and neck in circular motions for 30-60 seconds. The creamy lather dissolves makeup and impurities. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Use morning and evening. For heavy or waterproof makeup, use an oil cleanser or micellar water first, then use Total Cleans'r to double cleanse.
At $26 for 145 mL, Total Cleans'r costs more than most comparable amino acid cleansers from pharmacy and K-beauty brands. For context, CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser has ceramides and hyaluronic acid in a fragrance-free formula for roughly $15 per 16 oz, and Etude's SoonJung Whip Cleanser uses amino acid cleansing with panthenol and madecassoside for $13 per 150 mL. The Fenty premium covers the thick lather, LVMH packaging quality, refill availability, and brand experience. A jumbo size and refill options improve long-term value for committed users. Based on ingredient quality alone, the price-to-value ratio is not competitive.
Normal, combination, and oily skin types want a gentle, effective daily cleanser with a thick lather. It works for everyday makeup wearers who avoid heavy waterproof products. Fenty fans wanting the full brand routine and a sensorial cleansing experience will like it. It also suits people switching from harsh sulfate cleansers to gentler options.
Use this if you have sensitive skin or a history of fragrance or cocamidopropyl betaine sensitivity. Skip this if you wear heavy waterproof makeup daily and want single-step removal. Skip this if you want minimal, clean ingredient lists — the fragrance and five cosmetic dyes are unnecessary additions found in simpler cleansers. Value-conscious shoppers find better formulations for less money elsewhere.
Product details.
A fruity-fresh fragrance is present; it is pleasant but clearly added. Users who like scented cleansers will enjoy it, but fragrance-averse users will find it strong.
Squeeze tube with a flip-top cap. This hygienic, travel-friendly design makes the thick formula hard to control; you may dispense more than a pea-sized amount. Refills exist for the full-size bottle.
Total Cleans'r produces a thick, creamy, soft lather on first use. It lacks the harsh stripping feel of sulfate cleansers. The formula dissolves daily makeup efficiently, but stubborn waterproof products need more work or a pre-step. Skin feels clean, comfortable, and hydrated after rinsing. The fragrance is noticeable and pleasant for most, but the five cosmetic dyes that give the product its peach-coral color are invisible on skin.
2-3 months with twice-daily use
12 months
All Year
The backstory.
Total Cleans'r was one of three products that launched Fenty Skin in July 2020 — alongside Fat Water and Hydra Vizor — establishing the brand's core routine. Rihanna positioned it as the foundation of her personal skincare, emphasizing that a good cleanser should leave skin feeling fresh without any tightness. The product's name, with its deliberate apostrophe, reflects Fenty's brand voice: playful, direct, and unapologetic about being a beauty brand first.
About Fenty Skin
Emerging Brand (2–5 years)Fenty Skin launched in 2020 under Rihanna's Fenty umbrella, built with LVMH-owned Kendo Brands. Total Cleans'r was one of the three original launch products. The brand uses LVMH's formulation resources, but has a five-year track record and fewer independent clinical validations than established skincare brands.
Common myths.
One cleanser removes all makeup, including waterproof formulas.
Total Cleans'r removes most daily makeup, regular sunscreen, and light foundation. Waterproof mascara, longwear eyeliner, and heavy-duty SPF products resist water and surfactants; no single gel cleanser removes them without heavy rubbing. Double-cleansing with an oil-based cleanser first yields better results for full-face removal.
Amino acid cleansers work better for your skin than sulfate cleansers.
Amino acid surfactants like sodium cocoyl glycinate are usually milder than sulfates, but "better" depends on context. Amino acid cleansers preserve more barrier lipids for sensitive or dry skin. A well-formulated sulfate cleanser works better for very oily skin needing thorough oil control. The right surfactant depends on skin type and needs, not a blanket ingredient hierarchy.
FAQ.
Does Fenty Skin Total Cleans'r remove waterproof makeup?
Total Cleans'r removes regular makeup, daily sunscreen, and light-to-medium foundation well. It struggles with waterproof formulas; waterproof mascara, longwear liquid eyeliner, and heavy-duty SPF products may leave residue after washing. To remove waterproof products fully, use an oil cleanser or micellar water first, then use Total Cleans'r as your second cleanse.
Is Fenty Total Cleans'r good for sensitive skin?
This cleanser has added fragrance, benzyl salicylate (a fragrance allergen), cocamidopropyl betaine (a surfactant that can sensitize over time), and five cosmetic dyes. The amino acid surfactant base is gentle, but these extra ingredients make it less ideal for sensitive or reactive skin. Fragrance-free cleansers from sensitive-skin-focused brands are safer options.
Why does the Total Cleans'r have so many dyes in it?
Five cosmetic dyes (Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Titanium Dioxide) create the product's peach-coral color in the tube. These dyes have no skincare function and disappear when applied. The dyes wash off during rinsing and are safe in rinse-off cosmetics, but their inclusion in a cleanser is an aesthetic brand decision, not a formulation necessity.
Is Fenty Total Cleans'r worth $26 for a cleanser?
At $26 for 145 mL, Total Cleans'r costs more than most cleansers. The amino acid surfactant base is gentle, the lather is thick, and refills exist. However, pharmacy and K-beauty brands offer equally effective amino acid cleansers at half this price without fragrance or dyes. The Fenty premium pays for the brand experience, packaging, and LVMH-quality texture — not a formulation advantage over cheaper alternatives.
How much product should I use per wash?
Most face washes need only a pea-sized amount. The formula is concentrated and creates a thick, creamy lather from a small amount. Using more does not improve cleaning and only depletes the tube faster. Apply to damp skin, massage for 30-60 seconds, and rinse. One tube lasts about two to three months if used twice daily at the recommended amount.
What the community says.
"Creamy lather feels luxurious and spreads easily"
"Removes most daily makeup in a single wash"
"Skin feels soft and hydrated after rinsing, not tight"
"A little product goes a long way"
"Pleasant scent that most users enjoy"
"Struggles with waterproof eye makeup and heavy-duty SPF"
"Contains fragrance and cosmetic dyes unnecessarily"
"Price is high for what is fundamentally a basic cleanser"
"Cocamidopropyl betaine can sensitize some users over time"
"Packaging squeeze tube can be hard to control dispensing"
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