Soothe, hydrate, and restore — even when your skin is in recovery mode.
Mediterranean Hydrating Gel Cleanser is the ultra-soothing recovery wash designed for sensitive, dehydrated, post-treatment, or reactive skin that needs gentle care without compromise. A powerful marine algae complex (seaweed, bladderwrack, kelp, Irish moss) floods skin with ocean minerals and deep hydration to rebuild the barrier. Green tea provides antioxidant defense and calms redness instantly, while aloe vera, coconut water, and rosehip replenish moisture and brighten stressed, dull complexion. Hibiscus offers mild brightening, olive oil nourishes without clogging, and the gel texture doubles as a protective shaving cream. At pH 6.5 — the gentlest in the lineup — this cleanser removes pollution, dirt, oil, makeup, and sunscreen thoroughly while supporting healing, with zero stinging, tightness, or irritation.
How to Use
- Apply to damp skin morning and/or evening.
- Massage gently in circular motions for 60 seconds (the 60-second rule!).
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Follow with your serum, moisturizer, and SPF.
- Can also be used as a hydrating shaving cream for face and body.
Key Benefits
- Deeply hydrates and rebuilds barrier with marine algae minerals
- Calms redness, irritation & post-treatment sensitivity on contact
- Removes makeup, sunscreen & impurities without stinging or stripping
- Antioxidant protection from green tea & botanicals against environmental stress
- Brightens dull, stressed skin with rosehip & hibiscus
- Multi-use gel texture works as soothing shaving cream
Key Ingredients
Marine Algae Complex — seaweed, bladderwrack, kelp & Irish moss deliver ocean minerals, deep hydration & barrier support.
Green Tea Extract — powerful antioxidant that calms redness & protects from environmental damage.
Aloe Vera Leaf Juice — soothes inflammation & provides instant hydration for irritated skin.
Hibiscus Extract — gentle brightening & anti-inflammatory benefits.
Rosehip Extract — rich in vitamins A & C for repair & even tone.
Coconut Water — lightweight electrolyte-rich hydration.
Olive Oil — nourishes & strengthens barrier without clogging.
Vitamin E — blocks free radicals & supports healing.
See full ingredient list
Aqua, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Algin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sucrose Cocoate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Water, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Calcium Chloride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 77288, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide.
Best For
Sensitive skin, dehydrated skin, combination skin, post-treatment skin, erythema, rosacea-prone skin.
Ideal for redness, chronic irritation, recovery from peels/facials/laser, tightness, flaking, dullness from dehydration, and skin that reacts to most products.
Additional Details
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pH: 6.5 — ultra-gentle, ideal for post-treatment and compromised skin (no acids or exfoliants)
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Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Consult your physician before use.
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Step: 1 in the 5 Circle System
5 Circle Skin Care, by Denise Bell, licensed esthetician with 15+ years of experience. Austin, TX.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are marine algae extracts and why are they in a cleanser?
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Mediterranean Cleanser contains four different marine algae: Irish moss (Chondrus crispus), bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus), kelp (Laminaria digitata), and giant sea kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera). These ocean plants are packed with minerals, amino acids, and polysaccharides that your skin recognizes and absorbs easily. They deeply hydrate, help strengthen your skin barrier, and deliver anti-inflammatory benefits. Think of it as giving your skin a drink of ocean water minus the salt. Marine algae has been used in professional skincare for decades specifically because it calms reactive skin while flooding it with nutrients.
Can I use this after a chemical peel or facial?
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Yes, this is exactly what it was formulated for. After professional treatments like peels, microneedling, dermaplaning, or laser, your skin barrier is temporarily compromised. Most cleansers will sting, irritate, or slow down your healing. Mediterranean Cleanser has no acids, no exfoliants, and a pH of 6.5 that won't disrupt your recovering skin. The aloe vera, marine algae, and green tea actively support healing while keeping your skin clean. This is what we recommend to post-treatment clients in our Austin practice.
What is erythema and does this cleanser help with it?
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Erythema is persistent redness in the skin, often associated with rosacea, sensitivity, or inflammation. It happens when blood vessels near the skin's surface dilate and stay dilated. Mediterranean Cleanser helps because every ingredient is anti-inflammatory. Green tea, chamomile-adjacent botanicals, and marine algae all work to calm that chronic redness over time. It won't cure erythema overnight, but switching to a cleanser that stops aggravating it is the first and most important step. Most clients see a noticeable reduction in baseline redness within 2 to 3 weeks.
How is this different from Get Glowing Cleanser?
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Both are designed for sensitive skin, but they serve different purposes. Get Glowing focuses on antioxidant protection and lightweight hydration for everyday sensitive skin. Mediterranean is the heavier-duty recovery cleanser for skin that's actively irritated, post-treatment, dehydrated, or dealing with erythema. If your skin is just mildly sensitive, Get Glowing is great. If your skin is in crisis mode, flaring up, or healing from a professional treatment, Mediterranean is the one you want.
Can I really use this as a shaving cream?
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Yes. The gel texture and emollient ingredients (olive oil, coconut water, cetyl alcohol) create a smooth, protective layer that lets a razor glide without friction. Unlike regular shaving cream that dries out your skin and clogs pores with synthetic foaming agents, Mediterranean Cleanser actually hydrates and protects while you shave. It works on face and body. If you deal with razor burn, irritation, or ingrown hairs, try this instead of your usual shaving cream.
Is this pregnancy safe?
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We always recommend consulting with your physician or OB-GYN before using any active skincare products during pregnancy. Mediterranean Cleanser is our gentlest formulation with no acids, no retinol, and no harsh actives, but your doctor knows your specific situation better than any skincare brand. Have that conversation and follow their guidance.
