Double Alpha Hydroxy Gel Cleanser with Green Tea

Rated 4.9 out of 5
Based on 35 reviews

60-90 Day Supply, 59ml/2fl oz

This gentle, no-scrub, exfoliating gel precisely lifts rough, zombie-like skin cells from your skin to reveal an instant glow and while allowing your skin's healthy, protective barrier layers to expand.

  • Exfoliates excess and damaged skin barrier cells to allow healthy layers to expand (this helps your skin retain water better too!)
  • Doubles as powerful resurfacing mask when applied for longer than 5 minutes
  • Tailored to for use with retinoids
  • Lab-made batch, ready to ship
Lab Sale Offers

– 20% off one-time purchase
– 30% off first order with subscription
(10% off after that!)
Regular price $48.00 Sale price$38.40
/

Purpose: gentle cleansing and resurfacing for a healthy, youthful glow.

5% plant-based Alpha Hydroxy Glycolic Acid
2% plant-based Alpha Hydroxy Lactic Acid

This exfoliating cleanser is tailored to collaborate with the retinoids in our Enzyme-Active Retinol™ Night Serum. Unlike physical scrubs that essentially scratch your face in irregular patterns, the two Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) used in this cleanser (glycolic acid and lactic acid) are proven by dermatologists to:

  • Gently and precisely exfoliate just dead skin cells.
  • Return the soft glow of healthy skin.
  • Multiply the skin-smoothing effects of Enzyme-Active Retinol.
  • Increase barrier thickness and thus, ironically the skin's ability to retain moisture.
  • Removes oil-based make up and other daily build up.

For clients who use a salicylic acid or other acne cleanser for controlling breakouts we recommend "double" cleansing and applying those products afterwards. For clients who do not use a dedicated breakout-controlling cleanser, this functions perfectly as a daily cleanser.

Tip: Use as leave-on mask for extraordinary chemical purification.

Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ceteareth 25, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Coamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Coco Sulfate, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium PCA, Glycerin, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Camellia Sinesis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract, Passiflora Incarnata Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract

Rinse face with water and then gently spread cleanser over desired areas of face (some clients apply only to T-zone or wrinkle areas, for example). No scrubbing is required. Beginners can leave on for under a minute, while more advanced clients can leave on for up to 5 minutes as a resurfacing mask. Rinse and leave skin damp, follow up with serum/actives and moisturizer.

Find more info in our blog.

"I suffer from dry skin and eczema, so frankly, I’m always a bit hesitant to try new cleansers - so many are packed with ingredients that strip my face of its moisture!

When I saw “aloe” in the name of Protocol’s cleanser, I knew I should give it a go. Aloe has never done me wrong and has been a true savior to my skin. With this cleanser, I feel confident that all the icky stuff I’ve absorbed throughout the day will be washed away without any of my moisture going down the drain with it."

– Coveteur

Don't take our word for it

★★★★★

Just got the cleanser after being a big fan of all your other products. Why did I wait? Instant results I’ve never seen before with any other product. Skin is like buttah. Thank you!!!

Kirby O.

Verified Buyer

★★★★★

Created by a savvy startup out of Los Angeles, this gel-like sudsing cleanser delivers light, everyday exfoliation with a blend of lactic and glycolic acids. (The formula is designed to be gentle enough to use alongside its own retinol serum.) The wash can also be applied as a quick resurfacing mask.

LAURA REGENSDORF

Vanity Fair

★★★★★

I suffer from dry skin and eczema, so frankly, I’m always a bit hesitant to try new cleansers—so many are packed with ingredients that strip my face of its moisture! When I saw “aloe” in the name of Protocol’s cleanser, I knew I should give it a go. Aloe has never done me wrong and has been a true savior to my skin. With this cleanser, I feel confident that all the icky stuff I’ve absorbed throughout the day will be washed away without any of my moisture going down the drain with it.

Halle Lagatta

Coveteur

★★★★★

Step one of Protocol’s four-step system, this cleanser is made to work with retinol and vitamin C serums to help keep skin balanced during the course of treatment without stripping it or drying it out. While the alpha hydroxy acid formula helps to gently exfoliate skin, it’s the soothing aloe barbadensis leaf juice that gets top spot on the ingredients list.

Tatiana Bido

New Beauty

★★★★★

This cleanser is sooo gentle and the texture is almost jelly-like making it the PERFECT second-cleanser if you’re wearing makeup. This does such a good job washing off the dirty surfactants on my skin without being stripping especially with added AHA! Also I have a soft spot for glass package!

Carmen

Verified Buyer

★★★★★

All of their products are excellent. I'm so grateful I discovered this line just as I was learning about the importance of vitamin C, retinoids, and quality ingredients. People constantly compliment my skin. This face wash is extremely gentle, and I feel confident using it after cold cream for double cleansing without worrying about any negative effects

Erika W.

Verified Buyer

★★★★★

Best facial cleanser I have ever used and that’s saying something. I’m pretty passionate about my skin being really clean, this is a lifelong practice handed down to me by my mother. I am 72 years old now. My skin feels really clean after I use it, but not stripped. That’s a very nice balance. For the first time ever, I do not feel compelled to use a toner or astringent following cleansing with this product.

Carol O.

Verified Buyer

★★★★★

I’ve been looking for a go to light exfoliant cleanser and this is it!! It is easy to use, it does the job well and it makes my skin feel so smooth and clean immediately after use. A definite “will buy again” product

Dani G.

Verified Buyer

★★★★★

Great face wash! It is both gentle and effective, helps with blemishes and mild resurfacing. Works well as a mask to smooth and improve texture.

Kelly M.

Verified Buyer

Gentle Cleansing
Tailored to collaborate with retinoids

This exfoliating cleanser is tailored to collaborate with the retinoids in our Enzyme-Active Retinol™ Night Serum. Unlike physical scrubs that essentially scratch your face in irregular patterns, the two Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) used in this cleanser (glycolic acid and lactic acid) are proven by dermatologists to gently and precisely exfoliate just dead skin cells and return the soft, glow of healthy skin.

Protocol Skincare AHA Cleanser Texture

FAQs

Tolerance can vary dramatically from person to person. Some Protocol clients might be able to work their way up to daily use, while others might prefer to only use it less often. We recommend you only use the Double Alpha Hydroxy Cleanser with Green Tea Extract and Aloe every other day or a few times (2-3) a week when starting. Gradually increase frequency while paying close attention to signs of irritation.

Even when formulated as a cleanser, glycolic acid acts as a highly effective yet gentle chemical exfoliant. It breaks down the substance that attaches rough dead skin cells to the surface of the skin, ensuring even shedding. This reveals the smoother, more compact layers of your stratum corneum, and helps speed the effects of other skincare treatments, such as retinol. To enjoy this exfoliating effect, leave the cleanser in contact with your skin for at least several minutes.

For best results, leave the Double Alpha Hydroxy Cleanser on your skin for approximately 5 minutes. If you have sensitive skin, you might need to leave it on for less time.

You can use our AHA Cleanser and a separate salicylic acid product, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. When first starting out or if you have sensitive skin, avoid using AHA and salicylic acid products on the same night. Work your way up to using them on alternating nights, one in the morning and one in the evening, or one followed by the other.

Alpha-hydroxy acid’s ability to exfoliate is tied to the pH of its formula. The ideal pH level for an AHA skin cleanser or other AHA products is between 3 and 4. Any higher and it won’t exfoliate much if at all, any lower it can irritate the skin. That’s why the pH level of our AHA Cleanser is right in between, at 3.4.

Yes. Alpha-hydroxy acids can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. It’s important to use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and limit sun exposure when using products with AHA and for at least a week after stopping use.

There are no specific interactions between AHAs and other skincare ingredients. However, there is a risk of over-exfoliation and skin barrier damage, especially if you use too many products at once. The precise level of tolerance will vary from person to person. Our AHA skin cleanser is designed to offer the precise level of exfoliation to use in conjunction with our Enzyme-Active Retinol Serum and Vitamin C Superserum, but even this gentle combination might be too aggressive for those with very sensitive skin. Always introduce one new skincare product at a time and pay close attention to signs of irritation or over-exfoliation, such as redness, flakiness, tenderness, or itching.

average rating 4.9 out of 5
Based on 35 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    32 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    3 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 2 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    0 Reviews
100% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
Customer photos and videos
35 Reviews
Reviewed by Nancy J.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
55+
Skin Type
Dry
Skin Concerns
  • Age Defense
  • Dark Spots
  • Dryness
  • Dullness
  • Wrinkles & Fine Lines
My Results
  • Healthy Skin
  • Glowing Skin
  • Softer Skin
  • Reduced Age Signs
  • Brighter Complexion
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Entire Line is amazing

I've been using all 4 Protocol products for about a year. My skin has never been healthier , it feels good, it looks good, and I'm happy with the ease and lack of complexity. Wash, Vitamin C and moisturize AM, Wash Retinol, moisturize PM. That's it. Products last a long time, totally worth the price. You get what you pay for and these products are worth every penny.

Loading...
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Frances M.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
25 - 34
Skin Type
Combination
Skin Concerns
  • Dullness
  • Oiliness
  • Pores
My Results
  • Healthy Skin
  • Glowing Skin
  • Softer Skin
  • More Even Tone
  • Brighter Complexion
Rated 4 out of 5
Review posted

Good but Pricey

I LOVE this formula and my skin was noticeably brighter and softer after a few uses. Love the clean ingredient list and the mission behind the company. The only thing that might keep me from re-buying is the price. I got a Black Friday deal and I was still surprised with how little the bottle was compared to the cost. So torn because the product is wonderful!

Loading...
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Leslie N.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
55+
Skin Type
Combination
Skin Concerns
  • Acne
  • Age Defense
  • Wrinkles & Fine Lines
  • Dryness
  • Dark Spots
My Results
  • Glowing Skin
  • Smoother Skin
  • Brighter Complexion
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

My favorite!!

I seriously love this stuff. I have intermittent adult acne and rosacea. This stuff just feels so good on my skin after I wash my face. It doesn't leave it feeling tight like I need to immediately apply moisturizer. My skin looks so young and healthy after washing with this stuff. I do think it's expensive, but a bottle does last a good amount of time so I will keep purchasing when there are sales. If I miss a sale, I use my other cleanser until there is another sale, missing it each morning and night.

Loading...
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Anna L M.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
35 - 44
Skin Type
Dry
Skin Concerns
  • Wrinkles & Fine Lines
  • Sensitivity
  • Dullness
  • Acne
  • Age Defense
My Results
  • Glowing Skin
  • Healthy Skin
  • Smoother Skin
  • Brighter Complexion
  • Fewer Lines & Wrinkles
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Non irritating exfoliation

I love this cleanser! I’ve used exfoliating cleansers in the past but I’ve never quite used one as gentle as this. I hadn’t even thought about keeping a cleanser on for a few minutes before rinsing but the instructions were a total game changer for me. Super effective and non irritating for my dry dehydrated reactive skin.

Loading...
Was this helpful?
Reviewed by Michelle T.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
25 - 34
Skin Type
Combination
Skin Concerns
  • Acne
My Results
  • Healthy Skin
  • Smoother Skin
  • Softer Skin
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Great cleanser

Love that it has no scent, it washes away cleanly and efficiently.

Loading...
Was this helpful?