Last Updated on March 20, 2026 by omgbart
iS Clinical has been part of my cleansing routine for years. The brand's Cleansing Complex is a staple, and the Active Peel System remains one of my all-time favorite exfoliating treatments. So when the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish landed in my hands, I had high expectations. It joined the shower shelf immediately. Here's whether it lived up to them.
What is it?
The iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish is a foaming gel that combines chemical and physical exfoliation in a single cleansing step. It targets clogged pores and dead cell buildup on the skin's surface, with a faint clean scent and a slightly slippery texture that fans of the original Cleansing Complex will recognize immediately. The lather is soft. The finish is clean and hydrated, never tight. It's gentle enough for daily use on most skin types — including combination, which is what I have.
What’s in it?
The iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish works on two levels. Salicylic Acid, delivered via White Willow Bark Extract, penetrates the pore. Jojoba Esters and Microcrystalline Cellulose provide the physical component, working on the skin's surface. Together they clear without stripping.
One ingredient worth clarifying: Sugarcane Extract is not the same as Glycolic Acid. In its raw form it functions as a humectant and antiseptic rather than a resurfacing agent. It's here to support the formula, not exfoliate.
Cica and Chamomile round out the formula for anyone with reactive skin. Both calm and soothe rather than stimulate.
A practical note: the biodegradable microparticles are extremely gentle but don't dissolve instantly. I use this in the shower for that reason — it's the only reliable way to get every last bit out of my eyebrows.
When and How
My preferred use is as a standalone morning cleanser. It wakes the skin up without aggression. In the evening it works well as a second step after an oil or balm cleanser — following whatever I've used to break down sunscreen and the day's buildup.
Glycerin features prominently in the formula, which matters. It keeps the exfoliation experience comfortable and leaves skin hydrated rather than squeaky. For combination skin this is the right balance.
I've been reaching for this consistently. It fits naturally into both a minimal routine and a more involved one.
$52 (120ml) at dermstore.com, Bluemercury.com or AidaBicaj.com
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