Salicylic Acid
A beta-hydroxy acid, or BHA, that is particularly useful for oily and congestion-prone skin.
Because Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble, it can help loosen accumulated oil and keratin within the pore environment while also supporting surface exfoliation.
In a cleanser, its benefits are best positioned around:
Congestion
Excess surface oil
Rough texture
Blemish-prone skin
Enlarged-looking pores
I would avoid overstating it as an intensive acne treatment because this remains a rinse-off cleanser.
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid / LHA
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid is commonly referred to as Lipohydroxy Acid or LHA.
It is a lipophilic derivative of Salicylic Acid used for controlled surface exfoliation and texture refinement.
Its inclusion alongside standard Salicylic Acid gives the cleanser a broader exfoliating profile without making it equivalent to a leave-on chemical peel.
Optiphi’s current manufacturer INCI confirms Capryloyl Salicylic Acid in the formula.
Niacinamide
Vitamin B3.
Niacinamide helps support:
Skin barrier function
Moisture retention
More balanced-looking skin
Visible tone and texture
Skin resilience
This is an important correction to the existing Chris & Alley page, which currently calls Niacinamide Vitamin B5.
Vitamin B5 would instead generally refer to Panthenol, which is not present in Optiphi’s current Facial Cleanser INCI.
Glycerin
A humectant that helps attract water into the outer skin layers.
Although this is a rinse-off product, Glycerin contributes to a more comfortable cleansing experience and helps counter the overly tight feel associated with aggressive cleansers.
Gentle Multi-Surfactant System
The current formula combines several cleansing agents, including:
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
A cleansing surfactant that removes oils and impurities while creating light foam.
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
A mild amphoteric surfactant often used in sensitive-skin and facial cleansers.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Helps improve cleansing and lather while moderating the overall surfactant system.
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
A mild cleanser contributing to the gentle wash profile.
Lauryl Glucoside
A non-ionic surfactant that supports effective cleansing without relying on traditional soap.
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate + Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate
Milder cleansing agents that contribute to the barrier-conscious feel of the formula.
Optiphi’s current official INCI confirms this multi-surfactant system.

Use morning and evening.
Apply a small amount to a damp face, neck and décolleté.
Massage gently using circular movements to create a light lather.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Optiphi’s current official instructions specifically direct application to the face, neck and décolleté, followed by thorough rinsing.
For heavier makeup or water-resistant sunscreen:
Cleanse once to remove surface product → rinse → repeat if necessary for a more thorough second cleanse.
Avoid excessively long cleansing or aggressive rubbing; more friction does not mean better cleansing.

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All skin types where individually tolerated
Combination skin
Oily skin
Congestion-prone skin
Blemish-prone skin
Enlarged-looking pores
Rough or uneven texture
Daily sunscreen users
Skin using active corrective routines
Clients wanting gentle daily exfoliating support
Skin needing effective cleansing without a traditional soap base