The full review

Microbiome Correcting Cleanser review: my honest take

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The Microbiome Correcting Cleanser is the first step of SeneGence’s Microbiome line, made for sensitive, oily or troubled skin. It’s aimed at a specific mix of concerns: redness, oiliness, blemishes and a stressed skin barrier. If the standard 3 in 1 Cleansers feel like too much for your skin, this is the one SeneGence built for you.

When your skin reacts to everything, start by changing the one product you use twice a day.

The formula pairs probiotics, which SeneGence describes as helping balance the skin microbiome and maintain hydration, with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Keep expectations realistic: it’s a cleanser, and its job is to clean in a way that fits a barrier-focused routine. It’s the first piece of the Microbiome regimen, followed by the SPF 15 day moisturizer and the Restorative Evening Moisturizer.

At $50 for 4 fl oz, it’s $5 more than the 3 in 1 Cleansers. If your skin is simply oily and not reactive, the Normal to Oily 3 in 1 Cleanser does the job for less. Going all in? The Microbiome SkinCare Regimen Set ($290) bundles the cleanser, SPF 15, evening moisturizer and EyeCreme.

Microbiome Cleanser vs 3 in 1 Cleansers: which one should you get?

	Microbiome Correcting Cleanser My pick	3 in 1 Cleanser, Normal to Oily	3 in 1 Cleanser, Normal to Dry
Skin type	Sensitive to oily/troubled	Normal to oily	Normal to dry
Key ingredients	Probiotics, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide	Orange exfoliator, Miracne, sarcosinate	Prickly pear, apple AHA, goji
Focus	Redness, oiliness, blemishes, barrier	Excess oil, impurities	Hydration
Line	Microbiome	Core regimen	Core regimen
Price	$50	$45	$45
Pick it if	Your skin reacts easily	You're oily, not sensitive	You lean dry

Where it fits in your morning routine

1Microbiome Cleanseryou are here2Facial Resurfacerexfoliate3Microbiome Boosting Serumoptional serum4Microbiome Defense SPF 15day moisturizer

The Microbiome routine follows SeneGence’s usual order: cleanse, exfoliate, optional serums, then moisturizer. In the morning that’s the Microbiome Defense Daytime Moisturizer SPF 15, SeneGence’s only SPF product. At night, remove makeup, cleanse again and finish with the Microbiome Restorative Evening Moisturizer.

What’s in it, in plain words

• Probiotics: SeneGence describes them as helping balance the skin microbiome and maintain hydration.
• Hyaluronic acid: a humectant that attracts and holds moisture.
• Niacinamide: a form of vitamin B3, a common skincare ingredient.
• Microbiome line: part of SeneGence’s Microbiome range, built around pre-, pro- and postbiotic technology.

Sets that include the Microbiome cleanser

• Microbiome SkinCare Regimen Set: cleanser, SPF 15, evening moisturizer, EyeCreme, $290
• Made to GLOW Subscription Box: current box lists two cleanser samples, $196

My tips

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Microbiome Correcting Cleanser FAQs

Is the Microbiome Correcting Cleanser good for sensitive skin?

It’s made for sensitive to oily or troubled skin, with probiotics, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Its listed focus is redness, oiliness, blemishes and the skin barrier.

Microbiome Cleanser or 3 in 1 Cleanser: which should I get?

Pick the Microbiome cleanser if your skin reacts easily or breaks out. If you’re just oily, the Normal to Oily 3 in 1 Cleanser costs $5 less. Dry skin should look at the Dry version.

Is it good for acne?

SeneGence lists blemishes among its target concerns, but it’s a cleanser, not a medication. For persistent or painful breakouts, check with a dermatologist.

What's in the Microbiome SkinCare Regimen Set?

The cleanser, the Microbiome Defense Daytime Moisturizer SPF 15, the Microbiome Restorative Evening Moisturizer and EyeCreme, for $290, the same as buying each.

Can I try it before buying the full size?

The current Made to GLOW box lists two Microbiome Correcting Cleanser samples, alongside other items, though SeneGence notes substitutions may occur. It’s an easy way to test it.