Dieux's First-Ever Cleanser Comes in Two Formulas—and We Tried Both

For those of us with a religious-like devotion to skincare, Dieux is the answer to our prayers. With a powerhouse team—strategist and licensed esthetician Charlotte Palermino and veteran formulator Joyce de Lemos—the brand has amassed a cult-like following since its 2020 launch. Divine wordplay aside, Dieux has managed to cut through the noise in an increasingly loud market space and separated itself as a new standard for skincare—one rooted in science and built on transparency.

Every Dieux launch is highly anticipated and almost immediately viral, and their latest one is no different. Meet Baptism, a gel cleanser strong enough to remove makeup and soft enough to keep the skin soft and hydrated in the process. Available in both a fragranced and fragrance-free option, Baptism is designed to work on all skin types and tested to be non-sensitizing and acne-safe. It's a lofty list of claims, but if any brand can deliver, it's Dieux.

News of the launch set our group chat abuzz, all of us eager to slather our faces in Dieux's latest concoction. So we did. Ahead, we break down everything you need to know about the launch and share honest reviews from four Byrdie editors.

The Inspiration

One thing we can count on Dieux for is not just creating another product for the sake of expanding their line. It's always intentional. "We wanted to make a gentle cleanser for all skin types that would tenderly lift oil from the skin so only what you’re trying to get rid of—dirt, excess oil, pollution—goes down the drain, not your entire skin barrier," explains co-founder and cosmetic chemist Joyce de Lemos.

Ingredients are at the center of everything for Dieux, so it's no surprise the inspiration for Baptism followed suit. "Despite what brands will tell you, almost all cleansers, whether they’re soap for hands or detergents for dishes have something in common: surfactants," de Lemos says. "The surfactants you choose will change a cleanser, and what it’s used for. A gentle yet effective combination of surfactants was the number one priority for me."

The team had a list of nonnegotiables from the start: They wanted it to be compatible with all skin types, kept at a neutral skin-friendly pH, and free from any physically or chemically abrasive ingredients. From there, they went straight to the lab.

The Formula

A veteran cosmetic chemist, de Lemos says she'd "been dreaming and pre-formulating this cleanser in my head for years," so the formulation process went relatively quickly. After a few experiments, de Lemos landed on the perfect combination of surfactants: the mild sodium cocoyl glutamate paired with decyl glucoside, another gentle surfactant at a lower concentration. From there, they kept the formula simple, adding high levels of glycerin to help keep the skin feeling supple post-rinse and give the formula a nice cushion-y texture.

Once the team started testing, it was clear the formula was a hit. But there was one issue. "For the first time ever, the team was split," de Lemos recalls. "There was some controversy around the fragrance (or lack thereof)." And so they did what we wish every beauty brand would do: They went to their community, asking them to test versions with and without fragrance.

And the feedback was clear. "From our community to our team, the option of fragranced and fragrance-free delighted them. This nuance guarantees that anyone can use Baptism, regardless of personal preference on fragrance." And so they landed on two versions of Baptism, a unique approach to the never-ending debate around fragrance in skincare.

How to Use It

Baptism is meant to be a one-and-done cleanser, removing makeup, SPF, and grime while hydrating and softening the skin. That means there's no need to go in with a balm or oil beforehand. Simply apply the cleanser on dry skin, add water, and get to scrubbing. The gel formula should transform into a creamy, rich lather over the next 60 or so seconds, after which you can rinse off the formula, gently dry the skin, and continue on with your skincare routine.

The Reviews

Holly Rhue, editorial director

"I have combination skin that gets super oily around my chin and forehead—and I only make matters worse by layering on globs of sunscreen, face mist, and dew-inducing highlighters throughout the day. With that being said, my preference for cleansers is typically on the stronger, sudsier side, and Dieux's latest launch is definitely that. If you prefer something super gentle and creamy, this might not be for you—but for me, it's exactly what my skin wants at the end of the day. I opted for the fragranced version and loved the elevated scent, but did find that it was a little strong around the eyes (an area you should avoid with most gel cleansers, regardless). I'll stick to using micellar water for my eye makeup, but this is my absolute dream face wash for a double cleanse."

Adelaide Giesey, editor

"Cleansers and I have always had a tricky relationship. My skin is naturally super dry, so I try to avoid anything that might strip even more moisture from my skin. Furthermore, I only reach for a cleanser as part of my evening routine. Ever since I was first introduced to Dieux via the Instant Angel Moisturizer, I have fallen in love with the brand. So I was eager to test out the brand's first cleanser. I opted for the fragrance-free formula since I tend to be sensitive to scents in skincare. For a gel cleanser, I loved how much the product lathers and gives you a proper clean. Just one use took off my makeup from the day (important note: I wear minimal eye makeup) and left my skin feeling fresh. I keep my cleanser in the shower and even my roommate made a point to tell me how much she loved the formula."

Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

"I love every product the new launches and this cleanser is no different. I start by rubbing the cleanser between my hands and then applying on dry skin, as per the instructions. The formula is super rich and easily removes the entire day from my face, I’m talking makeup, spa, sweat, everything. My skin looks super clean and doesn’t feel dry or super stripped after rinsing. This cleanser feels really luxe and reminds me of the first step when getting a facial which I love. I’ve officially moved my older cleaner to the back of the medicine cabinet and have been reaching for this must-have morning and night."

Bella Cacciatore, news editor

"I love Dieux's products and whole vibe, so I was super excited to put this one to the test. It also claimed to be everything I like in a cleanser—jelly texture, hydrating ingredients, and fairly no frills. I love the texture, the clear gel turns into a frothy foam that left my skin feeling clean but not stripped, and it removed most of my makeup save for my waterproof mascara. The fragrance is nice as well, it's sophisticated and inoffensive. All in all, it didn't change my life, but it's a lovely cleanser that I'll def be adding to my routine."