Would it be difficult to believe that the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser is the first thing I tried from this ever so trendy brand? From their millennial pink to their esthetic packaging and showroom, beauty lovers everywhere can't get enough of their emphasis on natural, barely-there looks and great skin. I was surprisingly more interested in their colored makeup items (i.e. cloud paints and haloscope) but couldn't miss trying what seems like their most popular skincare item at least once.
Glossier's description:
This is the ultimate daily face wash: use on dry skin to dissolve away makeup and grime, or on wet skin as you start your day. The pH-balanced, creamy gel formula is made with a blend of five skin conditioners so your face is left feeling healthy and soft, never tight. Its cleansing power comes from the same gentle cleaning agents found in contact lens solution, so it’s tough on impurities and still safe to use on your eyes. You’ll see.
Good to know: hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, safe for the eye area, ophthalmologist tested, appropriate for all skin types, soap free, paraben free, sulfate free, cruelty free, non-comedogenic, vegan
Poloxamer: A strong yet mild cleansing agent used in contact lens solution.
Rosewater: We replaced 1/4 of the H2O content with soothing rosewater (bonus: smells great!).
Comfrey Root Extract: Contains allantoin, which heals dry, stressed skin.
Aquaxyl: Refills skin’s water reserves and improves its barrier to prevent dehydration.
Pro-Vitamin B5: Powerful, natural moisturizer found in mushrooms and cheese.
Directions
To start your day—massage 1-2 pumps onto wet skin (keep it in the shower!) and rinse.
To remove makeup*—on dry skin, gently and thoroughly massage 2-3 pumps directly onto eye area to melt away mascara; add water, massage over the rest of your face, and rinse.
*unless it’s waterproof, in which case you should first remove with Milky Oil, and follow with Milky Jelly Cleanser for complete clean.
Ingredients
WATER/AQUA/EAU, ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATER, PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE, PROPANEDIOL, ISOHEXADECANE, POLOXAMER 184, ACRYLAMIDE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE COPOLYMER, XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE, BETAINE, ALLANTOIN, GLYCERIN, PANTHENOL, SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE ROOT EXTRACT, SODIUM HYALURONATE, ANHYDROXYLITOL, POLYSORBATE 80, XYLITOL, AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, BENZOIC ACID, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM HYDROXIDE
Cleanser 177 ml / 6 fl oz
Glossier: USD $18.00
Cleanser 60 ml / 2 fl oz
Glossier: USD $9.00
Packaging
A translucent plastic white bottle with a pump dispenser. The cleanser did not come inside another box packaging nor were there any extra security seals. However, it is easy to tell if the bottle is new since the first several pumps will provide no product.
I am not sure this is the right packaging choice for the consistency of the cleanser (in the long run). Even though I can see very clearly how much product remains in the bottle, I don't think the tube inside is long enough to dispense every last bit of the gel. It would be hard to shake out or liquify the cleanser with some water since it is such a thick consistency to begin with.
(Perhaps I stand to be corrected when I actually reach the end myself. This is just the thoughts I have right now.)
My biggest gripe is probably with the short pump design. Not much cleanser is dispensed each pump. Since the gel is so thick I cannot easily spread just one or two pumps across my entire face and neck. It forces me to use more product than I would like to at once.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
The gel comes straight out of the bottle a cloudy/milky white but is clear and colorless once spread around. It feels very thick, heavy, and requires a little too much effort to spread for my comfort; it is not watery like one typically associates with gels. The product doesn't foam or lather yet it also doesn't sink into the skin. Adding water doesn't emulsify it either. My skin doesn't feel dry or tight afterward, just soft. There is a very strong rose scent as long as the cleanser is on the skin.
How I Apply
After a cleansing oil or balm. Pump 3-5 times (depending on if I only want to cleanse my face or face + neck). Massage thoroughly. Rinse off with water.
Thoughts & Recommendations
Maybe I am too biased toward cleansers that foam? I was not very impressed with the Milky Jelly Cleanser.
My feelings for the Glossier cleanser would probably be a world's difference had it been easier to spread and wash off (unlike the CeraVe cleanser in that sense). Tugging and wrongly massaging the skin supposedly contributes to or at the very least encourages wrinkling; I feel like the consistency of this particular cleanser encourages me to rub too much to clean my face AND clean the product off. It just loves to stick to the skin unless it is practically powered washed away with water. The choices I am left with are to spend what feels like an eternity at the sink rinsing my face or cleansing in the shower with a water stream that is typically too strong and hot—neither of which are appealing.
While I am not the biggest fan of the rose scent in beauty products, it also doesn't bother me that much either. The most important point is the smell isn't strong or lingering enough to give me a headache. I know there are people out there who love this kind of scent.
I am most thankful for the product not breaking me out. I did enjoy that my skin never felt tight or parched after use. If it is rinsed well enough, there is no residue left behind either. While I didn't trust the cleanser completely to use for removing a full face of makeup, it does work to wash off sunscreens.
Overall, this was worth one try. I can't always be so single-minded about the cleanser types I use. I would probably recommend the CeraVe cleanser over Glossier's purely because it is larger, cheaper, and easier to use. Keep your monies to try some of Glossier's other products.
In the new world of what makes a cleanser acceptable, Rose by dr. dream's Mild Natured Powder Cleanser seems to be a good compromise between the past and the present trends. The brand is supposedly created by a large plastic surgery clinic brand in South Korea who promises the product to be gentle, pH-balanced to best suit the human skin, and without any harsh additives or unnecessary fillers. I think I have finally gathered my thoughts for this cleanser after months of on and off use.
dr. dream's description:
Soft bubbles (rose fragrances), Moist, Sensitive.
Hypo-allergenic powder cleanser that cleans dead skin cells, waste, and sebum in pores.
Hypo-allergenic powder cleanser forms soft bubbles during cleansing, which does not contain any artificial coloring, preservatives, and sulfate. Enzymes like papain and corn starch gently remove dead skin cells and waste in pores for deep cleaning. Rose stem cell and trehalose help skin to be moist and clear after cleansing.
Directions
Clean hand, take appropriate amount and lather soft bubbles, gently massage in circular motions, and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Ingredients
ZEA MAYS (CORN) STARCH, SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE, NIACINAMIDE, ROSA HYBRID CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT(1PPM), PAPAIN, BROMELAIN, ALLANTOIN,TREHALOSE, DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE, PARFUME
Cleanser 70 g
Dr. Dream (Korean retail): ₩38,000
Peach & Lily: USD $38.00
Packaging
Opaque bottle with a flip top cap and a small opening to dispense the powder cleanser out via shaking. I would have preferred if it was a little translucent if not transparent since it would allow me to actually see how much product is left. Otherwise, the actual method of dispensing isn't an issue for me.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
The powder is white and seemingly soft out of the bottle. It has a strong rose scent that lingers for as long as the cleanser is on the face. Most of the powder acts and spreads like corn starch would on dry hands by leaving a velvety finish. A small portion of the powder is made up of more granular hard bits that don't break down even with the addition of water. I find the cleanser only likes the teeniest amount of water to give a slight lather or else it is immediately washed away rather than dissolving into any form of cleansing solution. A foaming net or cup does create foam but it isn't very dense and dissipates quickly.
When lathering and cleansing with only my hands, this cleanser leaves a very smooth and squeaky clean feeling on both my hands and face. I also immediately start to feel tightness if I don't moisturize soon after. When foaming with a contraption, the cleanser still leaves a squeaky clean feeling but my face doesn't feel as tight nor smooth.
How I Apply
Exfoliating + Cleansing // Wet my hands. Shake the bottle about 10 times onto one palm. Use the other wet palm (but not dripping wet) to rub against the cleanser and create a soft lather. Proceed to gently rub my face and rinse the product off.
Cleansing // Put a tiny amount of water into a foaming cup. Shake the bottle about 10 times to get the powder cleanser into the cup. Pump to create a light and fluffy foam. Scoop out the foam, gently rub my face, and rinse.
Thoughts & Recommendations
Like many Peach & Lily sample sale items, I purchased this cleanser completely blind. No researching and no review read ups made beforehand. Heck, I didn't even look up the ingredients or how-tos after opening the product up and started to use it. This I think is a part of the reason why I did not like the product for a very long time.
Without any pre-conceived notions placed in my head and based purely on how I thought the cleanser should be used, I flat out did not like how the cleanser made me feel. My hands and face felt a little too squeeky clean. It did not help that the powder cleanser did not give me much lather whilst feeling kind of gritty and not fully dissolvable. The longer I waited between the cleanser and toning step, the tighter my face started to feel.
I kept at that style of cleansing for a while until I remembered I had a foaming cup. It solved the biggest issues I had which was the lack of foam and hard bits. It lessened the squeeky clean finish too. But the foam wasn't very dense no matter how much more or less powder cleanser I added. The foam would disappear before I felt like I gave my face a good rubbing.
After some researching, I realized the Mild Natured Powder Cleanser is probably closer to a exfoliating cleanser with the included papain and bromelain (both enzymes found in papaya and pineapple respectively that has uses in skincare for exfoliation related purposes). Perhaps the squeeky clean feeling I felt wasn't just because the cleanser was too strong or heavy in surfectants like I had thought. Maybe it was just my face being relieved of some of the old skin and pore gunk?
I use the cleanser much differently now that I am armored with the new information. Rather than constantly giving myself daily exfolation (when I don't use the foaming cup), I use it every other day or every two days in place of a chemical exfoliant. Since I don't like the foam it gives, even when forced, I have just abandoned using it purely as a cleanser.
My skin does still feel squeeky clean but I have started to see that my face is also smoother when using than not. Also, since I am not essentially scrubbing my face daily it doesn't feel as sensitive as when I was in the hating phase with this product. The only thing I can do to help with the tightness I get after using the cleanser is to moisturize well.
I wouldn't recommend this for people looking for a gentle cleanser as the brand suggests. Those who want an exfoliator that isn't an AHA or BHA may find this intriguing as it is less harsh and irritating. People with drier skin may not enjoy the squeekiness and tightness though. As for whether I would repurchase, I am still deciding that myself to be completely honest. It is nice now that I have discovered the perfect use for it but there are so many other exfoliators I would like to try too.
With the skincare diet trend going around, I was super intrigued by the possibility of condensing my typically two-part cleansing routine to just one step with the ECO YOUR SKIN Oil to Foam Cleanser. Both categories of products have their own merits and functions but saving time is always on the back of my mind. The concept is pretty new and not many brands have anything like it. After finishing the entire bottle of cleanser I think I can safely say it is an idea which isn't quite there yet.
Peach & Lily's description:
Instead of relying on sulfates, this cleanser utilizes coconut fruit extract as the natural cleansing agent to create suds that are rich yet mild on skin. Micro-bubbles help deep clean pores of makeup, residue and sunscreen. Aromatic oils like wild geranium and Moroccan wild chamomile help boost hydration so skin is left perfectly balanced and clean.
Directions
Apply the foam onto dry skin and massage gently before rinsing with tepid water. Optional: leave the foam on for 2 minutes as necessary to brighten skin tone.
Ingredients
CARBONATED WATER, WATER, TEA-COCOYL GLUTAMATE, GLYCERIN, PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, METHYLPROPANEDIOL, POTASSIUM COCOYL GLYCINATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, COCAMIDE DEA, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BETAINE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FLOWER WATER, GERANIUM MACULATUM OIL, ORMENIS MULTICAULIS OIL, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CUCUMIS SATIVUS (CUCUMBER) FRUIT EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, LEONURUS SIBIRICUS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT, ALGAE EXTRACT, CAULERPA LENTILLIFERA EXTRACT, ENTEROMORPHA COMPRESSA EXTRACT, UNDARIA PINNATIFIDA EXTRACT, ECKLONIA CAVA EXTRACT, POLYSORBATE20, ALLANTOIN, DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CITRIC ACID, ASPALATHUS LINEARIS EXTRACT, GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, CI 42090, CI 19140
Cleanser 170 ml
ECO YOUR SKIN (Korean retail): ₩30,000
Peach & Lily: USD $34.00
Packaging
New bottles of cleanser come in a sealed box to ensure its safety. The foaming pump bottle is fairly standard and does a great job at dispensing uniformly aerated bubbles. See-through packaging is always a plus in my books. ECO YOUR SKIN also paid attention to the small details such as having the tube inside be curved to allow every last drop of cleanser to be used.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
While the liquid inside the bottle is a bright green color, the foam that comes out is mostly white with a slight tinge of green. Unlike the foam created by foaming nets and cups, this pumping mechanism produces a very light and airy lather which means it also tends to deflate quickly. The cleanser has a very strong and lingering herby scent due to all the extracts and essential oils.
Foam on clean/bare skin will stay fluffy until it is rubbed onto the skin. Interestingly, foam on dirty/product-laden skin will immediately dissipate into a runny liquid texture. Perhaps this is due to the surfactants in its formulation? The cleanser ultimately washes away easily without leaving the skin too tight or dry. Whether there is leftover product residue depends widely on what I am trying to cleanse off (skincare only versus light- versus heavy makeup).
How I Apply
1. Use after removing makeup/waterproof sunscreen with cleansing balm or oil.
2. Make sure my hands and face are mostly dry.
3. Pump 5-6 times into the palm of my hands.
4. Transfer onto my face and slowly massage all over.
5. Rinse well.
Thoughts & Recommendations
Even the name "Oil to Foam Cleanser" kind of seems to suggest the product to be a 2-in-1. However, the Peach & Lily ladies at the sample sale last year suggested it is to be used how I would any other foaming cleanser—after a makeup remover and not in place of one. The ingredients don't suggest it is oil based either, instead carbonated water and water are the top-most components. The others that follow are mainly surfactants and solvents. "Oils" only show up in the form of a couple of essential oils (geranium and chamomile) further down the list.
Therefore, using it as a water-based cleanser is precisely how I emptied most of the bottle of cleanser liquid. I like the product a lot in this manner. The foam definitely makes cleansing a more gentle and lush-feeling process. I would prefer if the bubbles were denser though because it dissipates too fast. Otherwise, it removes cleansing balm residue well without stripping my face and had no bad skin reactions. I can't say if it stings my eyes or not because I tend to keep them shut until it is completely rinsed off.
There were a few times I gave it the duty of cleaning waterproof, "mineral" sunscreen off my hands after application. It surprisingly works very well for the task—far more efficient than a typical hand soap but not as heavy-duty nor messy as a cleansing oil.
On an occasion or two, I tested it for any makeup cleansing abilities on light makeup days. I cannot say I was disappointed because I honestly didn't expect it to remove much. Let's just say I would not recommend it as a replacement for any removing liquid, oil, or balm.
I think a big factor in whether someone would like this particular product or not lies in the small details:
- You have to think of it as a water-based, post-makeup remover cleanser.
- The auto-foaming ability is nice and saves some time from having to manually create the suds.
- Less dense foam means a shorter cleansing time, which can be a good or bad thing.
- The smell isn't terrible but can be overwhelming since it lingers for as long as it is on the face.
- One bottle of liquid foaming cleanser doesn't last nearly as long as a tube of non-liquid cleanser.
Unfortunately, consolidating my cleansing routine in such a manner won't be happening any time soon. It did reopen my eyes to the world of self-foaming cleansers. Perhaps if I were to try another one it'd be a less expensive and less fragranced (even if "natural") option.
I wasn't even looking to buy cleanser at the Peach & Lily sample sale. One whiff of the bar soaps spread across the table and my mind was wavering...kind of refreshing, definitely light and fruity. I had never heard of the brand Abib before and bar soaps are very far down on the cleanser wishlist; who knew scent could be such a big trigger?
I have faint memories of asking the person manning the area which of the four types (black, grey, pink, and ivory) she recommended and was told she only tried the black one but liked it. There wasn't much of a description at the time in-person or on the website because they had yet to release the brand officially. Somehow, against my typical shopping habits, found Abib's Facial Soap in Black Brick in my basket and with me at home.
Abib describes itself as a brand "dedicated to perfection and purity" whether in their products or as tools to help one achieve said traits. They seem to focus heavily on high performing ingredients.
Peach & Lily's description:
While minimalistic in its design, there's nothing basic about Abib's Facial Soap Black Brick. Chock full of charcoal, it provides a deep (yet gentle) cleanse eradicating dirt from pores and helping to curb excess sebum production. Hazelnut oil, lemongrass essential oil and witch hazel keep the soap balanced by helping to hydrate, purify, and calm skin. Unlike most soaps, Abib's Facial Soap Brick microfoams to better penetrate pores and helps keep skin healthy.
Directions
1. Unwrap soap.
2. Wet brick and gently work into a lather with your hands.
3. Massage foam over face, hands, and neck (careful to avoid eyes and mouth).
4. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
5. Follow with toner and the rest of your skincare routine.
6. Can be used both morning and evening.
Ingredients
Sodium Stearate, Sodium Laurate, Sodium Myristate, Sodium Palmitate, Glycerine, Sorbitol, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid, Gevuina Avellana Seed Oil, Canola Oil, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Peel Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sapindus Trifoliatus Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Apium Graveolens (Celery) Extract, Charcoal Powder, Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Powder, Fragrance
Soap 100g / 3.53 oz.
Abib (Korean retail): ₩18,000
Peach & Lily: USD $19.00
StyleKorean: USD $18.00
Packaging
Their packaging is minimalistic. Their products itself also look minimal, as in cleansers are plain blocks of soap and creams come in prescription like tubes and are colorant-free. The same cannot be said for their ingredients list but they try to make it appear so by printing only a carefully select few on the packaging itself. I don't have a major problem with it as long as the full ingredient list is available elsewhere.
All of Abib's Facial Soaps come in a small pouch made of a fibrous, thick paper. There isn't any helpful information on the packaging to describe how the Black Brick would be helpful for a particular skin concern. The ingredients list is super condensed and uses mainly scientific names.
Color, Texture, & Scent
The bar of soap is completely black. The edges of the fresh soap are surprisingly more sharp-feeling than expected. It is smaller than an average body soap in length and width but taller by height. (There doesn't seem to be a big difference quantity-/weight-wise.) Abib's soap feels waxy to the touch and has a fruity scent. The smell can sometimes be overwhelming, especially on days I feel extra sensitive. It generally isn't a big issue for me. The facial soap doesn't create a lot of foam. I only get a smaller lather and a bit of suds when rubbing the bare soap against damp hands.
How I Apply
I use the Black Brick in the PM only after removing my makeup/sunscreen with a cleansing balm or oil. I wet a foaming net and rub the Facial Soap back and forth a few times onto the net. Knead the net together to create foam (like in the above photo). Squeeze all the foam off the net and massage onto my face. Rinse off well with water.
Thoughts & Recommendations
Abib promises the Black Brick to cleanse and purify pores with the charcoal while calming with a bunch of other ingredients. I don't generally put much thought into these kinds of claims because I only need cleansers to remove excess makeup remover residue. With that said, I haven't noticed an improvement or worsening of my clogged pores and redness while using the cleanser either.
The Facial Soap is a nice basic cleanser. It does what a cleanser should do and isn't irritating to use. I did not get a squeaky clean feeling after rinsing nor did my face feel immediately dry. However, the waiting period between cleanser and toner is far shorter than other cleansers I have used in the past. My face starts to feel very parched if I don't apply something hydrating within a few minutes of cleansing. The soap also leaves an unpleasant sudsy/residue-like feel on my hands that I haven't experienced before with facial cleansers.
Bar-style soaps may not be for everyone. There is some maintenance with them in the sense that it should ideally be put away or covered between uses. The bars should also be rinsed and placed on something elevated to help with drying and avoid collection of excess water. I personally think bars work best with a foaming net as the lather without is insufficient.
I think this small bar of soap would last me just as long as a tube of cleanser would. Given the option though, I would not repurchase a bar soap (unless the price was right) purely because of the convenience of other types of cleansers (whether it be a stick, foaming, gel, etc.). I could leave those on the counter and not have to worry about bacteria. If given the option, I probably would not repurchase this particular soap because the residue-issue and how quickly my face starts to dry out. Abib Facial Soap - Black Brick may work better for those with oilier skin or those who don't wait around after cleansing before moving onto the rest of their routines.
I think the last time I shopped at CVS, Walgreens, RiteAid, or Duane Reade for beauty products was in 2014...a whopping 4 years ago! I hadn't found any beauty product I genuinely loved and would repurchase even once during that 4 year period. Yet it took me only one visit to the drugstore last year to find that item I would repurchase not just once but a total of six times thus far. A single lotion got me being a product loyalist for almost a year. Naturally, I grew curious about any other possible skincare gems the brand might have.
CeraVe has products in three main categories: cleansers, moisturizers (lotions, creams, and balms included), and sunscreen. Their entire brand is based on ceramides—3 to be exact...1, 3, and 6-II—claiming to "keep skin soft all day" with their patented technology. They want to help replenish the ceramides (lipids/fat naturally "gluing" our skin together) back to essentially re-strengthen the skin's barrier. It is a mighty claim to make but it seems to work well for many as I have found in the beauty subreddits.
I guess this isn't a true "Basics with CeraVe" post. I chose not to try any of their sunscreens. In my defense, I read reviews and searched swatch photos and many said the mineral-based UV protectors gives an unfortunately intense white cast despite the "InvisibleZinc" technology. But in terms of trying a different variety of skin care products CeraVe has, a Hydrating Facial Cleanser, a PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, and an Eye Repair Cream isn't a bad representation of the necessities.
***Testing this new combo-review format out. I am not sure I quite like how long it is, but couldn't figure out how to group things to logically make sense while being condensed for this style of post.
CerVe's Description:
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, effectively cleanses and hydrates without disrupting the protective skin barrier. This non-foaming lotion, with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, gently removes dirt and oil while increasing skin hydration after just one use. Fragrance free formula is suitable for sensitive skin.
MVE® Delivery Technology
Controlled release for 24 hour hydration
Hyaluronic Acid
Helps retain skin's natural moisture
Non-Comedogenic
Won't clog pores
Ceramides
All CeraVe products contain the vital ceramides healthy skin needs to help restore and maintain its natural protective barrier.
Fragrance Free
To avoid fragrance irritation
Type of skin
Normal to dry
Areas of concern
Dry skin, facial cleansing, itchy skin, National Eczema Association accepted, psoriasis prone skin care
Directions
Wet skin with lukewarm water. Massage cleanser into skin in a gentle, circular motion. Rinse.
Ingredients
PURIFIED WATER, GLYCERIN, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CERAMIDE 3, CERAMIDE 6-II, CERAMIDE 1, HYALURONIC ACID, CHOLESTEROL, POLYOXYL 40 STEARATE, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, POLYSORBATE 20, POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, CETYL ALCOHOL, DISODIUM EDTA, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, CARBOMER, XANTHAN GUM
Cleanser 355 ml / 12 fl oz
CVS & Walgreens: USD $13.99
Amazon: USD $12.39+
Target: USD $10.99
Packaging
Opaque white bottle with a pump. Nothing extraordinary, just gets the job done. I would prefer if the packaging was a tad more translucent if not clear so that I could physically see how much product is left in the bottle. The biggest gripe I have with it is when dried-up cleanser clogs the pump opening, it will cause the product to fly in unpredictable directions during the next squirt.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
Translucent gel-lotion type cleanser that spreads very easily and doesn't have a scent. It is very lightweight and washes away with little to no effort on clean skin. This is not a foaming cleanser. There is no lather whatsoever so skin never feels tight or dry.
How I Apply
Use mostly in the AM after I wake up (when I still washed with cleanser in the mornings). When in the PM, after a cleansing oil or balm.
With wet hands, pump 2-3 times. Rub the product around in my palms first. Then gently massage my face with my hands. Rinse well with water.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I don't think I am ready for non-foaming cleansers. I understand why the Hydrating Facial Cleanser is so beloved by sensitive and drier skin people. It isn't stripping and makes my skin feel soft after a wash. It isn't irritating to rub the product around either.
My brain's connection to "clean" is too strongly linked to lather and bubbles, even if just a little bit. Whenever I use the CeraVe cleanser as a second-step cleanse, I always feel the need to follow up with a cotton round and toner to wipe off "residue". I say in quotes because there isn't ever anything on the pad. Then again...cleansing oils and balms never failed me before; the second-cleanse is just to remove possible oil/balm residue.
Since switching back to a foaming facial cleanser, I have been using the Cerave Hydrating cleanser as a hand cleanser instead for the past few months. My hands get unbearably dry every winter. Using foaming soaps too often only exasperates the crackly tight skin. The biggest challenge I face with the Hydrating Facial Cleanser is against water resistant (mineral) sunscreens. The gel seems to help to unglue the sunscreen from my hands but the lack of a foaming agent means the sunscreen doesn't really lift off from my skin and therefore doesn't wash away with water. If this makes any sense. It is like I rub something that doesn't sink in to my skin around (vaseline-lotion-esque) and then expect it to rinse cleanly. Just doesn't work that way. I always have to thoroughly wipe the remaining residue off with a towel.
That being said, I don't completely hate the product. It just isn't my favorite. I have found a use for it but probably won't run out to the store and stockpile if the bottle is gone.
CerVe's Description:
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion effectively moisturizes and helps to restore the protective skin barrier of the face and neck. This lightweight, non-greasy lotion, with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, provides all day hydration after just one use. Fragrance free formula is suitable for sensitive skin.
MVE® Delivery Technology
Controlled release for all night hydration
Niacinamide
Helps calm skin
Non-Comedogenic
Won't clog pores
Ceramides
All CeraVe products contain the vital ceramides healthy skin needs to help restore and maintain its natural protective barrier.
Type of skin
Normal to dry
Areas of concern
Acne prone skin care, dry skin
Directions
Apply liberally to face and neck at night, or as directed by a physician.
Ingredients
PURIFIED WATER, GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDES, NIACINAMIDE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CERAMIDE 3, CERAMIDE 6-II, CERAMIDE 1, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, HYALURONIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, DIMETHICONE, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, CETEARETH-20, POLYGLYCERYL-3 DIISOSTEARATE, CHOLESTEROL, XANTHAN GUM, CARBOMER, DISODIUM EDTA, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN
Lotion 89 ml / 3 fl oz
CVS, Walgreens, & Target: USD $16.49+
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Packaging
Opaque white bottle with a twist-to-lock pump. I've bought a few bottles of these and some had a white neck and others had a blue one. I am not sure if that is because one is a newer packaging or not.
Again, like the cleanser bottle, it is impossible to see through the packaging (even when held up to the light). The pump dispensing tube doesn't fully reach the bottom either. The only way to find out how much is leftover at the bottom of the bottle when nothing pumps out anymore is to cut it open. Luckily the plastic isn't too difficult to hack through with a box cutter knife. Nonetheless, I am just glad this isn't sold in a jar format.
A bottle lasts me around 1-1.5 months with twice-daily usage.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
White cream straight out of the bottle; becomes clear as it is worked into the skin. It is very lightweight and has a slippery quality to it (possibly from the dimethicone). Once the lotion is absorbed, it leaves behind a matte-ish finish in the sense that there is no residue or tack but not in the sense that it is completely shine-free.
The lotion leaves skin wherever it is applied to immediately feeling soft. There isn't any scent to the lotion; the ingredients list doesn't show any added fragrance or essential oils.
How I Apply
Squirt 4-6 pumps' worth of lotion (more or less: a pump for each cheek, forehead, chin, and two for my neck) into my palms or directly onto my skin. Spread evenly and then pat.
Use as a hand lotion.
I apply the moisturizer both day and night. There doesn't seem to be any ingredients in it that are sunlight sensitive so I don't see why it can't be used in the daytime as well. Plus, I prefer to use a separate sunscreen so I know for sure I sufficiently cover my face with both cream and SPF.
Thoughts & Recommendations
CeraVe took me by surprise, 100%. Even though I bought it knowing it is a dermatologist recommended product, I have always felt a little indifferent towards drugstore-only skincare.
This lotion doesn't have a particularly captivating design and has a rather simple ingredients list; the standouts are obviously niacinamide and the variety of ceramides. But it also lists a silicone and a fair amount of parabens that we've been told are supposedly "bad". Some say those components are pore-clogging and/or could cause cancer. Some say they have received a bad rap and the quoted studies are old or not well supported. For me, I generally tend to avoid both silicones and parabens but I don't completely ban myself from them either.
Aside from the maybe "harmful" ingredients, I have nothing but nice things to say about the CeraVe PM lotion. My skin has never felt softer, even after I cleanse in the mornings with a foaming cleanser. That is saying a lot to how deeply the moisturizer works. I survived a nearly 2-months long cold, nose rubbed raw and all, thanks to the lotion.
I also think the niacinamide helps a lot with keeping my pores less clogged, especially around the nose and right below the lip. I have noticed a dramatic improvement in my overall skin texture after the many months of using the moisturizing lotion. This isn't to say I am completely blemish-free though, but it is at a much better place than it has been in many years.
However, I don't feel like it is as good for dry skin as CeraVe describes it to be. People with very dry skin may find it too lightweight and the moisture not very longlasting. My skin does an ok job at holding onto the lotion for most of the day but once it gets later a night (6pm+) and/or I've been beaten by strong winds, dry patches really shows through and makes my makeup very cakey. I find myself having to layer other products to compensate, especially on my chin area where the flakes are the toughest.
Since I first bought this at CVS last year around May, I have noticed that the PM lotion has increased by USD $1 (USD $15.49 to $16.49) in my local stores. Target also used to list it at about half of CVS' price (~USD $9) but my most recent search shows it is only about ~70% less now. The brand is recently airing more TV commercials and expanding into newer markets (i.e. into the UK) so I guess it may account for some of the new marketing spendings. Luckily the stores that carry CeraVe has frequent deals and manufacturer's coupons.
CerVe's Description:
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream helps to restore the protective skin barrier of the delicate eye area. This fast absorbing, non-greasy lotion, with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness for brighter, smoother looking skin. Fragrance-free formula is suitable for sensitive skin.
Marine & Botanical Complex
Helps reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness
Ophthalmologist Tested
Recognized as safe for use around the eye area
NEA Seal of AcceptanceTM
Accepted by the National Eczema Association
Ceramides
All CeraVe products contain the vital ceramides healthy skin needs to help restore and maintain its natural protective barrier.
Type of skin
Normal to oily, normal to dry
Areas of concern
Dark circles, dry skin, National Eczema Association accepted
Directions
Apply liberally to face and neck at night, or as directed by a physician.
Ingredients
PURIFIED WATER, NIACINAMIDE, CETYL ALCOHOL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, GLYCERIN, PROPANEDIOL, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, JOJOBA ESTERS, PEG-20 METHYL GLUCOSE SESQUISTEARATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, DIMETHICONE, METHYL GLUCOSE SESQUISTEARATE, CERAMIDE 3, CERAMIDE 6-LL, CERAMIDE 1, HYALURONIC ACID, ZINC CITRATE, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (ALMOND) OIL, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, CHRYSANTHELLUM INDICUM EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL, EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT, ASPARAGOPSIS ARMATA EXTRACT, ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM EXTRACT, PHENOXYETHANOL, CARBOMER, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, SORBITOL, TRIETHANOLMANIE, LAURETH-4, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, TETRASODIUM EDTA, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, CHOLESTEROL, XANTHAN GUM
Lotion 14.2 ml / 0.5 fl oz
CVS & Walgreens: USD $16.99+
Target: USD $14.99
Amazon: USD $13.99
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Packaging
Opaque squeeze tube with a twist off cap and a precision tip nozzle. I don't mind the lack of transparentness since the packaging is malleable. I easily can feel how much product is left by utilizing the tube squeezing contraptions.
I have come to appreciate the fact that an eye product comes in a tube format and not a jar. I also love the pointed tip as opposed to a typical blunt end found in other tubular container goods.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
Following the theme of all other CeraVe products...their eye cream is also a bit white but the translucent stiff cream eventually blends out clear. There is no scent and is also very lightweight.
The cream can come out sort of curdle-y. Sometimes there are spots in the tube where the formulation is a little separated and bits of liquid squirts out along with the lotion.
How I Apply
Squeeze the cream directly onto my undereye area, following the dark circle U shape. Use my ring finger to lightly press down on the cream to break it down. Gently rub and tap the product in.
Thoughts & Recommendations
The Eye Repair Cream is, disappointing to say, just average. It is a very bare-boned eye cream and great for those who just want an extra layer of hydration under the eyes, but I don't think it does what the brand says it would do (reduce dark circles, brighten, and smooth). Granted, I did not decide to buy this eye cream because of the promised benefits. I just wanted something moisturizing for the under eyes. Even still the amount of hydration isn't mindblowing. Okay not great. Definitely not enough for very dry skin types.
For the price, I think the PM Lotion does an equally good job and costs the same if not less (depending on the vendor) while offering more product. The texture isn't the best either. The biggest thing it has going for it is the packaging. An overall pass from me.
I have tried my fair share of cleansers; a majority of the cleansers I've gone through were cleansing foams in fact. Of the squeezable and lathering cleansing varieties I have gone through, I don't think I have ever come across one (at least in recent memory) that did not leave my face feeling immediately tight and parched after rinsing. Supposedly it is the sulfates doing (darn those foaming agents); supposedly pH in typical cleansers is too high for our skin (acid mantles need to be kept).
But who knows precisely what the definitive reason is right? I just know that when I hear someone say something doesn't leave their skin too dry or tight, especially when it is a skincare guru like Gothamist, and as I've heard for Pyunkang Yul's Cleansing Foam, I get curious. Learning that it's from a Korean traditional medicinal brand that focuses on minimal yet effective ingredients was just the perfect toppings on the cake.
Ohlolly's description:
A gentle but mighty cleansing foam made with ledebouriella seseloides extract that deliver highly effective cleansing with lots of delightful bubbles. The stretchy consistency of Pyunkang Cleansing Foam adheres to dirt and oil trapped in pores, and removes them leaving skin feeling clean and fresh without drying. For all skin types.
Directions
1. Squeeze a small amount onto hand and apply to dry skin
2. Use palms to stretch out the cleanser onto skin
3. Apply water to create a rich lather then rinse with lukewarm water
Ingredients
SAPOSHNIKOVIA DIVARICATA ROOT EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, MYRISTIC ACID, LAURIC ACID, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, STEARIC ACID, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, BEESWAX, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PEG-100 STEARATE, GLYCOL DISTEARATE, LAURAMIDE DEA, GLYCERYL STEARATE SE, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, FRAGRANCE
Cleansing foam 180ml / 60 Fl. oz.
Pyunkang Yul (Korean retail): ₩12,000
Ohlolly: USD $12.00
StyleKorean: USD $12.00
Amazon: USD $12.00
oo35mm: USD $12.99
Packaging
Previously, it came in a blue and white tube with a black cap. Currently, Pyunkang Yul sells this cleansing foam in an all white tube. From what I could find the formulation hasn't changed. With that being said any other comments I make about the packaging might be useless since I don't have the "renewal" version to look at and compare.
Even still I want to gush about how lovely the box was designed. It felt so luxurious and the textured cardboard material had some heft. I loved how the entire label took on the role of the security seal to give that extra reassurance the product had never been tampered with. I was not expecting the small details to be so well thought out for a cleanser that was relatively inexpensive.
Color, Texture, & Scent
The product itself is white in color and extremely lightweight. It isn't stiff and dry like typical foaming cleansers. There is a perfumy quality to it due to the added fragrance but isn't overpowering.
The weirdest thing about this cleanser is it's slimy, stretchiness. I guess the best way to describe it, as gross as it sounds, would be milky...snot consistency. It is easy to spread but trying to foam all of the product with just bare hands and water requires a little more effort since it likes to stick to skin. This is supposedly their marketing point though: high adhesion to impurities in order to clean out pores.
How I Apply
I prefer to use this as a second cleanse. I generously pre-lather the cleansing foam with either a foaming net or the foam maker cup contraptions—both create airy whipped bubbles with just a small about of water and product. Afterwards, I proceed to massage the foam all over my face and neck until the bubbles deflate by half and then rinse off with water.
This goes against the OHLOLLY's recommended instructions (apply onto dry skin, then lather and rinse) but I use less product per cleanse this way while reducing the possibility of over tugging and pulling my skin.
Thoughts & Recommendations
As per usual, the cleanser has a bunch of skin beneficial claims. Cleaner pores, clean feeling, non-drying. For me, as long as I don't break out from using the product and it isn't overly drying I am a happy customer. I can keep my pores clear via other methods.
Gothamista tested the pH level herself and found that the cleanser is around pH 7. The ideal for skincare is said to be pH 5.5 (slightly acidic).
While I have had clearer pores lately, I cannot confidently say this cleanser is the sole reason why. I am certain though that this is one of the first cleansing foams I have used that makes me feel refreshed and clean without having that squeaky clean feel. Wiping my face afterward with toner and cotton pad produces minimal residual dirt.
Now I cannot say I do not ever experience tightness or dryness with this cleanser. If I do, I would be lying. Heck, there isn't one cleanser out there that won't do that because the act of cleansing is to remove dirt, impurities, and oils which means if moisture isn't replenished right away the skin will, therefore, be tight and dry. With Pyunkang Yul's Cleansing Foam though, I have found that I can sit around just a little longer before following up with my skincare routine. The waiting period differs when the weather is drier and more humid of course.
I am very satisfied with this cleanser. It does what it needs to do and mostly what it promises. I like that the ingredients list is kept to a minimum without much compromise elsewhere. The tube of product is huge when considering how much is needed for each use. I have been using my tube for almost 4 months nightly and have a fair bit of it left. To top it all off, it is inexpensive at USD $12. For anyone looking for something that is sulfate-free, give it a try. As for whether I will repurchase, I am considering it—with the new trend of low pH cleansers on the rise, I would like to test my luck with other brands to find a cleanser that can elongate that drying out timeframe even more. If I don't find anything better I will gladly pick up another tube as a backup.
Finding a product that helps with black- and whiteheads while being gentle sounds counterintuitive. Everything that targets those issues on the market is meant to either physically rip the clogged pores clear or chemically melt the oilies—no matter how effective both could be, they can still be harsh in their own ways.
23 Years Old's Black Paint Rubar claims to be just that with what is essentially their charcoal cleansing stick. The product promises to help with many common skin concerns but I have come to like it for reasons almost unrelated.
WishTrend & 23Year Old's Description:
Made with an innovative, eco-friendly charcoal formula, the Black Paint Rubar is designed to eliminate blackheads and whiteheads by clearing dirt, oil, & impurities from the pores in just 30 seconds!
The Black Paint Rubar is a multi-stick designed with an eco-friendly gentle formula, effective in deep cleansing with a pore treatment to top it all off. Safe and gentle enough to use every day for a daily exfoliation and deep cleanse in just 30 seconds.
Good for
Blackhead & whitehead removal, dead skin removal, sebum control, & improving skin texture and bumpiness
Directions
1. Open the lid and twist the bottom to the right.
2. Apply the Black Paint Rubar directly onto wet skin and gently massage in a rolling motion.
*Tip: Massage with the cleansing stick. Leave on for 30 seconds.
3. Rinse well with lukewarm water.
4. After using, rinse off the excess serum on the stick with running water.
Ingredients
SODIUM MYRISTATE, SODIUM LAURATE, SODIUM PALMITATE, SODIUM STEARATE, GLYCERIN, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CHARCOAL POWDER, LEMON FRAGRANCE OIL
*Some English infographics by 23 Years Old says the product has 2% charcoal content.
Cleanser 45 g
23pack (Brand's Korean e-commerce): ₩19,500
Wishtrend: USD $19.90
StyleKorean: USD $14.57
Sasa: USD $13.50-16.50 (price varies)
RoseRoseShop: USD $17.57
Packaging
There isn't much to it. The charcoal stick comes in a twist-up plastic tube, which is housed in a (not very securely stuck on) sticker-sealed cardboard box.
Solid type cleansers (i.e. bars) have gained a little popularity recently but their lack of packaging often is the reason that keeps me from trying them. Thought 1: I need to free up a separate soap dish to hold and dry it. Thought 2: I have to remember to keep it well protected since it will most likely sit in the bathroom.
With stick type soaps though, the product is already protected in its own tube so the whole soap isn't wet until revealed. The included cap keeps the bad bacteria and germs that fly around the bathroom away from the exposed areas. It is also good for traveling since it isn't liquidy.
Color, Texture, & Scent
For those used to charcoal products, the Black Paint Rubar is no different in the sense that it swatches and lathers very gray and dark. Messy face washers may have to be more careful or else black soapy marks will be very often be all over the sink, counter, floor, and light-colored clothing.
Even though 23 Years Old describes it as an exfoliator of sorts, there are no abrasive particles in the stick. It is a smooth solid soap. The smell of the product took some time to adjust to; it smells very much like a bathroom cleaner/dishwashing liquid because of the lemony scent.
How I Apply
Wet face with water. Swipe the Black Paint Rubar all over my face. (Sometimes leave it on for 30 seconds as recommended.) Lather and massage with hands to cleanse. Rinse with water.
Thoughts & Recommendations
To be honest, I was confused when I first discovered this product. The infographics describe it as an exfoliator/mask—apply, leave on, and rinse off to rid blackheads, whiteheads, sebum, and dead skin. Yet it looks so similar in packaging to cleansing sticks that are on the market (i.e. su:m37 and Neogen). It is even applied the same way—wet skin is necessary to spread the product around, plus it lathers.
Even the ingredients list suggests it is very much a bar soap with some charcoal mixed in. The list is short: just 9 ingredients; but 7 of the 9 are all bases found in typical soaps. CosDNA doesn't flag any of the product's components but I still prefer not use the Black Paint Rubar as a "mask" very often since soapy products tend to veer toward the drying side.
With that said...as a cleanser, I cannot believe how gentle and non-drying it is. I love to use this in the mornings particularly because my skin feels clean without being overly tight afterward. As an exfoliator (in the sense that it is supposed to be deep cleaning), I can't say if this is the item alone that gave me clearer skin. I have seen an improved skin texture and less black- and whiteheads, but I have also started using my Clarisonic regularly again. The cleanser doesn't physically feel as deep cleansing because of how gentle it is. I don't prefer to use this at night (especially if I wore makeup that day) because it doesn't remove cleansing oil residue and stray makeup too well.
pH levels in cleansers are a huge thing at the moment. I haven't found any info for this product nor do I have litmus paper to test it myself. Just from my own observations, I will just assume the Black Paint Rubar has a low pH since it isn't drying and I have never gotten the squeaky clean feeling from using this product.
Finding a cleanser that doesn't leave my skin parched but is still foamy is difficult. Now that I have found one, I am tempted to say I can't live without it. But knowing me it just makes me more curious to try other cleansing sticks. The gentleness of the cleanser would probably work even better as my skin adapts to the cooler and drier weather in New York. All skin types could benefit from a non-drying cleanser, but normal, oily, and combo skin types may like this more. Drier skin folks might need something with more hydrating ingredients (this has none). Then again cleanser is only on the face for a few minutes so that doesn't really matter too much. If the Black Paint Rubar did really help with my skin imperfections, wonderful and hallelujah!...It is just that my fondness for it right now isn't directly correlated to it.
Product Description:
With an uplifting blast of grapefruit plus vitamin C, this unique formula clears blemishes and blackheads. Eliminates oil and dirt without over-drying.
Places to buy:
✻ Drugstores (CVS, Walgreens, RiteAid, etc.)
Packaging:
Comes in a 6 fl oz. bottle with a pump. It works well for the type of cleanser this is. However, when I first started to use the product a lot of the cleanser would squeeze through the pump base edges. It doesn't look very appealing but after some product clogs that area the spillage stops.
Directions:
✻ (From bottle) Cleanse twice a day. Wet face. Apply to hands, add water and work into a lather. Massage face gently. Rinse thoroughly.
✻ (What I did) Sometimes I cleansed the way Neutrogena suggested. Other times I pumped some product onto my foaming net and created a foamy lather to wash my face with. Either way is fine but I just like that I get more foam to work with when using a foaming net. It also isn't as runny when I do it the latter way. I found that liquid consistency cleansers tend to make a runnier lather which always ends up sliding down my arm and creating a mess on the countertop and floors.
Lathered with hands
Lathered with foaming net
Positives:
✻ Affordable (and Neutrogena is on sale often at the drugstores!)
✻ Available locally
✻ Can last a long time if you don't use a full pump for each usage
✻ Did not break me out
✻ Helped control my breakouts quite well but it isn't a miracle product! I still got occasional pimples here and there
✻ Did not make my face feel dry and tight after using it
✻ Isn't a very harsh cleanser but my skin still felt clean
✻ Skin felt very soft after using this cleanser
✻ Doesn't have parabens
Negatives:
✻ Has sulfates, color, and fragrance
✻ Doesn't help much with blackheads
Repurchase?
Yes! I had many good skin days while using this cleanser. After finish this cleanser and I moved onto something else, I noticed I had so many more breakouts and they just wouldn't go away. I cannot say that this cleanser was definitely the direct reason why I had clearer skin but I like to think it played a big part. As strange as this may sound, I missed this product! Mostly because I know it did well for my skin. Too bad I was sucked into the cleanser deals while hauling from Cosmetic-Love or else I would have definitely bought another bottle to help fix my skin.
Recommend?
Yes!
Rating:
4.5...a very close 5 though! I'm going to reserve that for HG status products. This one isn't quite there yet but I did enjoy using it very much and after finishing it I actually missed how my skin was while using the product.
Disclaimer: These are just the results I had while using the product. Remember, everyone else's skin is different!! What may have worked for me, may not work for you & what may not have worked for me, may work for you. Try the product at your own risk! I bought this product with my own money and am in no way connected to the companies mentioned. This is my honest opinion!
