Squalane - Olivarrier versus Deciem The Ordinary

12:12:00 PM mandy 1 Comments

Squalane has been enjoying a bit of attention lately. I think most of it is due to its similarity to the oils naturally produced by our skin, or so all the brands say. Pair that with the new push for wanting to help oily skin by not stripping but hydrating and just to help the general lack of sebum for dry skin, the market for squalane only seems to grow larger from here on out.

When the only ingredient in a beauty vial are both supposedly the same in name, I start to get curious as what the differences are in the cheaper and expensive options. Olivarrier and Deciem's The Ordinary both claim their versions are plant-based and vegan. Each bottle also come in 30ml sized bottles. Yet one is 4-5x pricier than the other. Would it be 4-5x times better in anyway?

(I do not go into the benefits of Squalane. Please do your own research to determine if it is right for you. This is purely a comparison of what is more worth. For a review on how I like other squalane-incorporated products, click here.)




Olivarrier's Oil description:

Fluid Oil uses 100% plant squalane oils that can only be extracted from the best, healthy olives.

The final product is similar to human sebum, keeping the skin fresh without oily sticky residue. It is a fragrance-free, colorless, non-preservative ingredient that is safe for babies and pregnant women. Can be used for all skin types, including dry, sensitive and trouble-prone skin.

Air pollution, stress, unhealthy foods, and heat all contribute to lipid oxidation that leads to skin aging and dryness.

Healthy skin maintains 20-30% moisture and 70-80% oil, but many times dry skin is only given moisture. Fluid oil maintains the lipid barrier and prevents dryness due to lack of oil your skin needs.

Protects skin from ultraviolet rays and peroxide that cause aging and dryness, and prevents roughness and dryness due to moisture loss. It is a non-comedogenic ingredient, meaning your skin can retain moisture without clogging pores. It prevents the accumulation of thick keratin by keeping the keratin moisturized and helps strengthen the skin barrier.

This clear, small bottle contains effective moisturizers for healthy skin, with safe ingredients that can be used by every member of your family.

We have completely eliminated chemical ingredients, and have credibility through clinical and demanding certifications. Responsible thinking about people and the environment creates clean, green products that are also good for your skin.

Directions
Use one or two drops and apply to the face by gently patting into the skin. Apply after Emollient Extra Comfort Cream or Dual Moist Comfort Cream.

Ingredients
100% OLIVE SQUALANE

Oil 30 ml / 1.01 fl oz

Olivarrier (Korean retail): ₩36,000
Olivarrier (American retail): USD $38.00
OHLOLLY: USD $38.00
Peach & Lily: USD $42.00
YESSTYLE: USD $24.90




Deciem's description:

Water-free, alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free, nut-free, vegan, gluten-free, & cruelty-free

Squalane is a saturated and stable hydrocarbon that is found naturally in the skin. It has very high emollience, is an exceptional hydrator and can prevent ongoing loss of hydration that impairs dermal suppleness. Squalane is non-comedogenic and is suitable for use on all skin types. It can also be applied to hair to increase heat protection, add shine and reduce breakage potential.

Note: This product uses 100% pure plant-derived Squalane that is ECOCERT approved and is a USDA Certified Bio-based Product.

Directions
Apply a few drops daily or as needed to entire face ideally after water-based treatments. If irritation occurs, cease use and consult a physician. Use only as directed on unbroken skin. Patch testing prior to use is advised.

Ingredients
SQUALANE

Oil 30 ml

Deciem: USD $7.90

Packaging

Olivarrier
A transparent plastic bottle with a dropper cap. New bottles do not come with an extra security seal. The dropper doesn't reach all the way to the bottom of the bottle but it does get impressively close. Travel friendly as the lid screws on very tightly and doesn't stand the chance to shatter.

The Ordinary
A tinted glass bottle with a dropper cap. New bottles do not come with an extra security seal. The dropper doesn't reach anywhere near the bottom of the bottle. Not as travel friendly in terms of bottle material and screw-top quality.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

There is virtually no difference between the actual squalane (oil) product of Olivarrier and The Ordinary.

The liquid is a scent-less and super-duper lightweight, dry-type facial oil. It spreads easily and sinks into the skin well. There is no slippery and slick feel that is typically associated with things "oily" in nature. Unlike the toner, essence, and cream, there is definitely a longer tacky and sheen finish period after application but it isn't that long either. Neither brand broke me out or caused any sensitivities.

How I Apply

Place one drop of oil on my forehead, one drop on each cheek, and maybe one for neck/chest. Gently rub and pat until the oil is evenly distributed.

Place 3-5 drops of oil onto the palm of my hands. Rub both palms together to create a thin layer between my hands. Gently press my palms and fingers across my face, neck, and chest.

Thoughts & Recommendations

People say a lot of what we pay for in beauty is in the packaging, especially if research and development are taken out of the equation. I think it can't be more true than in this situation with the Olivarrier Fluid Oil and Deciem The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane.

The Ordinary is definitely the no frills option. You get what you "should" pay for and it will not break the bank. The brand get a standard bottle and fills it with high-quality ingredients/basic-yet-effective formulas.

Olivarrier probably spent a good deal of time deciding what the best delivery method would be, even for something as simple as a bottle of facial oil. You then pay for all the trial and error but in the end get the most user friendly experience.

Something to point out that isn't a deal-breaker: Olivarrier's dropper is shorter and thinner than The Ordinary's so it dispenses out a slightly smaller-sized drop of oil.

Something that is worth pointing out: After having used more than half the bottle of both, Olivarrier's dropper also has better control in the sense that nothing drips out until I squeeze the silicone bulb. It isn't the worst attribute because I have learned to work around the issue but still an "issue" nonetheless.

Something that is a deal-breaker (to me): The pipette of The Ordinary doesn't reach bottom of the bottle. This makes picking up the last 0.5" worth of product a pain. I have to tilt the bottle and pipette every which way to get it just right. The ultimately option would be to pour it straight out of the bottle onto my hands which throws quantity control out the window.

Some things that are a bit iffy: The Ordinary markets their product not as an oil. Their page clearly says the 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is "Oil-Free". There is also a lack of where exactly their squalane is derived from, whereas Olivarrier says theirs come from olives (sugarcane seems to be another plant of origin for some other brands that carry squalane).

With all that said, I can't say I regret purchasing either The Ordinary Squalane or Olivarrier Fluid Oil. The former is way more affordable just with meh packaging and the latter is far more expensive with great packaging. If I were to repurchase something squalane again, I will probably go for cheaper option BUT refill it into the better bottle. I would recommend those looking to try squalane for the first time to test with the less expensive option first to see how the skin reacts before dropping more dollars for the better bottle in the future.

Olivarrier

12:12:00 PM mandy 0 Comments

Nothing gets me more excited than skincare sales. Nothing is more disappointing than when products others rave about are just alright or, even worse, not compatible with my skin. It seemed like the more skincare I tried from my Peach & Lily sample sale stash, the fewer gems I was discovering. I knew nothing about the brand when bought this set of Olivarrier productst; now I cannot rave about and love it enough.





Olivarrier's Toner description:

Say no to controversial chemical ingredients, and yes to natural, healthy skin. Using only plant-derived ingredients provides a fresh, moisturizing feeling. Begin and end your day with this moisturizer for a refreshing start and relaxing finish.

Irritation or excessive use of alkaline cleansers can result in a loss of balance between oil and moisture after cleansing. Skin that experiences this broken balance has a change in pH levels, causing dryness and other skin troubles.

Skin with a pH of 4.4-5.5 claims a mildly acidic, healthy state. This protects from harmful external factors and normalizes skin turn-over. Dual Moist Toning Lotion is a mild acid similar to the pH of healthy skin, reducing irritation to the skin and allowing sensitive skin customers to use it safely.

Without adequate oil content, moisturizers can weaken the skin barrier and cause excessive sebum and dryness. Dual Moist helps to fill your skin with an adequate amount of moisture, resulting in a stronger skin barrier.

Directions
Apply after cleansing to soothe and condition during your skincare routine. Can be layered on multiple times. Follow with Dual Moist Hyaluron Essence.

Ingredients
WATER, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, PROPANEDIOL, SQUALANE, HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, POLYGLYCERIN-3, POLYGLYCERYL-10 LAURATE, POLYGLYCERYL-10 MYRISTATE, SODIUM CITRATE, ZANTHOXYLUM PIPERITUM FRUIT EXTRACT, PULSATILLA KOREANA EXTRACT, USNEA BARBATA (LICHEN) EXTRACT, XANTHAN GUM, CITRIC ACID, ARGININE

Toner 200 ml / 6.76 fl oz

Olivarrier (Korean retail): ₩22,000
Olivarrier (American retail): USD $26.00
OHLOLLY: USD $26.00
Peach & Lily: USD $28.00
YESSTYLE: USD $40.90




Olivarrier's Essence description:

With micro-hyaluronic acid, this product provides a deeper level of moisture for your skin. Squalane and tocopherol help prevent oxidation and loss of moisture, helping to maintain healthy and resilient skin.

It is a daily essential essence for all skin including dryness, complexity, and sensitivity. All ingredients are EWG green grade, pH5.5 and 95% natural plant materials.

Supply and balance of oil and moisture are the most important goals of basic skincare. Moisture retention in the stratum corneum produces regular keratin production and elimination, healthy skin protection, and smooth skin texture.

Using micro-hyaluronic acid provides a lightweight moisturizer to help maintain the elasticity of the skin.

Micro-hyaluronic acid is a very small size with a molecular weight of less than 5,000 daltons. It attracts moisture from the stratum corneum of the skin, which can not reach normal hyaluronic acid, to help maintain moisture and elasticity of the skin.

Protect skin from harmful external factors with Dual Moist Hyaluron Essence. With a mild acid similar to the pH naturally occurring in healthy skin, this product reduces irritation and works safely for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Directions
Apply after Dual Moist Toning Lotion. Use a dime-sized amount for your full face, gently patting until completely absorbed. Follow with Emollient Extra Comfort Cream or Dual Moist Comfort Cream and 100% Fluid Oil.

Ingredients
WATER, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, SQUALANE, POLYGLYCERIN-3, HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL, GARDENIA TAHITENSIS FLOWER, TOCOPHEROL, CAMELLIA SINENSISLEAF EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER EXTRACT, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSISLEAF EXTRACT, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) FLOWER EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, CETEARYL OLIVATE, SORBITAN OLIVATE, C14-22 ALCOHOLS, XANTHAN GUM, C12-20 ALKYL GLUCOSIDE, PULSATILLA KOREANA EXTRACT, ZANTHOXYLUM PIPERITUM FRUIT EXTRACT, USNEA BARBATA (LICHEN) EXTRACT, ARGININE, GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS (WINTERGREEN) LEAF EXTRACT

Essence 100 ml / 3.38 fl oz

Olivarrier (Korean retail): ₩32,000
Olivarrier (American retail): USD $36.00
OHLOLLY: USD $36.00
Peach & Lily: USD $40.00
YESSTYLE: USD $24.90




Olivarrier's Cream description:

Pro-vitamin B5 panthenol, squalane, and organic shea butter are highly concentrated to soothe sensitive skin and provide moisture to rough skin. For sensitive and dry skin, this helps create a barrier that is soothing protection to the external environment.

Your skin barrier consists of a combination of lipids on the surface of the skin. It protects the skin from moisture loss and external environmental factors. When the skin barrier breaks down, the moisture evaporates and the skin becomes more sensitive and dry.

Emollient Extra Comfort Cream is made for even the most sensitive skin. The natural formula means it can be comforting to babies, sensitive pregnant women, and all others who suffer from rough or dry skin due to moisture loss. It is a relaxing moisturizing cream that comforts sensitive skin and makes you feel at ease.

Vitamin B5 Panthenol strengthens the skin barrier, helps prevent moisture loss from stratum corneum, and helps calm irritated skin. It is also the main ingredient in baby ointments to treat sensitive skin and dryness. Emollient Extra Comfort Cream contains 5% of highly concentrated panthenol to prevent moisture loss and quickly calm irritated skin.

This cream contains 20% shea butter, which is rich in natural vitamins such as A, D, E, and F. These work to calm skin that has been upset by external stimuli and UV rays. Our shea butter has been extracted from organic grown fruits in cultivated land that has not used chemical fertilizer for more than three years.

Squalene, present in 12% of phospholipids, protects skin against drying and UV rays and helps prevent against harmful environmental factors.

The superior antioxidant effect prevents moisture loss, strengthens the skin barrier, and quickly penetrates without blocking pores to make skin soft.

Directions
Use a dime-sized amount and massage into skin in light, circular motions all over your face. Follow with 100% Fluid Oil to lock in the moisture.

Ingredients
WATER, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, PANTHENOL, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, SQUALANE, POLYGLYCERYL-3 STEARATE,CETEARYL OLIVATE, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL, CANOLA OIL, XANTHAN GUM, ZANTHOXYLUM PIPERITUM FRUIT EXTRACT, PULSATILLA KOREANA EXTRACT, USNEA BARBATA (LICHEN) EXTRACT, GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS (WINTERGREEN) LEAF EXTRACT

Cream (Extra) 75 ml / 2.53 fl oz

Olivarrier (Korean retail): ₩28,000
Olivarrier (American retail): USD $29.00
OHLOLLY: USD $29.00
Peach & Lily: USD $36.00
YESSTYLE: USD $19.90




Olivarrier's Oil description:

Fluid Oil uses 100% plant squalane oils that can only be extracted from the best, healthy olives.

The final product is similar to human sebum, keeping the skin fresh without oily sticky residue. It is a fragrance-free, colorless, non-preservative ingredient that is safe for babies and pregnant women. Can be used for all skin types, including dry, sensitive and trouble-prone skin.

Air pollution, stress, unhealthy foods, and heat all contribute to lipid oxidation that leads to skin aging and dryness.

Healthy skin maintains 20-30% moisture and 70-80% oil, but many times dry skin is only given moisture. Fluid oil maintains the lipid barrier and prevents dryness due to lack of oil your skin needs.

Protects skin from ultraviolet rays and peroxide that cause aging and dryness, and prevents roughness and dryness due to moisture loss. It is a non-comedogenic ingredient, meaning your skin can retain moisture without clogging pores. It prevents the accumulation of thick keratin by keeping the keratin moisturized and helps strengthen the skin barrier.

This clear, small bottle contains effective moisturizers for healthy skin, with safe ingredients that can be used by every member of your family.

We have completely eliminated chemical ingredients, and have credibility through clinical and demanding certifications. Responsible thinking about people and the environment creates clean, green products that are also good for your skin.

Directions
Use one or two drops and apply to the face by gently patting into the skin. Apply after Emollient Extra Comfort Cream or Dual Moist Comfort Cream.

Ingredients
100% OLIVE SQUALANE

Oil 30 ml / 1.01 fl oz

Olivarrier (Korean retail): ₩36,000
Olivarrier (American retail): USD $38.00
OHLOLLY: USD $38.00
Peach & Lily: USD $42.00
YESSTYLE: USD $24.90

Packaging, Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

Each product comes in their own unique package which ultimately fits with their respective consistencies while avoiding too much contamination. What all of them have in common is their clean labeling design. Even though the boxes bombard with information, the actual bottles themselves are simple and concise: name, extremely short description, size, application directions, and expiration.





Toner
An opaque plastic bottle with a screw-on cap. New bottles come with a security seal covering the opening where the product comes out of. Since the product is liquid I did not mind the fact that the bottle isn't see-through (as I could easily shake and feel for it). However, for ease of use, I would have preferred if it had a flip-top cap instead.

The toner is color-less and scent-less. The liquid itself is very fluid and water-like; with no viscosity or stickiness to it. Once wiped or smoothed onto the skin it feels as if nothing is applied yet the skin becomes immediately softer.






Essence
An opaque plastic bottle with a pump dispenser and detachable cap. There is no extra security seal with new bottles. Fret not, it is easy to tell if unused or not since there will be endless pumping of nothing before the product appears. I love using pump dispensers but not so much in non-see through things. It is hard to see if the product is running low. Judging by feel is not accurate either as the thicker viscosity of the essence can cling to the insides of the bottle.

The essence is scent-less and color-less but does have a cloudy, milky look to it straight out of the bottle (which is unnoticeable once blended in). There is some viscosity to it but overall a lightweight, runny fluid. The product spreads into a water-like consistency and sinks in well. The essence does leave a tad tacky feeling unless it is well absorbed into the skin. After my skin drinks it up, it feels as if nothing has been applied yet retains a well hydrating effect.






Cream (Extra)
An opaque plastic squeeze tube with a screw-on cap. A new tube will have a security seal covering the dispensing opening. Again, I really don't prefer this kind of non-see through packaging. The saving grace with this particular choice is that the tube remains very pillowy and airy inside even after using it a lot so the cream doesn't ever get stuck in corners as how something like a toothpaste tube does.

The cream is scent-less and comes out of the tube white. Don't worry because once blended it leaves no cast. For an "extra" comfort cream, it is surprisingly lightweight and easy to spread. The skin doesn't feel suffocated yet retains its moisture while leaving a velvety matte finish. There aren't any silicones on the ingredients list but that is the most similar texture I could think of (sans the pore-filling aspect).






Oil
A transparent (hallelujah) plastic bottle with a dropper cap. New bottles do not come with an extra security seal. Unlike the 3 products mentioned above, I don't have see-through qualms with this packaging. Even though the dropper itself doesn't reach all the way to the bottom of the bottle it gets impressively close. I honestly didn't know that the quality of droppers was a thing until I tried 2 different bottles of squalane oil at once. For those interested, Olivarrier's dropper is far superior; oil does not drip out of the dropper until I am ready to squeeze the dropper bulb.

The oil is a scent-less and super-duper lightweight, dry-type facial oil. It spreads very easily and sinks into the skin well. There is no slippery and slick feel that is typically associated with things "oily" in nature. Unlike the toner, essence, and cream, there is definitely a longer tacky and sheen finish period after applying the oil but it isn't that long either.

How I Apply

After cleansing, pour some Toning Lotion onto cotton and wipe my face and neck.

Then pump the Hyaluron Essence once on each cheek and gently smooth that all over my face and neck. Pat to help the product sink in quicker.

Then squeeze between 1-3 finger lengths worth of cream onto my hand (depending on dry or humid weather and if I  apply to face and neck). Gently dot and spread the moisturizer evenly.

Then squeeze 2-3 drops of oil either directly onto my face (one on the forehead, one on each cheek) and smooth with fingertips light strokes or into my palms first, rub to distribute, and pat into my skin.

*I have used all 4 products altogether and separately (toner + essence, toner + cream, toner + oil). Methods of application are still the same.

Thoughts & Recommendations

I think the last time I tried a full brand or line's worth of products was way back when with Hada Labo. Both are similar in the sense that they hace items that focus on a star ingredient (HL = hyaluronic acid, Olivarrier = squalane) which targets supercharged and moisturized skin.

Unlike Hada Labo, Olivarrier also tries to be as "simple" and "clean" as possible by formulating without color, fragrance, and parabens/preservatives. While all their products are marketed for sensitive skin, there are a few ingredients in certain products that may not work well for certain sensitive skin types (i.e. lavender extract, coconut oil) nor fungal acne (refer to SkinCharisma's ingredients breakdown).

As for myself, I did not react badly to the products at all and find that my skin loves all the moisturizing ability each one has to offer. The set is very versatile in that it works great when using alone, pairing a few or all of them together. Despite the varying weather condition in New York, I could easily customize my routine within the range depending on how dry my skin is. Everything is lightweight enough to use in the most humid of days while keeping the moisture in during the driest of times as well without being too thick and heavy.

I am a little partial because I love these a lot for the price I paid (which is about 1/3 of the retail since I got a while back 2 Peach & Lily sample sale's ago). However, given the actual price point of each item I honestly would only repurchase 2 items at full retail (Toning Lotion and Extra Comfort Cream) and the other 2 only if it were on sale (Hyaluron Essence and Squalane Oil). This is not to say the latter two are bad but it is very pricey compared to the quantity given, especially when compared to the former two. Plus, I believe that for a majority of people the Toner + Cream combo would be more than sufficient to use all year round. The Essence and Oil are just extras for those who truly need them.

Those with dry skin will probably adore this line. I think even those with oily skin would like it simply because of the barely-there finish all the products have. This means that everyone in between, from combination to normal skin, could find something fitting as well. Anyone looking for something gentle and, generally, non-irritating to use along with strong actives may enjoy the Olivarrier line a lot too.

AROMATICA Sea Daffodil Aqua Toner

12:12:00 AM mandy 0 Comments

Toners are a must in my skincare routine simply because I love the satisfaction of seeing a clean, and even a dirty, cotton after cleansing. The assurance that I start afresh with no dust or residual product and oils is comforting. In this sense, Aromatica's Sea Daffodil Aqua Toner did its job and quite well. Strangely, it still took me months to finally decide if I liked the product or was just chugging through something at hand.



Aromatica's description:

Enriched with USDA approved organic aloe vera leaf extract(93%), AROMATICA's Sea Daffodil Aqua Toner helps to provide rich moisture to the skin.

AROMATICA's upgraded-aqua-formula provides rich moisture to the skin and helps control excess sebum, leaving your skin feeling moisturized and re-balanced.

This refreshing toner is especially suitable for sensitive skin, formulated without any hazardous chemical ingredients.

Directions
After cleansing, apply a moderate amount to cotton pad and gently sweep it over face and neck.

Ingredients
*ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, PROPANEDIOL, POLYGLYCERYL-10 LAURATE, POLYGLYCERYL-10 MYRISTATE, VERBENA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA FLOWER EXTRACT, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PANCRATIUM MARITIMUM EXTRACT, AQUA, BETAINE, ALLANTOIN, **CITRUS LIMON FRUIT OIL, ADENOSINE, **CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) PEEL OIL, **CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA OIL, **CITRUS AURANTIUM BERGAMIA FRUIT OIL, **CEDRUS ATLANTICA WOOD OIL

* CERTIFIED ORGANIC, ** NATURAL ESSENTIAL OILS

Toner 130 ml / 6.7 oz

Aromatica (Korean retail): ₩19,000
Aromatica (American retail): USD $27.00
Peach & Lily: USD $23.00

Packaging

Aromatica does "transparency" literally and figuratively well. A frosted glass bottle with a twist-on cap. Underneath the lid is a plastic seal which corresponds to a holed-stopper for better control while dispensing toner. The label contains a surprising amount of information in multiple languages. Lot number, manufacture dates, and expiration dates are very clearly printed on the bottom as well.

(Side note: It seems the brand updated the label designs so I am not 100% sure if the new one is as detailed).

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

The liquid is colorless but has a very strong orangy citrus scent that doesn't linger much after application. It feels just like water, leaving no tackiness or residue. Skin becomes softer and has a matte finish yet isn't overly drying.

How I Apply

Use after cleansing the face, twice a day. Pour about 6+ shakes worth of toner onto a cotton pad and wipe over my entire face and neck.

Thoughts & Recommendations

I am not bothered by Aromatica's Sea Daffodil Aqua Toner mostly because I bought it at a steep discount ($10 baby~). When I think about whether I like it enough to repurchase at full price though is the time I struggle to gather my opinions together for it.

At $23 per bottle, I guess I would be paying mostly for the glass bottle, the organic aloe leaf extract, and the fact that it is made mostly of aloe and not water. The toner really does what I want it to do well⁠—wipe away remaining debri and oil. It is satisfying to see yellow, build-up like things on a cotton (especially in the mornings when I only wash with water). The second important thing is it isn't drying or sensitizing. I haven't broken out from it either.

All that said, I don't quite think it is as nourishing and hydrating whilst sebum-controlling as Aromatica says it to be. My skin definitely doesn't feel dried out after using but also isn't deeply moisturized. To believe those claims whilst using would probably leave me very disappointed.

The bottom line is if I were looking for a toner that is far more hydrating, I would look elsewhere with my $20+. If I don't mind having something else in my routine for moisture and only want something that effectively wipes my face clean yet is not mainly water, I would give this a second go around.

Rose by dr. dream Mild Natured Powder Cleanser

12:12:00 AM mandy 0 Comments

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.