I've reviewed 6 cleansers on this blog prior to today, which you can check out right over here.
But like I described in a prior post, cleansers are my kryptonite, so I tend to rack up quite a few.
Just call me...
But like I described in a prior post, cleansers are my kryptonite, so I tend to rack up quite a few.
Just call me...
Okay, maybe don't do that. But it is true that I go through a couple cleansers every few months. Still not satisfied, I also have a few sitting around in various shopping carts around the internet. Though now that I can see the signs of hoarding and madness right in front of my eyes via this blog, I think I will probably hold off on purchasing them.
As you may have already guessed, I have another round of cleanser reviews for you today.
There are 2 "first cleansers" and 2 "second cleansers". First cleansers remove makeup, sunscreen, and dirt and are typically oil-based, while second cleansers remove first cleanser residue and are typically water-based. If this is your first time hearing about using two cleansers, I'm inviting you to drop by this post to learn more about it.
The cleansers in today's post are the...
- BRTC Jasmine 3D Waterful Cleansing Oil, a bestselling cleanser from a store called Olive Young, which is basically Korea's Sephora
- My Beauty Diary Ultra Cleansing Water
- HADA LABO (Rohto) Goku-jyun Foaming Face Wash, a cult classic in Asian skincare
- Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, a dermatologist-recommended gentle, pH balanced cleanser
So let's get right into it.
BRTC Jasmine 3D Waterful Cleansing Oil (200ml)
 |
| Top Left: oil freshly applied Top Right: massaging makeup away Bottom Left: emulsified Bottom Right: fin |
INGREDIENTS Soybean oil, PEG-20 Glyceryl Tri Isostearate, Olive Oil PEG-7 Ester, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Jasmine Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Safflower Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Cetearyl/Sorbitan Olivate, Evening Primrose Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Jasmine Extract, Lavender Water, Clary Sage Extract, Hyacinth Extract, Chamomile Flower/Leaf Extract, Borage Extract, Cornflower Extract (CosDNA analysis)
BASE Soybean oil EMULSIFIER PEG-20 Glyceryl Tri Isostearate, Olive Oil PEG-7 Ester, Sorbitan Olivate
NOTABLE INGREDIENTS The soybean oil contains the antioxidants lecithin and vitamin E. The product adds another splash of vitamin E as well in the tocopheryl acetate. The non-fragrant plant oils are great emollients (moisturizers). There are some astringent (oil-wicking) ingredients as well, like the evening primrose oil. This product is 91% plant oil.
ACNE TRIGGERS Potentially the soybean oil, avocado oil, jojoba seed oil, evening primrose oil, squalane, and chamomile. Little hack: try patch testing some of the kitchen oils on yourself, if tempted to purchase this one. If you don't break out, there's a higher chance this product may work for you.
IRRITANTS Potentially the jojoba seed oil and evening primrose oil
HEALTH FLAGS Potentially the PEG-20 glyceryl tri isostearate, olive oil PEG-7 ester, and sorbitan olivate
BEST FOR Oily, normal, dry, and very dry skin; sensitive skin as it is free of synthetic fragrance, preservatives (yet will keep, as oils expire less rapidly than other products), and simple alcohol
SKIP IF Allergic to any of the ingredients, or if any of the above ingredients trigger acne or irritation, with which there is a medium-high likelihood with this product. I don't think I say this often enough, but please patch test all products before using all over the face for safety and prosperity... CosDNA ingredients analysis is not always right on the money.
TO USE Wash hands to prep for cleansing. Pump 2-4 pumps of the cleansing oil and spread evenly onto dry face. Massage until most or all of the makeup and grime is removed. Add water to emulsify the oil, and rinse off product cleanly. Follow up with a "second cleanser" to remove any product residue, if needed.
THOUGHTS I picked this up because it had a base oil I've never tried before, and I wanted to smell jasmine every single night for a few months. The oils in this are extremely thin, making it a nice alternative to the more common, thicker mineral oil-based cleansing oils and balms out there. The thinness of the oils did not impact the makeup removal powers of the product at all. It does an excellent job at removing even the most waterproofiest makeup I own. Although if I were testing this against a tried and true (like the Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil) in a speed test, I'd add an extra pump of product to help it compete. This oil emulsifies very easily and is easier to remove than most cleansing oils post-emulsification precisely because it's so thin. This oil isn't particularly moisturizing but it softens the skin and gives it a very nice, matte, clean feel. Okay, so did I get to smell jasmine every night for the past few weeks? Faintly. This product smells very faintly floral. My nose gets confused with scents, so I can't tell you if it smells more like jasmine or lavender but I can say it is awesome. The product is bottled in a nice, sturdy, clear purple plastic bottle with a clean design. I have had no issues with the white, plastic pump which dispenses 1/4 to a 1/2 tsp of product each pump. The bottle also comes with a little plastic pump guard that you need to remove before using the pump. Great so you don't accidentally press the pump and for preventing spills if you take this bottle on the road.
RATING 1 2 3 4 5
WHERE TO BUY 200 ml @ Koreadepart ($16.97) | Amazon Regular ($35.71 + $6.69 shipping)
BASE Soybean oil EMULSIFIER PEG-20 Glyceryl Tri Isostearate, Olive Oil PEG-7 Ester, Sorbitan Olivate
NOTABLE INGREDIENTS The soybean oil contains the antioxidants lecithin and vitamin E. The product adds another splash of vitamin E as well in the tocopheryl acetate. The non-fragrant plant oils are great emollients (moisturizers). There are some astringent (oil-wicking) ingredients as well, like the evening primrose oil. This product is 91% plant oil.
ACNE TRIGGERS Potentially the soybean oil, avocado oil, jojoba seed oil, evening primrose oil, squalane, and chamomile. Little hack: try patch testing some of the kitchen oils on yourself, if tempted to purchase this one. If you don't break out, there's a higher chance this product may work for you.
IRRITANTS Potentially the jojoba seed oil and evening primrose oil
HEALTH FLAGS Potentially the PEG-20 glyceryl tri isostearate, olive oil PEG-7 ester, and sorbitan olivate
BEST FOR Oily, normal, dry, and very dry skin; sensitive skin as it is free of synthetic fragrance, preservatives (yet will keep, as oils expire less rapidly than other products), and simple alcohol
SKIP IF Allergic to any of the ingredients, or if any of the above ingredients trigger acne or irritation, with which there is a medium-high likelihood with this product. I don't think I say this often enough, but please patch test all products before using all over the face for safety and prosperity... CosDNA ingredients analysis is not always right on the money.
TO USE Wash hands to prep for cleansing. Pump 2-4 pumps of the cleansing oil and spread evenly onto dry face. Massage until most or all of the makeup and grime is removed. Add water to emulsify the oil, and rinse off product cleanly. Follow up with a "second cleanser" to remove any product residue, if needed.
THOUGHTS I picked this up because it had a base oil I've never tried before, and I wanted to smell jasmine every single night for a few months. The oils in this are extremely thin, making it a nice alternative to the more common, thicker mineral oil-based cleansing oils and balms out there. The thinness of the oils did not impact the makeup removal powers of the product at all. It does an excellent job at removing even the most waterproofiest makeup I own. Although if I were testing this against a tried and true (like the Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil) in a speed test, I'd add an extra pump of product to help it compete. This oil emulsifies very easily and is easier to remove than most cleansing oils post-emulsification precisely because it's so thin. This oil isn't particularly moisturizing but it softens the skin and gives it a very nice, matte, clean feel. Okay, so did I get to smell jasmine every night for the past few weeks? Faintly. This product smells very faintly floral. My nose gets confused with scents, so I can't tell you if it smells more like jasmine or lavender but I can say it is awesome. The product is bottled in a nice, sturdy, clear purple plastic bottle with a clean design. I have had no issues with the white, plastic pump which dispenses 1/4 to a 1/2 tsp of product each pump. The bottle also comes with a little plastic pump guard that you need to remove before using the pump. Great so you don't accidentally press the pump and for preventing spills if you take this bottle on the road.
RATING 1 2 3 4 5
WHERE TO BUY 200 ml @ Koreadepart ($16.97) | Amazon Regular ($35.71 + $6.69 shipping)
My Beauty Diary Ultra Cleansing Water (100/400 ml)
 |
| Top Left: water freshly applied Top Right: 1 minute of cleansing Bottom Left: Fin Bottom Right: pH 6 |
INGREDIENTS Water, PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, Propylene Glycol, Dipropylene glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Propanediol, Chlorphenesin, Saccharide Isomerate, Broccoli Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Yeast Extract, Soy Amino Acids, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (CosDNA analysis)
NOTABLE INGREDIENTS The PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides are gentle emulsifiers (read: cleansing agent). This cleansing water is high in skin conditioning ingredients propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, saccharide isomerate, aloe, allantoin, yeast, and soy.
ACNE TRIGGERS None, but again, please patch test.
IRRITANTS None, patch test please.
HEALTH FLAGS Potentially the PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, propylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate
BEST FOR Oily, normal, dry, and acne-prone skin; potentially sensitive skin as it is also free of synthetic fragrance and simple alcohol. It does contain many preservatives however.
SKIP IF Allergic to any of the ingredients, or if any of the above ingredients trigger acne or irritation.
TO USE Wash hands to prep for cleansing. Dispense the cleansing water onto a cotton pad, soaking the pad thoroughly to minimize tugging on the face while removing makeup and grime. Wipe the cotton pad over dry face using gentle pressure until most or all of the makeup and grime is removed. Follow up with a "second cleanser" to remove any remaining makeup, grime, or product residue, if needed.
THOUGHTS This was a gift from Beautibi. I like it much better than the Simple Cleansing Water I was using before this came into my life. For one thing, the pH of this product is a more skin-friendly 6. For a quick review on why that matters, go here. And for another, this is better at removing makeup than the Simple. If I'm ever doing my "Let's pretend to be a French girl" makeup consisting of only a BB/CC, brows, mascara, and a matte, bold lip... this is the cleanser I turn to. On a bed of cotton (on a cotton pad), this manages to remove water resistant makeup like the Bbia Last Auto Gel Eyeliners without causing redness or irritation. However, there are limitations with this one and it will stall at like a Tony Moly Back Stage Gel Eyeliner. This cleansing water smells like... cleanser, and leaves your skin feeling sufficiently clean. There have been a few nights where I sidle up to just this cleanser, like say if I'm only wearing sunscreen that day, or not even that (Sometimes I'll draw the blinds instead. Fly high, freak flag. Fly high.) and the MBD is enough. The product is packaged in a clear plastic bottle with a flip, top cap. It dispenses an slow, even stream of product when turned on its head and shaken. There are multiple sizes of this product up for purchase. I've seen travel sizes and full-sizes. I will most probably repurchase this product, after trying out one or two others that have caught my eye since this is among the most cost-effective cleansing waters out there. The travel-size is also extremely convenient on trips.
RATING 1 2 3 4 5
WHERE TO BUY 400 ml @ YesStyle ($17.90) | Amazon Regular ($15.99 + $4.50 shipping) | travel size 100 ml @ Beautibi ($5.00)
HADA LABO (Rohto) Gokujyun Foaming Face Wash (160 ml)
 |
| Top Left: 1 pump Top Right: with water added Bottom: pH 5.5 |
INGREDIENTS Water, PEG-8, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, TEA-Cocoyl Alaninate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Methylparaben, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Starch Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Succinic Acid (CosDNA analysis)
NOTABLE INGREDIENTS The surfactants, or foaming agents, used in this cleanser are among the gentler ones out there. The cleanser also contains butylene glycol, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid in order to stay on the non-drying side of the fence.
ACNE TRIGGERS Potentially the Butylene glycol, please patch test.
IRRITANTS None, patch test please.
HEALTH FLAGS Potentially the PEG-8 and methylparaben.
BEST FOR Oily, normal, and acne-prone skin; potentially could work for dry, or sensitive skin, as stated above, the foaming agents are on the gentler side.
SKIP IF Allergic to awesome. (Kidding.) Or any of the ingredients, or if any of the above ingredients trigger acne or irritation.
TO USE After removing makeup and grime with a "first cleanser", moisten face and hands with lukewarm water. Dispense 1 - 2 pumps of wash into hands. Gently massage onto face, using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly. If you do not wear makeup, it is possible that you may rely on solely this cleanser for all of your cleansing needs.
THOUGHTS This is a cult-favorite among Asian skincare devotees and I can see why. It's low effort since you don't have to work up a foam yourself. The foam drops out of the pump fully formed in little cotton candy or cloud-like morsels. Just pump once and add water for the easiest cleanse of your life. While some foams are velvety like the SU:M37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, my absolute favorite for now, this one is more silky, making it especially glide-y and easier to rinse off cleanly in my opinion, if that makes any sense whatsoever. It leaves my skin feeling extremely soft, free from sebum and dirt, yet not stripped of moisture. Probably due to the hydrating hyaluronic acid, but also potentially due to its gentle, non-disruptive pH of 5.5. Again, for a quick review on why that matters, go here. wish I had something different to say rather than echoing the chorus of approvals out there for this cleanser but really that's it. That and the fact that I detect a faint citrus smell that nobody else seems to smell. It's an excellent cleanser. In terms of packaging, the 160 ml product comes in a cute white plastic container. The shape is instantly recognizable actually, so I'll call it iconic. It also comes with a pump guard that you need to remove before using the pump. Great so you don't accidentally press the pump and for preventing spills if you take this bottle on the road.
RATING 1 2 3 4 5
WHERE TO BUY 160 ml Amazon Regular ($10.25 free shipping) | Sasa.com ($11.50) | Drugstore.com ($13.99) | Walgreens.com ($13.99) Walgreens.com is having a 25% off sale on all beauty products at the moment.
NOTABLE INGREDIENTS The surfactants, or foaming agents, used in this cleanser are among the gentler ones out there. The cleanser also contains butylene glycol, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid in order to stay on the non-drying side of the fence.
ACNE TRIGGERS Potentially the Butylene glycol, please patch test.
IRRITANTS None, patch test please.
HEALTH FLAGS Potentially the PEG-8 and methylparaben.
BEST FOR Oily, normal, and acne-prone skin; potentially could work for dry, or sensitive skin, as stated above, the foaming agents are on the gentler side.
SKIP IF Allergic to awesome. (Kidding.) Or any of the ingredients, or if any of the above ingredients trigger acne or irritation.
TO USE After removing makeup and grime with a "first cleanser", moisten face and hands with lukewarm water. Dispense 1 - 2 pumps of wash into hands. Gently massage onto face, using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly. If you do not wear makeup, it is possible that you may rely on solely this cleanser for all of your cleansing needs.
THOUGHTS This is a cult-favorite among Asian skincare devotees and I can see why. It's low effort since you don't have to work up a foam yourself. The foam drops out of the pump fully formed in little cotton candy or cloud-like morsels. Just pump once and add water for the easiest cleanse of your life. While some foams are velvety like the SU:M37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, my absolute favorite for now, this one is more silky, making it especially glide-y and easier to rinse off cleanly in my opinion, if that makes any sense whatsoever. It leaves my skin feeling extremely soft, free from sebum and dirt, yet not stripped of moisture. Probably due to the hydrating hyaluronic acid, but also potentially due to its gentle, non-disruptive pH of 5.5. Again, for a quick review on why that matters, go here. wish I had something different to say rather than echoing the chorus of approvals out there for this cleanser but really that's it. That and the fact that I detect a faint citrus smell that nobody else seems to smell. It's an excellent cleanser. In terms of packaging, the 160 ml product comes in a cute white plastic container. The shape is instantly recognizable actually, so I'll call it iconic. It also comes with a pump guard that you need to remove before using the pump. Great so you don't accidentally press the pump and for preventing spills if you take this bottle on the road.
RATING 1 2 3 4 5
WHERE TO BUY 160 ml Amazon Regular ($10.25 free shipping) | Sasa.com ($11.50) | Drugstore.com ($13.99) | Walgreens.com ($13.99) Walgreens.com is having a 25% off sale on all beauty products at the moment.
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser (3, 8, or 12 oz.)
 |
| Pictured is a sample size. Top Left: freshly applied Top Right: "foamed" Bottom: pH 5 |
INGREDIENTS Purified Water, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-11, 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 (CosDNA analysis)
NOTABLE INGREDIENTS This cleanser is high in glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, all very notable for their hydrating and moisturizing benefits. There are many surfactants, but absent among them is the irritating Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
ACNE TRIGGERS Potentially the cetearyl, cetyl, and stearyl alcohols.
IRRITANTS Potentially the cetearyl, cetyl, and stearyl alcohols and carbomer.
HEALTH FLAGS Potentially the PEG 40 stearate, glyceryl monostearate, sodium lauroyl lactylate, disodium EDTA, methylparaben and propylparaben
BEST FOR Normal to dry skin; potentially could work for those with oily skin
SKIP IF Allergic to any of the ingredients, or if any of the above ingredients trigger acne or irritation. There is a medium chance this could break people out due to the fatty alcohols.
TO USE After removing makeup and grime with a "first cleanser", moisten face and hands with lukewarm water. Dispense 1 - 2 pumps of wash into hands. Gently massage onto face, using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly. If you do not wear makeup, it is possible that you may rely on solely this cleanser for all of your cleansing needs.
THOUGHTS Like I said, this is a dermatologist-recommended, gentle pH-balanced (pH=5) cleanser Again, for a quick review on why that matters, go here. It's also really great to have on hand in the colder months. Although it's water-based, this cleanser does not really foam and behaves more like a cream or gel cleanser. I really like keeping samples of this cleanser around for the winter as it does hydrate the skin. I use it when my skin feels drier than usual. I have multiples of the sample size bottle since Cerave gives them out so often. The full size is humongous. No seriously, IT'S FLIPPING HUGE. IT'S A BRICK. so I don't see a cleanser magpie like myself springing for a full-size any time soon, but this is a great value buy and fits dry skin perfectly.
RATING 1 2 3 4 4.5 5
WHERE TO BUY 3, 8, or 12 oz. Amazon Prime ($7.39 for 12 oz) | Target ($7.39 for 12 oz.) | Drugstore.com ($9.34 for 8 oz.) | Walmart ($9.35 for 12 oz) | Ulta ($12.99 for 12 oz) | CVS ($13.49 for 12 oz) also Buy 1 Get 1 Half Off | Walgreens.com ($13.99 for 12 oz.) Walgreens.com is having a 25% off sale on all beauty products at the moment AND this product is Buy 1 Get 1 Half Off. That's enough to last you through 2 apocalypses!
Even crazier is that there is a manufacturer coupon for $2 off these insanely low prices! The coupon is here. Or you could do like I do and keep your eyes peeled for free samples at skinlovescerave.com
Have you tried any of these? What did you think?
Disclosure: Bought it. Some affiliate links. If you're curious about my policy on press samples, affiliate links, and sponsors, please see my disclaimer and policies.
No comments:
Post a Comment