Tag: Cleansing

Olay Total Effects Deep Pore Lathering Cleansing Cloths

Product:  Olay Total Effects Deep Pore Lathering Cleansing Cloths.  This product used to be known as Olay Total Effects Age Defying Cleansing Cloths.  Today’s product is a lathering cleansing cloth that you use with water like a washcloth.

Overall Rating: 2+ stars2.5 Stars = Okay to Good

Cost: $9.89 for 30 cloths ($.33 each)  Price Category:  Inexpensive

Sold By:  Wal-mart; Walgreen’s

Container:  Either paper box (new formula) or plastic box (old formula)

Description:  These are a two-sided (textured/smooth) cleansing cloth intended to be used once and then disposed.  You add water, they lather, you scrub, you toss.  These are intended to be used as a daily facial cleanser both morning and night.  This product is not fragrance free and does contain fragrance (parfum).  The textured side is a physical exfoliant.

The company states, “Total Effects Deep Pore Lathering cloths gently cleanse, exfoliate and revive skin in one simple step. At the same time, they infuse moisturization to soften skin and enhance brightness.”  Olay further claims this product “Fights 7 Signs of Aging: 1. Cleans deep; 2. Instantly refines the appearance of pores; 3. Gently exfoliates; 4. Instantly reduces the appearance of fine lines; 5. Enhances brightness; 6. Softens skin; 7. Replenishes moisture.

Cosmetic companies are notorious for slightly altering ingredients, changing packaging and changing names of essentially the same products so they can market something new.  Since most people always want the newest, most innovative products, this keeps consumers motivated to buy.  This product has been around for many years under different names and formulations.  The new cloths are thinner and smaller than the previous cleansing cloths.

Warning:  Please do not use the textured side of these cloths, or any physically abrasive scrubbing product, if you have Rosacea without consulting your dermatologist first.

Morning Review:  When I first opened the container I could smell the perfume-type fragrance.  One of my testers described the scent as “baby powder”.  It doesn’t smell like baby powder to me.  It is a floral type of scent.  These are a thick two-layer cleansing cloth.  One side is solid and smooth and the other side has holes and is textured.  I cut one into fourths and separated the layers to show you.  (See photos below)  As soon as you get this cloth wet and begin rubbing in on your face it begins to lather like soap.  One cloth is large enough to almost wash your entire body.  I was able to wash just my face with one quarter of a cloth.  I began with the textured side on my nose.  The textured side was too rough for my sensitive skin and I only used the smooth side on my face.  I used the textured side for elbows, knees, feet, etc.  Please rub gently, not vigorously, with any exfoliating product.  Please do not rub this on your eyes.  This is not a product for removing eye makeup.  You could wash your face with this after you have removed your eye makeup.  My face did feel very clean after using this and my skin felt soft.  The fragrance was too strong for me though.

Morning Rating: = 2 stars2 Stars

Evening Review:  After several hours my skin stayed smooth and I did not have any allergic reactions other than my runny nose due to the fragrance.  The skin on my nose became oily after using the cleansing cloth.  I think this was due to the textured side being too harsh and the lathering ingredients being too drying for my skin which caused my oily area to compensate by producing more oil.  My skin does not react favorably to any product with lathering agents.

Overall Review:  Olay Total Effects Deep Pore (Age Defying) Lathering Cleansing Cloths are a good cleansing cloth if you like a product that lathers and you don’t have any fragrance allergies.  It definitely scrubbed my pores clean and left my skin feeling smoother.  However, the textured side was too harsh for my sensitive skin and I did not tolerate the fragrance well.  I would stay away from this one if you have sensitive skin or Rosacea.

The cloths do contain some nice vitamins, but they are not going to be on your face long enough to prove beneficial and the lathering agents are going to wash them away.

Most men would not like the floral perfume in this product.  My male tester sniffed it and did not even want to try it.

These cloths are suitable for the following skin types: (Not for sensitive or those with Rosacea)

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • Women who like fragrance;
  • Oily;
  • Dry;
  • Consistent;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Evening Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 2 stars2 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 2+ stars2.5 Stars – Okay to Good.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Olay Total Effects Deep Pore Lathering Cleansing ClothsOlay Cloth Section Both Sides

Olay Cloth Section Textured SideOlay Cloth Section Smooth Side

Olay Total Effects Age Defying Cleansing Cloths 1

Olay Total Effects Age Defying Cleansing Cloths Old Name and Photo 1

Olay Total Effects Age Defying Cleansing Cloths 2

Olay Total Effects Age Defying Cleansing Cloths Old Name and Photo 2

Current Formula Ingredients:  Water, Niacinamide*, Glycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Panthenol**, Tocopheryl Acetate***, Ascorbic Acid+, Dimethiconol, Butylene Glycol, DMDM Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Polysorbate 20, Acrylates/Vinyl Isodecanoate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Hydroxide, Fragrance. *Vitamin B3, **Pro-VitaminB5, ***Vitamin E, +Vitamin C.

Old Formula Ingredients: PEG 100, Sucrose Polycottonseedate, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, C10 30 Cholesterol/Lanesterol Esters, Cyclodextrin, Butylene Glycol, Petrolatum, Polyethylene, PEG 14M, Tribehenin, Fragrance, Polyquaternium 10, Synthetic Beeswax, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, L Menthol.

Old Formula Ingredients: Petrolatum, PEG-100, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocoamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Cyclodextrin, Butylene Glycol, PEG-14M, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Salicylic Acid, Witch Hazel Leaf Extract, Fragrance, Polyquarternium-10, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Propylparaben, Disodium-EDTA, Methylparaben, Sodium Magnesium/Diisobutylene Copolymer, Silica, BHT, Sodium Laurate.

Old Formula Ingredients: Petrolatum, Peg-100, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Cyclodextrin, Butylene Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Lauryl Glucoside, Peg-14M, Polyquaternium-10, Fragrance/Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Panthenol*, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium Edta, Salicylic Acid***, Sodium Ma/Diisobutylene Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate**, Niacinamide, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract. *Provitamin/Provitamine B5, **Vitamin/Vitamine E , ***Beta Hydroxy/Be?Ta-Hydroxy.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

 

Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder

Product:  Today’s product is another product from the Japanese company that supposedly features age-old traditions from Geisha.  It is Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good

Cost:  $65 60g / 2.1 oz. ($30.95 per ounce)  Price Category:  Expensive

Sold By:  Tatcha, QVC and Sephora

Container:  Heavy plastic double-layer jar with screw-off lid, tissue wrap, outer decorative paper carton.  (Those of you who have followed my beauty and makeup tips newsletter know that I am not a fan of jars due to the potential for contamination.)

Description:  Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder is the coordinating exfoliating powder I mentioned a few days ago when I reviewed the Tatcha PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil.  This powder is a *physical exfoliation product.  This a fragrance-free Japanese rice powder that you mix either with the Tatcha oil or with water to exfoliate your skin.  You can control the amount of abrasiveness by using more or less liquid in combination with the powder.  The greater the powder-to-liquid ratio, the grainier and more abrasive it will be.  In reverse, the less powder-to-liquid ratio, the gentler the texture will be.

 *(For a description of physical exfoliation and the three different methods to exfoliate your skin, please see my discussion on the ExfoliKate page.)

Morning Review:  I used this product many times before posting this review.  I have used it with the Tatcha cleansing oil, with water, and have experimented using it in conjunction with other oils and liquids, as well.  I have also used this product on female and male clients.

The rice powder is white (naturally) and the texture is slightly gritty.  It is not as gritty as sugar or salt, but there is a definite texture to the powder.  There is a slight chemical scent similar to wet paint in its dry powder form.  Once you mix the powder with water the scent changes to more of a nutty scent.  This is a fragrance-free product so the scent is naturally occurring due to the ingredients themselves.  If you have asthma, be careful of breathing in or ingesting any powder products, as they could cause breathing difficulties.  (When in doubt, always consult a physician before using any new product.)

When using the product with oil, I first put a pump of the oil into my palm, then I sprinkle about a half of a teaspoon of the powder onto the oil, mix them together with my finger and then apply to my face with a gentle circular motion.  If you use too much powder, the oil/powder mixture gets very thick and you may need a couple of drops of water to thin it.  When I use the powder with water, I first wet my face with warm water, sprinkle the powder into my palm, add a few drops of water to my palm to make a paste, and then apply to my face.

The Tatcha powder does a very effective job of exfoliating my skin.  It leaves my face feeling soft, smooth and hydrated without any harsh abrasives or chemicals.  My sensitive skin does not feel irritated.  Please note that because I have sensitive skin, I do not rub vigorously, but very gently.  Please execute care when using any physical exfoliate and do not get too enthusiastic with scrubbing your face.

Caution:  I do not recommend using this, or any physical exfoliate, with a cleansing brush.  The doubly exfoliating effects would be too harsh.  I also do not recommend physical exfoliates for anyone with Rosacea.

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  At the end of the day my skin still feels smooth; it does not feel tight or irritated.   This powder effectively removes all types of makeup.   My makeup wipes do not find any traces of makeup, especially if used in conjunction with the oil.  Unlike most physical exfoliates that are intended for use once or twice a week only, the Tatcha powder can be used every day or even twice a day, if desired.  I personally use this as an occasional exfoliate or whenever I need to remove heavy amounts of makeup.

Overall Review:  Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder is an excellent product.  Once again, the only downside is the cost, and the packaging.  The bottles are heavy and don’t travel well.  The Tatcha products come in beautiful, elaborate packaging.  Maybe that is a bonus to some of you, but I don’t buy products for fancy bottles, tissue liners and boxes.  I buy them for the contents inside.  I suppose it makes an impressive gift, but what other purpose does that serve?  If the company would package the product in less expensive containers and lower the price, this brand would be a lot more affordable for the average consumer.  They could still offer the fancy bottles in a gift edition for those who want to spend the extra money.  (Hello, Tatcha, are you listening?)

Please note:  I first purchased this years ago when there was only one formula and I have continued to use the initial “Classic” formula.  The product is available in 4 formulas from the Tatcha website:  Classic for Combination and Normal Skin; Gentle for Dry Skin; Deep for Oily Skin; and Soothing for Sensitive Skin.  The next time I order this I’m going to try the Soothing formulation and I’ll provide a comparison review to note the differences.

Skin Types:  Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive (but not Rosacea);
  • Consistent;
  • Oily;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder

Classic Ingredients:  Oryza Sativa (rice) Powder, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Potassium Myristate, Cellulose, Water, Papain (papaya Extract), Camellia Sinensis (green Tea) Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin (pearl) Protein, Oryza Sativa (rice) Bran, Algae Extract, Glycerin, Dextrin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol.

Formulated without:  Mineral Oil, Synthetic Colors, Synthetic Fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Parabens, PEGs, PPGs, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Phisoderm Fragrance-Free Cream Cleanser, Sensitive Skin Formula

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Product:  Phisoderm Fragrance-Free Cream Cleanser, Sensitive Skin Formula

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent

Cost: $4.69 6.0 oz (.78 per ounce)  Price Category:  Inexpensive

Sold By:  Walgreens online ($6.78 at Wal-mart) Mentholatum (Parent Co.)

Container:  Plastic pump bottle

Description:  This is an affordable fragrance-free cleanser specifically for sensitive skin that is readily available everywhere.  Phisoderm has been my personal facial cleanser for over a decade.  It just does what a cleanser needs to do, i.e., effectively clean your face without any harsh side effects.  I have also recommended this cleanser to many clients with sensitive skin and those with allergies and everyone seems to have positive results.

Morning Review:   This cleanser is gentle and soothing.  It does not make my eyes burn or water, does not make my nose run, and leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated.  I would describe the scent as a light soapy fragrance even though it does not contain any actual soap.

This is a medium weight, creamy cleanser.  This does not have any exfoliating or abrasive ingredients.  This cleanser also does not have any lathering ingredients.  It simply feels like lotion on your skin.

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  At the end of the day my skin does not feel tight.  This cleanser effectively removes most makeup.  My makeup wipes do find traces of makeup if I just use my hands.  This is a good cleanser to use with a cleansing brush.

Overall Review:  Phisoderm Fragrance-Free Cream Cleanser, Sensitive Skin Formula is a very good general cleanser for all skin types, especially those with fragrance allergies and/or other sensitivities.  This is suitable for both women and men and some of my male clients shave with it.

This cleanser is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Sensitive;
  • Oily;
  • Dry;
  • Consistent;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT: 

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Phisoderm Fragrance-Free Cream Cleanser, Sensitive Skin Formula

Ingredients:  Water, Potassium C12-13 Alkyl Phosphate, Mineral Oil, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl Glucoside, Acrylates, C10 30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Decyl Glucoside, Diazolidinyl Urea, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Methylparaben, Pentylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E).

Formulated Without:  Soap, Dye, Alcohol, Artificial Fragrance.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Tatcha PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

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Product:  Tatcha PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.75 Stars – Very Good to Excellent

Cost:  $48  for 5.1 oz  ($9.41 per fluid ounce)  Price Category:  Expensive

Container:  A heavy plastic, double-layer pump bottle that comes in a tissue-wrapped outer box

Sold By:  It is available from Tactcha, Sephora and from QVC.

Description:  Today’s product is a little unusual.  This is a more of a high-end cleanser that is actually an oil.  Okay, I know what a lot of you are already thinking, especially if you have oily skin… She wants me to cleanse my face with OIL???  What?  How can oil clean my face?  I know, when I first heard about this product years ago I had the same reaction, and then I tried it.  Once again, I used this many times before posting this review.  I used it by itself, with a cleansing brush, and with the coordinating Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder that is reviewed in a separate post.  I have also used this on many clients.

Supposedly, the formulas were handed down by Japanese Geisha.  According to the company, the Tatcha products have a proprietary blend of ingredients known as HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex.  The three components are:

  • Green Tea Complete DNA Extract – Helps protect your skin from premature aging due to UV damage.
  • Okinawa Red Algae Extract – Helps your skin retain its moisture and improve its texture.
  • Japanese Rice Bran Extract – This unique ingredient acts as both an anti-oxidant and a moisturizer.

Morning Review:  A little goes a long way and a full pump from the bottle was more than sufficient.  This is a fragrance-free product.  It is soothing and has a light, naturally-occurring floral scent.  It feels luxurious.  When you mix it with warm water it emulsifies rather than repelling water as most oils do.  It left my face feeling baby soft, silky and hydrated.  After using this, my makeup glided on like satin.

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  I thought my face would get oily after using this cleansing oil, but it did not.  I was also worried that my makeup would be gone after a couple of hours, but that did not happen either.  What did happen is that my face did not get dry and tight and it stayed hydrated better than usual.  The cleanser melts makeup as well as old-fashioned heavy cream products.  This is wonderful for stage performers, actors and those that wear a ton of makeup.  Even waterproof eye makeup, gel eyeliner, mascara and lipstick come off with this cleansing oil.  My makeup wipes were completely free of any makeup residue after using this cleanser.

I experienced no sensitivity issues whatsoever.  My clients that I used it on with many different skin types all felt pampered and wanted to know what it was.

Overall Review:  Overall, the Tatcha Camellia oil is a great cleanser that is suitable for all skin types.  It will be most appealing to those with dry, aging, combination or sensitive skin.  It will also help to normalize and balance oily skin, but those with oily skin simply may not like the way it feels on their skin.

The only downside is the cost, and the packaging.  The Tatcha products come in beautiful, elaborate packaging.  Maybe that is a bonus to some of you, but I don’t buy products for fancy bottles (that weigh a ton and don’t travel well), tissue liners and decorative boxes.  I buy them for the contents inside.  I suppose it makes an impressive gift, but what other purpose does that serve?  If the company would package the product in less expensive containers and lower the price, this brand would be a lot more affordable for the average consumer.  They could still offer the fancy bottles in a gift edition for those who want to spend the extra money.  Or, better yet, why not be “green”, save the environment, the planet and the landfills, and offer a refillable glass bottle that we only buy once?

I am going to try and find a less expensive version of this or a similar product, and when I do, I will present it to you.  I will be reviewing other cleansing oils in the future.

Tatcha PURE One Step Camellia Oil is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive;
  • Consistent;
  • Oily (may not care for the feel);
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT: 

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 5 stars5 Stars; (They didn’t have to buy it.)

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.75 Stars – Very Good to Excellent.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Tatcha PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

Ingredients:  Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Glyceryl Behenate/eicosadioate, Water, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, Fragrance (Natural), Phenoxyethanol.

Formulated without:  Mineral Oil, Synthetic Colors, Synthetic Fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Parabens, PEGs, PPGs, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates.

Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Oil of Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Regenerating Cream Cleanser

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Product:  Today’s product is another facial wash, Oil of Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Regenerating Cream Cleanser.  This one is readily available everywhere and is very affordable.  This is intended for use on dry, aging, or wrinkled skin.

Overall Rating= 3+ stars3.25 Stars = Good+

Cost:  Olay’s suggested retail cost is $9.99, but the cost at Wal-mart was $5.97 ($1.19 per ounce).  Price Category:  Inexpensive

Container:  Plastic flip-top tube

I used this facial wash for several days prior to this review.  I tried it by itself, with a cleansing brush, and with an exfoliating cloth.  I also used it on several clients to get their feedback.  To receive completely unbiased reviews, I gave it to my testers in unmarked containers so they did not know what brand they were testing; they only knew that it was a skin cleanser intended to be used with water.

Morning Review:  This is a light weight cleanser with a creamy consistency.  It does have tiny exfoliating beads (hydrated silica, not harmful polyethylene microbeads) which are not abrasive.  It takes very little product to cover your entire face.  It is non-drying and non-irritating.  I could not find a fragrance-free version.  This is lightly fragranced but it did not make me sneeze, nor did it make my nose run.  I do not think men would like this scent.  I have very sensitive combination skin and it cleaned the oily areas and did not leave the dry areas feeling tight.

Morning Rating = 3 stars3 Stars

Evening Review:  My skin stayed soft throughout the day and did not get oily. The cleanser does an okay job of removing makeup. My makeup wipes did find small traces of makeup on my skin after using the cleanser.   My tester with normal skin said it felt good but they did not care for the fragrance.  My tester with dry skin really liked it and said she would buy it.

Overall Review:  I would say this is a good cleanser for all skin types, particularly dry or aging skin.  You will want to stay away from this one if you are allergic to even a small amount of fragrance.  This will not do much to exfoliate your skin, despite the fact that Olay claims this product “gently” exfoliates.  I agree with that assertion.  This is an okay product to use with a cleansing brush, but there are others that will perform better.

Oil of Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Regenerating Cream Cleanser is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes (men may not like this fragrance);
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive (not if you are sensitive to fragrance);
  • Oily;
  • Consistent;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT: 

Morning Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Evening Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 3 stars3 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.25 Stars – Good +.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Oil of Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Regenerating Cream Cleanser

Ingredients:  Water, Ppg-15 Stearyl Ether, Glycerin, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Betaine, Hydrated Silica, Salicylic Acid, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Carnosine, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Ppg-30, Cetyl Alcohol, Steareth-21, Behenyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Steareth-2, Disodium Edta.

Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple (One-Step Facial Cleanser)

Happy New Year!  Welcome to a brand new you.  Today is a new year and it is time to begin this cosmetic reviews journey.  Our initial product is a skin cleanser, Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser.  This facial wash is available many places and is a mid-range product in terms of price.  The best way to have healthy, beautiful skin is to gently cleanse it.  Your skin will thank you and you will age better.  Who doesn’t want that?

Overall Rating =  3 stars3 Stars – Good.

Cost:  The cost from Philosophy’s website was $11.00 for 3 oz. ($3.67 per fluid ounce).

Price Category:  Mid-range

Sold By:  It is also sold at QVC (in larger sizes), Sephora, Ulta and major department stores.

Container:  Plastic flip-top squirt bottle

Purity by Philosophy has reviews all over the internet and people rave about it.  I wanted to be blown away by it and love it.  I used this for several days prior to this review.  I tried it by itself, with a cleansing brush, and with an exfoliating cloth.  I also used it on several clients to get their feedback.  To receive completely unbiased reviews, I gave it to some of my testers in unmarked containers so they did not know what brand they were testing.  They simply knew it was a cleanser intended to be used with water.

Morning Review:  Purity is a medium-weight, creamy cleanser.  I would describe the consistency as more of a lotion than a cream.  It does not contain any exfoliating grains or other abrasive ingredients.  It is a fragrance-free product and it has a light, naturally-occurring, clean citrus scent.  It lathers very little and cleans well.  It does not take a lot of product to completely cover your face so it should last a while.  It left my face feeling a little stripped, and slightly tight.  (My highly-sensitive, combination skin is much more dry than oily.)

This product is suitable for women and men.

Morning Rating = 3 Stars – Good (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Evening Review:  After 10 hours my skin did not feel any different than when I use my regular cleanser.  My makeup wipes did find traces of makeup after washing with my hands.  (That is how I check to see just how well a cleanser really works.)  It is gentle and did not cause any sensitivity issues.  My face did not feel as tight when I used it the second and additional times.  My face felt clean, but it did not feel soft, smooth and hydrated.

My tester with normal skin said it was good, but nothing special.  My tester with dry skin said it was just okay.  My client with oily skin liked it and said it was very good.  My tester with very sensitive skin said it cleaned well and didn’t cause any problems (which can be hard to find if you are severely allergy prone).  My male tester said his face felt clean and smooth but he did not care for the fragrance.

Overall Review:  Overall, Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser is a good cleanser, but is no better than many other brands.  None of my testers raved about it.  It will probably be best for consistent (normal) to oily skin.  It appears to be mild enough for sensitive skin.  Users with extremely dry skin may wish to find something that is more hydrating.  It does work well with a cleansing brush if you use one.

I prefer Phisoderm Fragrance-Free Cream Cleanser. (reviewed here)

Purity is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Sensitive;
  • Oily;
  • Consistent;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT: 

Morning Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Evening Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 3 stars3 Stars;

Value Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3 stars3 Stars – Good.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser

Ingredients:  Water (aqua), sodium lauroamphoacetate, sodium trideceth sulfate, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, coco-glucoside, cocos nucifera (coconut) alcohol, peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, aniba rosaeodora (rosewood) wood oil, geranium maculatum oil, guaiac (guaiacum officinale) extract, cymbopogon martini oil, rosa damascena extract, amyris balsamifera bark oil, santalum album (sandalwood) oil, salvia officinalis (sage) oil, cinnamomum cassia leaf oil, anthemis nobilis flower oil, daucus carota sativa (carrot) seed oil, piper nigrum (pepper) seed extract, polysorbate 20, glycerin, carbomer, triethanolamine, methylparaben, propylparaben, citric acid, imidazolidinyl urea, yellow 5 (ci 19140).

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.