Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

Product:  Today we are discussing Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment.

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

Cost:  $85 for 2 oz ($42.50 per ounce)  Price Category:  Expensive

Description:  ExfoliKate is another widely-reviewed beauty product that most people rave about.  This is my first review for a dedicated exfoliate rather than a daily cleanser that may or may not also have exfoliating properties.  This is intended to be used in addition to a daily cleanser once or twice a week.  This is not a daily cleansing product.

Exfoliation is an important step in any beauty regime.  Your body is constantly producing new skin cells and sloughing off the old, dead cells.  The average life of a skin cell is about a month.  Exfoliation can be accomplished in one of three manners:

  • Chemical exfoliation – A chemical substance will dissolve the outer skin cells revealing new skin beneath. These chemicals, typically lactic or fruit acids, do not contain any physical abrasives such as scrubbing granules or grains.  Depending upon the strength of the chemicals only the top layer of the epidermis will be affected, or in the case of a chemical peel from a physician, the penetration will be much deeper.
  • Physical exfoliation – An exfoliate will contain some sort of physical material that literally scratches or scrubs the dead skin cells away just as sandpaper refinishes furniture. This includes salts, scrubs, sugars, loofahs, brushes, and rough washcloths.
  • Mechanical physical exfoliation – This will be accomplished by tools that produce vibration and/or suction in combination with an abrasive element. They typically utilize diamond-dust or similar implements that remove the dead skin.  These treatments are usually performed by a dermatologist or esthetician, although there are home units that can accomplish this task and I will be reviewing one in the future.

Personally, I prefer chemical exfoliation to physical exfoliation.  Harsh scrubbing granules or grains typically irritate my sensitive skin, however they do work wonders for cleaning pores.  I also find that most people get too enthusiastic with abrasive scrubs and tend to scrub too hard which can actually damage your skin.

The reason exfoliation is so important is that any product that you put on top of your skin will not penetrate and produce effective results if you have dead skin cells on the surface.  You are wasting your money on expensive serums, moisturizers, and anti-aging products if you are not also exfoliating on a regular basis.

Morning Review:  ExfoliKate has a very strong, spicy scent.  Reviewing the ingredients I’m assuming this is due to bergamot fruit oil (found in Earl Grey tea) and cinnamomum cassia leaf (cinnamon) oil.  It is a dark army-green kind of color and is pretty gross looking.  (Who cares if it works, right?)  ExfoliKate contains both a chemical exfoliating ingredient, lactic acid, and a physical exfoliating ingredient, silica.  It definitely feels scratchy and abrasive on the back of my hand.

Due to my extremely sensitive skin I began gently with this product and only used a small amount on half of my face to test for any negative reactions before slathering it all over my entire face.  The cinnamon oil causes a slight tingling and burning sensation.  It definitely left my skin feeling smoother and my skin does not feel irritated.  I always worry if something is tingling or burning that my skin is screaming, “danger, danger”.  So far, so good.

Morning Rating3 stars3 Stars

Evening Review:  At the end of the day my skin did not feel tight and I did not have any allergic reactions or breakouts on the side where I used the scrub.   I decided to use it on my entire face the second time.  This cleanser effectively removes all makeup.   My makeup wipes did not find any traces of makeup.   I would avoid the eye area with this cleanser.  This should be used after your have removed your eye makeup.  I caution you…this is a not an appropriate product to use with a cleansing brush.  The combination of the two would be too harsh for any type of skin on your face.

Prior to posting this review I tried this product several more times on myself and others and no one experienced any sensitivities or negative reactions.

Overall Review:  Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is a very good, although expensive, exfoliating scrub for almost all skin types.   Warning:  This would not be advisable if you have Rosacea.  Anyone with Rosacea should stay away from any type of abrasive products which can further irritate your already-inflamed skin.  Please note that if you have extremely thin, delicate or overly-sensitive skin, this product may be too harsh for you.  There is a gentler formula for sensitive skin that I have not tried.  The next time I purchase this product I will try the gentle formula as it may be more appropriate for my extremely sensitive skin.  Perhaps I won’t experience the mild burning with that formula.  Also, I prefer an exfoliant without any abrasive ingredients.

This scrub is suitable for both women and men.  My male tester did not find the scent offensive.  He said it reminded him of sandalwood incense.  Most men naturally exfoliate their faces every day by shaving, but they still need to exfoliate the areas they do not shave.

My testers with normal skin and dry skin really liked this and said they would buy it.

Exfolikate is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive (not hypersensitive or those with Rosacea)
  • Consistent;
  • Oily;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

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

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating TreatmentKate Somerville ExfoliKate on SkinKate Somerville ExfoliKate on Face

Ingredients:  Water/Aqua/Eau, Lactic Acid, Silica, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Pectin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit, Ceteareth-20, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Salicylic Acid, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Alcohol Denat., Sorbic Acid, Cinnamal, Honey/Mel/Miel, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Eugenol, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene, Linalool, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Beta-Carotene, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Bromelain, Papain, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil, Acetic Acid, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil.

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

St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub

Product:  St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub

Overall Rating = 1+ stars1.875 Stars – Terrible to Just Okay

Cost:   $4.79 for 6 oz. (.80 per ounce)  Price Category:  Inexpensive

Sold ByWalgreen’s and major retailers everywhere

Container:  Flip-top plastic tube

Description:  This is an Allure magazine Best of Beauty Award Winner.  (I have no idea why.)  This is described as “THE multi award winning apricot scrub that deeply exfoliates for clean, smooth and glowing skin, from America’s No. 1 scrub brand*.  (*Based on 52 week unit sales ending 7.30.16)”

Morning Review:  The first thing that hit me when I opened the cap was the scent.  The St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub has a strong fruity, sweet and flowery smell.  My nose immediately started running.  I wet my face and massaged the grainy cream onto my skin.  The crushed walnuts were very abrasive feeling and were much too harsh for my sensitive skin.  My face felt irritated.  This will definitely provide deep exfoliation if you have clogged pores.  Even after rinsing I could still smell the strong perfume.

Warning:  Please do not use this or any abrasive cleanser if you have Rosacea.  Please consult with your dermatologist before using any exfoliating product.

Morning Rating1 star1 Star

Evening Review:  At the end of the day my skin still felt slightly irritated.   I used very little product the second time with more water to try and achieve a gentler cleansing experience.  This cleanser effectively removes all face makeup.   My makeup wipes did not find any traces of makeup except for eye makeup.   You cannot get this product near your eyes.  (Crushed walnuts in your eyes would not be a good thing.)  You will need to use a separate cleanser to remove your eye makeup.  This is definitely not a good cleanser to use with a cleansing brush.  That would be too harsh and irritating for any kind of skin.

My tester with normal skin who likes perfumes said it was okay and it didn’t seem too rough for her.  My male tester said, “It stunk so much I didn’t want that on my face” and he didn’t want to try it.

Overall Review:  I would not put this on my face again, nor would I recommend it to clients.  I feel that harsh abrasive products are unnecessary and can cause damage to your skin.  I would only use this on the heels of my feet or areas with thicker skin that are not easily damaged.  It is effective to exfoliate rough, dead, calloused or dry skin on areas such as feet, elbows or knees.  Also, I would not mind the heavy scent so much on my feet, but I do not want that near my nose or eyes.  This may appeal to you if you like smelling like a bowl of fruit salad.

This is not a very good cleanser unless you are just looking for something that will deep clean, exfoliate and scrub your skin; your skin is not easily irritated; and you like heavy perfumes.  Definitely stay away from this one if you have fragrance allergies and/or sensitive, delicate skin.

St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub is suitable for the following skin types:

  • Consistent, Combination or Oily skin with no sensitivities to fragrance  or harsh ingredients
  • NOT for Sensitive skin or anyone with Rosacea
  • NOT for those with fragrance allergies

RATINGS REPORT: 

Morning Rating = 1 star1 Star;

Evening Rating = 1 star1 Star;

Average from Other Testers = 1+ stars1.5 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 1+ stars1.875 Stars – Terrible to Just Okay.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Please note that the Walgreen’s website has a photograph of the old formula from 2013 and shows the ingredients from the old formula.  I have posted photos of the old formula and the new formula.  I have also included both lists of ingredients.  This review is for the new formula.  I have noted when reading reviews from other sites that many people that used the old and new formulas are not happy with the new formula.

St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub 2016

St Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub New Formula 2016

St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub 2013

St Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub Old Formula 2013

 Ingredients New 2016 Formula (from St. Ives’ website):  Water (Aqua, Eau), Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Meal, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Acetate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Polysorbate 60, Ceteareth-20, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Fragrance (Parfum), PPG-2 Methyl Ether, Phenethyl Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool, Methylisothiazolinone, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract.

Ingredients Old 2013 Formula (from Walgreen’s website):  Water, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Meal, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Peg-100 Stearate, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Cetyl Acetate, Polysorbate 60, Ceteareth-20, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, Carbomer, PPG-2 Methyl Ether, Phenethyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance, Titanium dioxide.

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

Phisoderm Fragrance-Free Cream Cleanser, Sensitive Skin Formula

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.

Oil of Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Regenerating Cream Cleanser

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.