I don’t think I could give up cleansing. I’ve been switching up my cleansers lately, but a few I use/buy consistently are the Tata Harper Regenerating Exfoliating Cleaner and Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm. I only like cleansers that lather, and both these do. Some people don’t cleanse, and some double cleanser, I think you need to know what will work for you because not everything will. I’m constantly trying to minimise hormonal breakouts and acne scarring by using products that promote cell turnover—acids mostly, so cleansing is a huge part of clearing dead skin cells, and more recently, using cleansing balms and oils that hydrate to lock moisture in, so the balance is right. My skin is now more clear and my skin texture has improved. I think now, my skin just looks and feels healthy. If you are yet to find a reliable cleanser routine these are my favourite ones.
Tata Harper Regenerating Exfoliating Cleaner
I’m a big fan of this one. I wrote in detail about this cleanser after making my way through half of it because cleansing and exfoliation are important to me, and this product does both. I read something where [Tata Harper] said you should put the cleanser on dry because there is physical exfoliant in it. So I started to do that, and I feel like it exfoliates better. I let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off—that is not part of the instructions, but the real stars are the leave-ons (hair masks, I love the Josh Rosebrook Advanced Hydration Mask). Turn your cleanser into a mask and double your result. Tata Harper’s Regenerating Exfoliating Cleanser provides physical and chemical exfoliation with apricot microspheres; I grew up using St. Ives Apricot Scrub, but those ingredients! So, the apricot is effective, and there are pomegranate enzymes and phytic acid salt—the chemical exfoliants to clarify pores. Coral clay refines. My skin feels tighter and nourished afterwards. Really clean. It is worth the investment. Vegan. Cruelty-free. Also available at Sephora and Space NK.
Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser
I only like face cleansers that lather, and Youth to the People’s Superfood Cleanser Kale + Green Tea Spinach Cleanser lathers perfectly. I also like kale. I got a mini of the Superfood Cleanser from Sephora—the Superfood Daily Duo. I think these versions are great if you are not ready to commit to 237 ml. Kale, spinach, and green tea are all super high in antioxidants, so it only makes sense that you would wash your face with them. Youth To The People call it the “green juice cleanse for your face”. It prevents buildup in pores. The Superfood Cleanser also removes makeup, which I like because I don’t need to buy a specific product for this. Lots of people love this cleanser, I read a lot of other reviews before purchasing; the 237 ml is really cost-effective, but you can also purchase 59 ml. Vegan. Cruelty-free. Also available at Sephora.
Kester Black Clean Canvas Gel Cleanser
I was sent this cleanser by Kester Black, and it is really nice. At the time, my skin had been breaking out and this cleanser helped a lot. I can say it cleared my acne within a few weeks. There is salicylic acid to exfoliate, Vitamin E and goji berry extract, which promote collagen production and reduce pigmentation. Aloe vera compensates for the acids. This high-foaming cleanser is a banger, particularly if you’re prone to breakouts. Vegan. Cruelty-free. Available at Kester Black.
Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm
At the moment I am using this Glow Recipe cleanser. You get a deep cleanse that holds up well with facial massage—and it transforms into a milky oil. It is a product inspired by the K-Beauty method of double cleansing or the 1:1 Method, which means massaging the product into the skin for 1 full minute for each cleansing step. Papaya enzymes also dissolve makeup, and it just feels really nice. Back to the papaya, the enzymes are natural and it is the papaya which works to resurface your skin. And if it is the glow or plumpness, blueberry antioxidants are going to help you get that smoothness that you want. I highly recommend this cleanser. Vegan. Cruelty-free. Available at Glow Recipe and Mecca.
Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser
Another foaming cleanser, Sunday Riley, is the only product here I am yet to use but want to. I’ve been using the A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum for two years now and I swear it’s one of the few products I’ve seen actual results from, and I have read good things about Ceramic Slip. The formulation includes refined French green clay, bentonite, and white kaolin clay—so you’re pulling dirt, but the product is very gentle. And despite being a clay cleanser, rice oil esters protect the skin from dehydration and according to the brand description, it’s gentle but will still get all your makeup off. I’m obsessed with Sandalwood (anti-microbial, helps soothe inflammation) and frankincense (astringent and anti-wrinkle!), for body oils, these are also a must. A purchase for the next payday. Vegan, Cruelty-free. Part of Mecca Beauty Loop? Purchase a tube here. Also available at Space NK, where right now, if you spend over AUD155 on Sunday Riley, you receive a complimentary gift.
Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel
I bought a tube of this when I moved to Melbs because it was at the health food store. A tube is around AUD$17. Acure’s Brightening Cleansing Gel is a dream. Particularly if you're dry but still breaking out and you have no idea why. There are a tonne of antioxidants, pomegranate, blackberry and acai. Aloe vera and chamomile to calm reactive skin so it won’t compromise your skin barrier. This cleanser is going to clean your face really well, and it can remove makeup, but it also will not suck everything good out of your skin. Vegan, Cruelty-free. Also available from iHerb. Use this code BAI9566 to receive 5% off your first order.
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