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ByWishtrend,  second cleanse

ByWishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash

the claim

The ByWishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash claims to be a pH balancing, gently exfoliating cleansing powder formulated with green tea, papain enzymes and baking soda, suitable for all skin types.
 
ByWishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash
 

the science

Green tea and papain are the highlighted actives in this product. Scientific studies have demonstrated that due to its antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic effects, ingesting Camellia Sinensis Leaf  (green tea) helps prevent the formulation of cancerous tumors. There isn’t quite so much research regarding its topical use, however, skin experts generally recommend it because of its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties.

The catechins in green tea, especially Epigallocatechin (EGCG), help to reduce inflammation, detoxify and eliminate acne causing bacteria. With natural astringent qualities, green tea also decreases excess sebum production. An independent study conducted by Dr. Gan-Wong concluded that 3% green tea proved as effective as 4% benzoyl peroxide in fighting acne.

Antioxidant properties give green tea the strength to fight off free radicals that cause cell damage. The rich amount of polyphenols can help to brighten skin and slow down the ageing process. However, there are no conclusive studies reporting the reversal of ageing so it is ineffective at skin firming, wrinkle reduction and dark spot erasure.

Papain is a plant based enzyme naturally found in the papaya fruit that acts as a natural exfoliator. It is responsible for loosening dead and dry skin cells, allowing them to be washed away. Sloughing speeds the skin’s cell renewal process and helps to prevent acne by keeping pores clean. Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract  is high in antioxidant content (Vitamin A, C, E and carotenoids), assisting to reduce skin inflammation. It is also effective at moisturizing and accelerating healing.
 
ByWishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash
Sodium Bicarbonate or baking soda, present at the highest concentration in this formula, is softer than sugar or salt so can effectively deliver a gentle exfoliation. It’s also a mild cleansing agent. Due to its slightly drying nature, it is useful at treating oily and acne prone skin, helping to calm inflammation and draw out impurities. The drying nature of baking soda is due to the fact that it has a pH of 9 in comparison to that of healthy skin which is around 5.5. As a result, this can have a disruptive effect on the acid mantle, compromising its ability to protect against bacteria, pollution and damage.

Amino acids are included for their collagen building strengths. Proline and Lysine HCL are both needed to make hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, two amino acids that form collagen, responsible for giving skin strength, suppleness and elasticity and hence reducing the signs of ageing.

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stabilized form of Vitamin C that functions as a powerful antioxidant limiting oxidative stress and skin damage to keep premature ageing at bay. It may be effective against acne on the skin surface and even promote collagen production. Vitamin C also displays skin brightening abilities through interference with the production of melanin for a more even skin tone. Citric Acid, also a potent Vitamin C source, displays these characterists as well as contributing exfoliation capability since it is also a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is possibly included due to its acidic nature to balance the highly alkaline pH of the baking soda.

Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of Hyaluronic Acid, one of the Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) found in the skin. It is said to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water therefore contributing hydration to the formula.

Gentle surfactants are strongly represented in the powder wash, included at fairly high concentrations due to their ability to help water mix with oil and dirt, allowing impurities to be easily rinsed away. Both Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate and Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate are derived from coconut oil and added to provide a gentle cleansing and foaming effect. Both are generally well-tolerated by sensitive and allergic skin types.

Other ingredients are added for their bulking, thickening and humectant properties.
 

the ingredients

Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Lysine HCL, Proline, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Methionine, Theanine, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Sorbitol, Papain, Betaine, Cellulose Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate
 

the packaging

The powder wash comes in an opaque plastic bottle with screw on cap. A flip top action reveals a dispensing hole allowing the powder to escape in a controlled fashion.
 
ByWishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash Packaging
 

the analysis

No red flags are raised in either the CosDNA nor EWG reports, both returning highly favourable outcomes, confirming the safety of the product.
 
ByWishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash CosDNA Analysis
 

the application

Apply a suitable amount on your hand and mix with water. Rub to create foam. Gently rub in a circular motion. Wash off thoroughly with warm water.
 

the scent

There is a strong scent of green tea associated with this powder wash.
 

the cost

The 70g bottle of ByWishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash sells for USD$22.00 (correct at time of publication).
 

the availability

The ByWishtrend  brand is available online and from the Wishtrend website and also at Yes Style.
 

the expiry

The wash must be used within 12 months of opening and has a shelf life of three years.
 
ByWishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash Expiry
 

the performance

I’ve never used a powdered face wash before so this was a unique experience for me. I included this daily in my morning routine as a first step or alternatively as a second cleanse in the evening for a few weeks to assess its performance. Firstly, the packaging is simple and effective. The bottle is opaque but can be held up to the light to gauge how much product remains. It makes a good travel item since it’s very light and the snap lock/screw top lid is more or less spill proof. It would be even more travel friendly if the bottle size was compact. 70g content appears to be stored in a bottle of approximately 200g capacity.

The scent is unmistakably green tea. If you don’t like that smell, you won’t like this product. The first time I applied it, I was a little put off by it, but with regular use if becomes less and less noticeable. It certainly isn’t irritating, it’s just quite strong.
 
ByWishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash FoamThe powder is quite fine and lightweight. It dispenses well so you can control the amount needed. It takes a couple of applications to achieve the precise amount that will give you sufficient foam and cleansing benefits, although you can’t over-exfoliate if you use too much. I basically followed the directions provided for application. I poured some powder on my palm, added water, then rubbed my hands together to generate a lather. The grains dissolve quickly so there’s not physical exfoliation in play.

I then rub my face in circular motions the way I would any other cleanser and rinse with lukewarm water. After rinsing, my skin feels very clean and looks fresh so the immediate effects are clear. My complexion indicates that a gentle exfoliation has in fact occurred as my face is definitely brighter than after a simple cleanse.

However, I did find it a little drying once the water had evaporated from the surface of my skin. I performed an acidity test to gauge the powder’s pH level. I was surprised to find that a product which specifically claims pH balance returns a reading of 8, when the ideal skin acid mantle measures an acidic 5.5. This difference was recorded consistently (values ranging from 7.5-8.0) over several tests done on different days. Since baking soda has an alkaline level of 9 and it’s quite concentrated in this formula, it’s probably responsible for the elevated reading.
 
ByWishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash pH Reading
Alkaline cleansers can disrupt the stratum corneum, the uppermost layer of the skin, damaging the barrier function. This can cause skin dryness and a decreased antibacterial defense, making skin susceptible to acne, viruses and other foreign substances. The cumulative effect of continuous use of alkaline cleansers can be even more damaging and increasingly pronounced for those with aged skin or anyone suffering skin conditions or sensitivity. As such, I finished the powder using it no more than twice weekly.
 

the conclusion

This powder has a lot of quality attributes, it cleanses thoroughly and exfoliates gently. On the other hand, it lacks an ideal pH which is a fairly critical measure of a cleanser. This is particularly confusing in a product that claims a pH balanced solution. As such, those with sensitive, acne prone or mature skin might find this product too drying. As it is a very effective cleanser, it could be used a couple of times a week to provide gentle exfoliation, but I would avoid more concentrated, continuous use.
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Lightweight, spill proof, good travel item Only available online in Australia
Effective cleanser A little drying due to high pH
Brightening effect
Gentle exfoliator
No residue
Highly rated ingredient list

 

the references

Wishtrend website
Camellia sinensis leaf Truth in Aging
Botanical Importance in the Skincare Industry Perfect Image
Green with Envy: How Green Tea Became Skin Care’s Latest Super Ingredient Vida Karamooz, Ph.D.
Papain For Scars Jenni Wiltz
Baking Soda & Skin Care Usha Sliva
Baking Soda is NOT Good Skin Care! Ethereal Aura Spa
Sodium lauroyl glutamate NutraWiki
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Truth In Aging
Latest Skincare Trends: Amino Acids New Directions Australia
What L-Lysine Can Do For You Amino Genesis Skin Care
Why is sodium ascorbyl posphate important? Natasha Swindell
Ingredient Spotlight: Papaya Skin Care Benefits Astrida Naturals
How pH Affects the Skin Hanan Taha MD


 

the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
This product was provided to me free of charge by WishTrend for review. This post only includes my honest opinion and experience of this product and is in no way influenced by WishTrend or any of its representatives.
 


 

2 Comments

  • Bambi

    I like this enzyme powder a lot but I also had problems with pH I thought that it might be related to the water in my area but now I get a little bit suspicious. Anyway, thank you for such a great review 🙂

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