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Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
first cleanse,  Klairs

Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil

the claim

The Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil is easily washable and allows mild yet effective cleansing of dirt and makeup without causing any trouble or irritation. It also maintains skin moisture after cleansing.
 
Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
 

the science

Taking on the role of spotlight ingredients in the formulation, both Blackcurrant Seed Oil and Black Soybean Oil are anti-inflammatory agents, rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. As such, they are able to soothe skin conditions such as acne, protect against free radical damage and provide nourishment and moisture.

Several other oils are included to boost these functions. Jojoba, Sesame, Carapa Guaianensis and Cranberry Seed Oils are gentle, soothing, hydrating and non-irritating, ideal for all skin types. They too are rich in essential fatty acids, powerful antioxidants and vitamins which work to regenerate skin cells and repair damaged ones, fight inflammation and premature ageing as well as brighten skin by providing essential moisture.

Other notable ingredients include Shea Butter which is full of nutrients, antioxidants, polyphenols and phytonutrients, enhancing the healing, protective and hydrating properties of the formulation. Tocopheryl Acetate is a composite of vitamin E and acetic acid, a natural skin-conditioning agent and antioxidant. Emollients which give the formula its silky feel and also provide oxidative stability are heavily represented by Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Isononyl Isononanoate and Isopropyl Myristate. They resist moisture loss and help to lubricate the surface to reveal soft, smooth skin.

Contributing the surfactant and cleansing properties of the black oil, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is a blend of glycerin and coconut oil. It dissolves the impurities on the skin to clean the surface whilst its emollient properties allow his to be done in a gentle fashion. Finally, Isopropyl Myristate enhances the texture of the product, replacing the greasiness that comes with high oil content formulations with a sheer feel for comfortable application. It is however comedogenic. Repeated use has the potential to clog pores and cause acne.
 
Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
 

the ingredients

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Isononyl Isononanoate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Isopropyl Myristate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Blackcurrant) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Polysorbate 20, Fragrance, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
 

the packaging

The cleansing oil comes in a narrow tinted plastic bottle with a pump action dispenser. There is also an added security clip to prevent involuntary release.
 
Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil with safety clip
 

the analysis

Passing the ingredients of the cleansing oil’s formulation through the CosDNA Database and the EWG Skin Deep Cosmetic Database, the formulation receives a low-moderate hazard rating.
Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil CosDNA analysis
 

the application

Pump an adequate amount of the oil into dry palms then gently massage over dry skin starting with forehead, nose then cheeks. Rinse off 2-3 times with lukewarm water.
 
Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil Application
 

the scent

There is a very soft and subtle scent associated with this cleansing oil which is only noticeable it if I really focus on it.
 

the cost

The RRP for the 150ml bottle is USD$22.90.
 

the availability

The Klairs Black Deep Cleansing Oil is available online from reputable stores such as Wishtrend, Yes Style and iHerb.
 

the expiry

Klairs recommend using the product within 12 months of opening. It has a shelf life of three years. I received mine a few months after manufacturer from Wishtrend ensuring it is fresh.
 
Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil Shelf Life
 

the performance

The presentation of the cleansing oil is sleek and elegant. A tinted bottle protects it from premature degradation by minimizing light exposure. The labeling is simple and sophisticated and the pump action is quite standard for such a product. The addition of a removable clip around the neck of the bottle is fantastic, as when applied, it prevents the oil from being accidentally dispensed. Cleansing balms are often preferred for portability but this simple clip makes the oil far more travel friendly and unlikely to spill in transit.

The Klairs Deep Black Cleansing Oil comes out clear and is quite lightweight. You only need 2-3 pumps to clean your entire face, the final amount dependent on how much makeup you might be removing. As with most oil cleansers, there is plenty of slip making it easy to spread around the face. The product directions suggest applying it top down, starting with your forehead then moving to your nose and finally cheeks. I don’t understand why the order is important.
 
Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil pH Reading
Massaging the oil into the skin in circular motions for just a few minutes will loosen all the surface dirt, makeup and sunscreen. Adding a bit of warm water generates an emulsification which takes with it impurities that are then flushed away upon rinsing. It doesn’t irritate the eyes and provided you rinse with warm water (with or without a washcloth) afterwards, won’t leave you with cloudy vision either.

The oil cleans well leaving no obvious residue. You can sometimes feel a little slick on the skin but multiple rinses in lukewarm water will generally eliminate that. Alternatively, introducing a warm, wet washcloth will also help. Additionally, given it is the first cleanse, provided it is effective, I’m not overly concerned about a light film on the skin since the water based cleanse that follows will remove this anyway. Anything more significant would be uncomfortable but what I am referring to is very slight.

The cleanser leaves the skin feeling comfortable without tightness or dryness. A pH check supports this, coming it at a slightly acidic, ideal pH of around 5.25. Looking more closely at its cleaning performance, consider the image below, progress happening in a clockwise direction. I swatched some long stay lipsticks, lip liners, pencil and liquid eyeliners and mascara onto the back of my hand and then added the oil to clean it off. Then, I gently massaged it for around a minute where all but the waterproof liquid eyeliner had been effectively removed. I continued to gently rub and added water to emulsify it at which time, the eye liner was also dislodged. Although it took a little more effort, it was still quite acceptable in terms of time and effort expended. Following this with a few rounds of rinsing with warm water left my skin feeling fresh and supple.

Makeup that may not dislodge immediately can be encouraged with a cotton pad or wash cloth.
 
Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil Performance
 

the conclusion

Effective and gentle, this oil cleanser is well worth a try. I have enjoyed using it and it is a great alternative to my regular balms. The silky feel as it is massaged onto the skin is very satisfying and the results are excellent with skin left clean, soft and supple.
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Silky formulation Only available online in Australia
Effective at removing makeup May require a washcloth for stubborn makeup
Clever (lockable) packaging
Leaves skin soft and supple
Fragrance free

 
Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
 

the references

Wishtrend website
Caprylic Capric Triglycerides Ingredients to die for
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Paula’s Choice Skincare Dictionary
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate Truth In Aging
Isononyl Isononanoate Paul’s Choice Skincare Dictionary
Blackcurrant Oil Oil Health Benefits
Benefits of Soy Oil for Skin Care: How Soy Oil Can Help Your Skin Knoji Consumer Knowledge
Skin Benefits of Jojoba Oil Regan Hennessy
7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Sesame Oil for Skin Good Health Academy
Cranberry Seed Oil for Skin, the Super-Absorbing, Moisturizing Antioxidant Annemarie Skin Care
Carapa guaianensis seed oil Truth In Aging
PEG 7 Glyceryl Cocoate ACAR Chemicals
Isopropyl Myristate Truth In Aging

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
 


 

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