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Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick
Neogen,  second cleanse

Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick

the claim

The Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick is formulated with naturally derived ingredients and embedded with crushed green tea leaves for soft exfoliation. It claims to remove makeup, impurities and dirt on the skin to leave fresh, moisturised skin.
 
Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick
 

the science

Only bettered in concentration by the popular humectant Glycerin, the star ingredient, Green Tea, is represented in the cleansing stick by the leaf extract and the seed oil. Green Tea is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralise free radicals, reduce inflammation, clear cell damage and repair wrinkles. Rich in Catechins, a group of natural compounds called Polyphenols (EGCG in particular) that protect against UV radiation and environmental stressors, green tea also helps to inhibit collagenase, the enzymes that break the peptide bonds in collagen, thus promoting skin firmness and elasticity. Antioxidant content is boosted by Vitamin E to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay.

Coconut Oil is included for its hydration and conditioning abilities. Rich in fatty (Capric, Lauric and Caprylic) acids, it also displays antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which help to replenish the skin to keep it healthy.

Additional oils that are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants complete the formula. The one most abundant is Japanese Tea Seed Oil and there’s also Sunflower, Meadowfoam and Evening Primrose. They help achieve excellent moisturisation to keep skin supple.

Olive Oil contains three powerful antioxidants: vitamin E, polyphenols and phytosterols which guard against premature ageing by restoring skin smoothness and protecting against ultraviolet light. It penetrates deeply to provide both cleansing and moisturising effects. According to aesthetic plastic surgeon Paul Lorenc, MD:

Olive oil is great for breaking down waxy substances like waterproof mascara and eyeliner. With the added benefits of antioxidants and a hydrating squalene, it moisturizes the delicate skin in the eye area, plus nourishes eyelashes the same way conditioner works on the hair.

Essential oils of Lime, Basil, Lemon, Oregano, Ylang Ylang and Orange improve antioxidant strength and also contribute antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects to ward off bacteria and acne as well as give the formula natural preservative function.

 
Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick

 

the ingredients

Glycerin, Water(Aqua), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Palmitic Acid/Stearic Acid, Lauryl Betaine, Betaine, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica (Japanese Tea) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Ocimum Basillicum (Basil) Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Origanum Heracleoticum (Oregano) Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Fragrance (Parfum)
 
Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick Ingredients
 

the packaging

The Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick is presented in a plastic tube with cap. It has a screw mechanism bottom to draw the product out, much like a lipstick.
 
Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick Packaging
 

the analysis

Due to the low concentrations of citrus oils and fragrance, both the CosDNA and EWG resources rate the Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick a moderate hazard.
 
Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick CosDNA Analysis
 

the application

Gently massage product over damp face in a circular motion. Wet fingertips and lightly massage over face and neck to create a lather. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
 

the scent

The Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick has a mild scent.
 

the cost

The 80g tube costs AUD$30.00.
 

the availability

Neogen products are available at Korean skincare boutiques including April & Ko, Style Korean and Yes Style.
 

the expiry

The cleansing stick must be used within 12 months of opening.
 

the performance

Stylish and practical, the packaging of this stick cleanser makes it very easy to use and highly portable without risk of spillage or damage. Although the stick comes into direct contact with the skin, I had no issues with contaminants or degradation of the product. In order to preserve it, I did ensure the soap itself was dry before recapping it and also stored it upside down to encourage moisture to seep into the cap rather than into the remaining product.
 
Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick
The cleanser has a scent that is partly contributed by the essential oils and partly due to added fragrance. I would have preferred only the former but nonetheless, the cleanser has a refreshing and light smell that did not irritate me and was in fact quite pleasant. It resembles a sweet tea. The stick itself is typically soap like in texture and behaviour. Although there are visible tea leaves in its formulation, I didn’t find these sufficiently tactile that the would impart any level of physical exfoliation. Regardless, they add another dimension to the product that is pleasing.

Application is as you would expect. The soap itself is drawn out from its tube packaging through a screw mechanism at the base, much like a lip balm or lipstick. As such, you only need expose a small amount at any one time to use. I used this as my morning first step and evening second step cleanser even though the product is said to remove makeup and accumulated daily dirt. The presence of cleansing oils in the formula indicates that it would be effective but I only use oils and balms for the first step so didn’t even attempt to remove makeup with this as I would never do it in practice.

I apply it to a wet face in circular motions and then massage it in with my hands before rinsing with lukewarm water. The light foam that forms is silky soft and gentle, providing a light and luxurious feeling. The cleanser is gentle around the eyes which is nice. I was able to open my eyes during a full face cleanse without stinging. All over application didn’t cause any irritation or drying either.
 
Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick foam
This product provided me a lovely clean without any tightening on the skin. Testing its pH, it returned a value of around 5.0 which is pretty close to ideal, confirming a non-drying experience and an intact acid mantle. The fatty acid content of the included oils certainly helped to return soft, clean skin. However, I’m not convinced the antioxidants in a wash off product really have much effect since they are only on the skin for such a short period of time.
 
Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick pH
 

the conclusion

This cleansing stick gave me a satisfying, hydrating cleanse that I thoroughly enjoyed. It would suit most skin types with the exception of those super sensitive to fragrance and essential oils. I would definitely repurchase this, particularly as a travel safe option.
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Smart, travel friendly packaging Only available online for Australians
Gentle foam, luxurious cleanse Added fragrance
Balanced pH leaves skin clean without stripping Essential oils may be sensitizing
Skin is soft and supple
Suits all skin types

 

the references

The Skin Benefits of Green Tea Extract Skin Care Club
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Truth In Aging
Skin Benefits of Coconut Oil Alexandra Early
Coconut Oil for Skin: Everything You Need to Know Coconuts and Kettlebells
How to Use Japanese Camellia (Tsubaki) Oil Wawaza, Japanese Beauty and Wellness
Benefits of Olive Oil for Skin Dr. Edward Group
Sunflower Seed, the Skin Protector Annmarie Skin Care
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Benefits In Organic Cosmetics Naturelle Cosmetics
Meadowfoam Seed Oil Skin Benefits The Best Organic Skin Care
Ask a Dermatologist: Can You Use Olive Oil for Your Skin? Maya Allen
 


 

the disclaimer

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


 

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