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Simple hydrating cleansing oil
first cleanse,  Simple

Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil

the claim

The Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil is made of pure grape-seed oil and enriched with vitamin A and E to dissolve impurities and remove make up, leaving your skin deeply clean and well hydrated.
 
Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil
 

the science

The key ingredient in the formulation is Grape Seed Oil, comprising approximately 70% Linoleic Acid (Omega 6), 16% Oleic Acid (Omega 9), 7% Palmitic Acid and 4% Stearic Acid and small amounts of Palmitoleic Acid, Vitamin E and beta-Carotene. Lighter than coconut or jojoba oil, it’s easily absorbed into the skin, effectively moisturising without leaving an oily residue. Its astringent and antiseptic qualities help to nourish and repair skin. Grape seed oil is non-comedogenic due to its high fatty acid content, able to reduce clogged pores, eliminate acne causing bacteria and balance oil production. As such, it is particularly useful for acne sufferers and people with oily complexions. Due to its non-irritating nature, it is also suitable for mature and sensitive skin types.
 
It contributes mild skin lightening properties, effective at reducing scars, blemishes and hyperpigmentation due to its Vitamin C and E content. Grape seed oil also provides anti-ageing benefits by eradicating free radicals and promoting collagen restoration at the cellular level for smoother, firmer skin.
 
Sunflower Seed Oil is a well absorbed, lightweight oil without residue, rich in linoleic acid and Vitamin E. Essential fatty acids help to maintain the skin barrier and decrease transepidermal water loss, keeping skin supple and soft. Its emollient nature ensures smoother more hydrated skin for longer. Antioxidants provide anti-ageing advantages, fighting free radical and UV damage, thus protecting against premature ageing. Caretenoids make it a good acne treatment while anti-inflammatory properties boost new cell production and reduce irritation for a radiant glow.
 
Isopropyl Palmitate is derived from processing palmitic acid from coconut oil. It is an emollient used to improve moisture content, helping to make skin smooth and less prone to irritations such as eczema and dermatitis. Excessive use however can lead to acne, blackheads or whiteheads.
 
Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil
 
As the ingredient list is small, let’s investigate the reason for remaining items. Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate is one of the more gentle surfactants, reducing surface tension in emulsions to make it easier to dissolve and wash away dirt and grime. It is also effective as an emulsifier. Its low molecular weight of 30 means it can minimally but effectively penetrate healthy skin. It should not be topically applied to broken or irritated skin. One of the least sensitizing preservatives available is Phenoxyethanol, approved world wide at concentrations of under 1% for both leave-on and rinse-off products. BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) features to increase product shelf life, typically included in cosmetics between 0.01-0.1%. At this concentration, it does not penetrate far enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream, reducing risk. As an emollient, Isopropyl Myristate helps to strengthen the skin barrier, reducing moisture loss. It’s often used in products with a high oil content to improve overall texture, changing greasy substances to a more silky finish. Retinyl Palmitate is a combination of retinol and palmitic acid, considered a gentle form of vitamin A and an effective antioxidant. Tocopheryl Acetate is a composite of vitamin E and acetic acid, a natural skin-conditioning agent and antioxidant.
 

the ingredients

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Isopropyl Palmitate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Phenoxyethanol, BHT, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate
 

the packaging

The oil comes in a narrow cylindrical plastic bottle with controlled dispenser cap.
 

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 moderate hazard rating.
Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil CosDNA analysis
 

the application

Apply 2-3 drops to dry hands. Massage gently over your face working over the eyes and lips too. Add a little water to your skin to turn the oil into a milky-smooth texture, massage in and rinse.
 

the scent

There is no scent associated with this cleansing oil.
 

the cost

The RRP for the 125ml bottle is AUD$9.99. The Simple brand is often on sale, regularly up to 50% off.
 

the availability

Simple skincare is widely sold online and in Australia in leading pharmacies, supermarkets and department stores.
 

the expiry

Simple recommend using the product within 12 months of opening.
 

the performance

 
Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil Packaging
Sleek packaging gives this simple bottle a bit of style. Clear plastic allows easy volume detection and implies there is no need for light protection of the oil. Yellow-green in colour and fairly light weight, it uses an effective flip top lid with controlled dropper for dispensing. The cleanser is added to a dry face as a first cleanse in the evening, to remove impurities, makeup, dirt and sunscreen.
 
I found the directed amount of 2-3 drops completely insufficient to generate any sort of slip with this product on the skin. Furthermore, it just wasn’t enough to remove a full face of makeup. An appropriate amount would be closer to 8-10 drops. This provides ample slip and makes the cleansing process satisfying. I rub the oil between my hands until fully coated and then massage it into the skin in circular motions for a minute or two.
 
I press it into the eye area to remove stubborn makeup, slowly sliding my fingers over eyelashes to dislodge mascara and along the lids to loosen eye liner. I also like to close my eyes and gently circle the base of my palms around the sockets for an overall cleanse of this area. Adding water delivers a very light emulsification. I massage the resultant foam further and then rinse off with lukewarm water. The product doesn’t sting when used around the eyes and rinses quite well, avoiding cloudy vision which is a frequent consequence of many oil cleansers.
 
I was quite surprised that when sufficient oil was applied and enough massage performed, my skin was completely void of makeup and dirt, perfectly prepared for the water based step of a double cleanse. It seemed to remove my light make up (a little eye shadow, mascara and liner plus lipstick) quite effortlessly without the need for harsh rubbing or assistance of a cotton pad.
 
I went a step further and performed a test of some makeup swatches on the back of my hand. They included regular and long stay lipsticks, lip liner, pencil and liquid eye liners and mascara. I applied approximately 3-4 drops of the oil cleanser and started massaging that in circular motions with my fingers. You can see the clockwise progression of the oil’s success. It removed all items except the liquid liner which required more force as well as a cotton swipe for removal.
 
Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil performance
This shows that regular makeup excluding liquid eyeliner (perhaps not necessarily all liquid eyeliners), was well handled by the Simple cleansing oil. For my personal needs, this is more than satisfactory as I no longer use this in my makeup routine. (I find it too harsh for my 40+ year old face). When I do apply eyeliner, it is pencil or powder based and light. Those who use heavier makeup may need to include an additional eye makeup removal step in their routine if using this product.
 
As far as hydration is concerned, I found the product claims were met. My face felt soft and clean upon completion of the cleansing process, confirmed by an ideal pH reading of 5.5.
 
Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil Acidity
Vitamins A and E are given special mention in the product, claiming they act to dissolve impurities, remove makeup and leave skin deeply clean and well hydrated. Vitamin E is present in the key oil actives – grape seed oil and sunflower seed oil – and enhanced (perhaps negligibly) by trace elements of Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), the last element in the ingredient list. Retinyl Palmitate represents Vitamin A, however, it would be almost insignificant given its second last placement within the ingredient list which is presented in decreasing order of concentration. Nonetheless, the combination of ingredients, certainly meets the product claims, regardless of which component addresses each performance indicator.
 
Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil
 

the conclusion

This is a great first step oil cleanser for those who don’t wear heavy makeup and perhaps even those who do given its price point. It may be more economical to invest in a $10 oil cleanser and use a dedicated eye makeup remover for stubborn makeup than a more proficient, expensive product that can do it all. This is efficient at removing light to medium makeup and sunscreen so great for every day. It doesn’t leave skin dry or tight, retaining a good level of hydration. For its cost, the level of efficacy achieved makes this a more than valid product.
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Simple ingredient list, paraben free Not suitable for heavy makeup
Readily available in Australia
Great for all skin types
Inexpensive
Doesn’t dry out your skin
Fragrance free

 

the references

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil Cosmetics Info
15 Beauty Benefits of Grapeseed Oil for Skin, Hair & More Beauty Munsta
Grape seed oil Wikipedia
All About Grapeseed Carrier Oil New Directions – Aromatics Blog
Isopropyl Palmitate Paulina Nelega
Polyoxyethylene Sorbitol Tetraoleate Truth In Aging
PhenoxyethanolCosmetic Ingredient Dictionary | Paula’s Choice Skincare
BHT Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary | Paula’s Choice Skincare
Skin barrier benefits of sunflower seed oil Peter Lio MD
Isopropyl Myristate The Dermatology Review
Ingredient Watch List: Should You Avoid Retinyl Palmitate in Your Sunscreens? Annemarie Skincare
Tocopheryl Acetate Truth In Aging

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
 


 

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