CLAY+essence
  • Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam
    Missha,  second cleanse

    Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam

    the claim The Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam claims to leave skin clean, hydrated and moist. It cleans with a rich lather designed to completely remove impurities, leaving skin refreshed with the assistance of MOISCLEAN.     the science Blue Lotus Flower Extract is the spotlight ingredient of the foam cleanser. It is a natural moisturiser perfect for the treatment of dry, rough or flaky skin and can also help balance oil content to improve acne. After water, fatty acids are strongly represented in the formuation. Firstly, Myristic Acid is a surfactant. It helps to bind water and oil to lift away dirt and impurties and together with Lauramide…

  • Nu'trir Nourishing Cleansing Oil
    first cleanse,  nu'trir

    nu’trir Nourishing Cleansing Oil

    the claim The nu’trir Nourishing Cleansing Oil claims to be a botanical and antioxidant rich oil based cleanser that removes makeup, impurities and dead skin cells leaving skin feeling hydrated and nourished. It aids cell renewal with gentle exfoliation and provides anti-ageing properties with an antioxidant rich formulation.     the science A good oil cleanser removes makeup, sunscreen, impurities and general dirt from the face as a first step of the evening routine. This one from nu’trir incorporates many natural oils and extracts in order to achieve this. The one present at the highest concentration is Willow Bark Extract, a source of salicylic acid, a natural exfoliator able to…

  • 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.     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,…

  • Nature Republic Aloe Vera Cleanser
    Nature Republic,  second cleanse

    Nature Republic Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser

    the claim Nature Republic Aloe Vera Foam Cleanser removes impurities from your skin with its creamy foam, which contains aloe vera extract.     the science As with many skincare products, Glycerin’s humectant properties see it listed second in this formulation following water. It moisturises the skin by drawing water from the air into the skin’s surface, simultaneously creating a protective layer to prevent moisture loss. Aloe Vera Leaf Extract can soothe skin and serves as an anti-inflammatory as well as acting as a moisturiser. Full of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities, Lauric acid is derived from coconut and used for its skin repairing, anti-acne and cleansing properties. Myristic Acid, Stearic…

  • Olive Oil Skincare Company Juniper Orange Face Wash
    Olive Oil Skincare Company,  second cleanse

    Olive Oil Skincare Company Juniper Orange Face Wash

    the claim The Olive Oil Skincare Company Juniper Orange Face Wash claims to be the ideal daily cleanser and tonic for maintaining healthy, smooth and radiant skin. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins it helps to fight the signs of ageing and benefit problem skin conditions.     the science The Juniper Orange Face Wash comprises 100% natural ingredients, a total of 14, without SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), parabens, palm oil, artificial fragrance or colours. This indicates a favourable product in terms of composition. An investigation into the individual components will allow us to see if it is an effective, non-irritating cleanser. The face wash comprises a series of all-natural surfactants,…

  • Heimish white clay foam
    Heimish,  second cleanse

    Heimish All Clean White Clay Foam

    the claim The Heimish All Clean White Clay Foam claims to remove impurities from the skin and pores for a refreshing sensation.     the science This is not a standard foam cleanser in that one of its key actives is Amazon White Clay (kaolin), more commonly found in a face mask due to its texture and purification properties. The other featured ingredients in the formula include Hyaluronic Acid, Coconut Oil and Citrus Oils. Kaolin is the most gentle of facial clays making it suitable for all skin types. It displays excellent absorption, allowing it to pull impurities out from the skin surface. As such, it helps to gently exfoliate…

  • Trilogy Make-Up Be Gone Cleansing Balm
    first cleanse,  Trilogy

    Trilogy Make-Up Be Gone Cleansing Balm

    the claim The Trilogy Make-Up Be Gone Cleansing Balm claims to remove foundation, mascara and lipstick (long-wear and waterproof) like nothing else. It melts on contact with warm skin, dissolving impurities and leaving your face perfectly cleansed, supple and silky-smooth.   the science The star ingredients in the formula are highlighted on the jar label, namely, Coconut Oil, Mango Butter and Rose Hip Seed Oil.     Coconut Oil has widely documented hydration and nourishing properties resulting from a high content of essential fatty acids. It coats the skin’s natural barrier to prevent moisture loss and in doing so, together with anti-bacterial properties, helps to heal and repair skin.  …

  • double cleansers
    cleanse,  routine

    Double Cleansing

    the theory As the name suggests, double cleansing is the Korean process of cleaning your face twice before layering the remainder of your evening skincare. The first cleanse flushes away the majority of oil based impurities including pollutants, makeup, sebum, bacteria and layers of sunscreen. The second picks up what the first misses and also effectively removes perspiration, cell debris and dirt.   According to Dr Susan Mayou, consultant dermatologist at London’s Cadogan Cosmetics clinic: Make-up is now formulated for its staying power, so it often needs a double cleanse to remove it thoroughly. Research shows that when skin isn’t properly cleaned, the surface layer can prevent active ingredients from…

  • Banila Co,  first cleanse

    Banila Co. Clean It Zero

    the claim The Banila Co. Clean It Zero balm is said to have a lightweight, soft, sorbet-like formula to provide quick and easy one-step cleansing, whisking away pore-clogging impurities without irritating skin. Suitable for all skin types and able to perfectly remove even heavy, tenacious makeup with the mild cleansing power of papaya extract. Please note that since publishing this review, Banila Co has released a new version of this balm that is free of mineral oil.   the science The Banila Co. cleansing balm uses Papaya Extract to naturally and gently exfoliate and remove skin impurities. Papaya has many documented benefits for the skin. It is high in antioxidant…

  • Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
    second cleanse,  Su:m37°

    Su:m37° Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick

    the claim The Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick by Su:m37° claims to generate plenty of foam and remove waste without skin irritation, leaving the skin soft.   the science Su:m37° is a premium skincare brand in Korea whose products incorporate a high content of natural ingredients. They specialize in fermented skincare, hence the 37 in their name, representative of the ideal fermentation temperature. Fermentation is said to increase the potency of the ingredients and in doing so deliver a more effective product.   The formula is rich in natural oils which include orange, lime and lemon peel oils, green tea and apricot seed oils plus coconut, basil, ylang ylang flower, marjoram,…