CLAY+essence
  • Pyunkang Yul Calming Low pH Foaming Cleanser
    Pyunkang Yul,  second cleanse

    Pyunkang Yul Calming Low pH Foaming Cleanser

    the claim The Pyunkang Yul Calming Low pH Foaming Cleanser claims to be a self-foaming cleanser specially formulated for sensitive skin. It contains 5 kinds of centella asiatica extract for soothing, botanical extracts for balance and shine control plus mild AHA exfoliation.     the science Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate (DLS), is a sulfate free, gentle cleansing agent that can lift oils and dirt from the skin as well as boost foam. It has a larger molecular size than most surfactants which makes it gentler because it doesn’t readily penetrate as deeply, thus reducing the possibility of irritation. Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate and Coco-glucoside are gentle cleansing agents derived from coconut which…

  • body,  Mokosh,  oil,  second cleanse

    Mokosh Skincare – Part II

    the brand In Part I I introduced you to this multi-award winning Australian brand who brings us a range of natural, ethically developed skincare to heal, balance and nurture. In Part II, I review a few more items including a lip balm, oil serum, body cream and bar soap, so please read on…       Frankincense & Orange Body Cream The Frankincense & Orange Body Cream is a highly indulgent body cream concentrate that sinks into the skin to restore suppleness and elasticity. ⁣   Ingredients Butyrospermum parkii (Shea) butter⁺, Camellia oleifera seed oil, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) oil, Adansonia digitata (Baobab) oil, Sesamum indicum (Sesame) seed oil, Macadamia ternifolia…

  • Neostrata Resurface
    body,  Neostrata,  second cleanse,  serum

    Neostrata Resurface

    the claim The NEOSTRATA Resurface line claims to harnesses the power of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) to smooth and refine the skin’s surface through daily exfoliation. Neostrata employs a Smart Amphoteric Complex gradual release delivery system to help maximise skin tolerability while using high concentrations of AHAs.     the cleanser The Foaming Glycolic Wash is formulated with 18% Glycolic Acid and 2% Lactobionic Acid to exfoliate and cleanse congested pores as well as prepare the skin for optimal benefits of the regimen that follows.     the ingredients Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycolic Acid, PEG-8, Alcohol Denat., Arginine, Ammonium Hydroxide, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Lactobionic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Citrus…

  • Neogen,  second cleanse

    Neogen Coconut Milk Pure Mild Cleanser

    the claim The Neogen Coconut Milk Pure Mild Cleanser claims to be a creamy and hydrating all-in-one milk cleanser formulated with Coconut oil and Coconut extracts to smoothly remove impurities and makeup while leaving skin moist and supple.     the science Heading the formula are the cleanser’s surfactants. Firstly, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate is an amino-acid based cleansing agent which displays excellent foam and can also reduce the harshness of stronger surfactants. Potassium Cocoate is a potassium salt derived from the fatty acids present in coconut oil. It works by breaking apart molecules, thus reducing surface tension allowing dirt and grease to be released. Cocamidopropyl Betaine is another gentle surfactant…

  • Huangjisoo,  second cleanse

    Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Deep Clean)

    the claim The Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Deep Clean) claims to remove makeup and effectively clean pores and skin with a 99.5% natural organic formula.     the science This cleanser boasts 99.5% natural, organic ingredients. Represented at the highest concentration in the formula is Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, a surfactant derived from the amino acids found in apple juice. It is responsible for the cleanser’s abundant but gentle foam and also acts as a natural preservative. Next come the hero botanical extracts. First of them in concentration is Japanese Mint Extract. Its main constituent (around 70%) is menthol with limonene, menthone, pinene, isomenthone, methyl acetate and piperitate…

  • JKosmmune Enzyme Cleansing Powder
    JKosmmune,  second cleanse

    JKosmmune Enzyme Cleansing Powder

    the claim The JKosmmune Enzyme Cleansing Powder claims to be a gentle, foaming facial cleanser uniquely formulated with 99.9% pure beta glucan and papaya-derived enzyme.     the science Corn Starch displays similar absorbency properties to talc so is useful for collecting excess oil from the skin and preventing residual shine. It also provides a silky, dry after feel when used in powder based cosmetics. Corn starch has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe itch and calm rashes and burns. Gentle surfactants are next in terms of concentration in the powder wash. These are added for their ability to help water mix with oil and…

  • Tia'm Snail & Azulene Low pH Clenaser
    second cleanse,  Tia'm

    Tia’m Snail & Azulene Low pH Cleanser

    the claim The Tia’m Snail & Azulene Low pH Cleanser is a mild gel cleanser that helps to maintain a healthy skin pH while also reducing skin irritation that can be caused by cleansing.     the science Represented at the highest concentration, following water, is Cocamidopropyl Betaine. This ingredient is a gentle surfactant which acts as a cleansing and lathering agent. According to beauty guru, Paula Begoun of Paula’s Choice Skincare, it is too mild to clean adult skin when used alone. Thus the requirement for Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate at position 3. A water soluble, sulfate-free, coconut derived surfactant, it too is incredibly mild and considered one of…

  • Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Brightening)
    Huangjisoo,  second cleanse

    Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Brightening)

    the claim The Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Whitening & Brightening) claims to be a vitamin rich cleanser that will brighten skin tone and restore luster to dull skin with ingredients such as Green Tea Extract.     the science This cleanser boasts 99.5% natural, organic ingredients. Represented at the highest concentration in the formula is Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, a surfactant derived from the amino acids found in apple juice. It is responsible for the cleanser’s abundant but gentle foam and also acts as a natural preservative. There are several exotic plant extracts that assist to protect and heal skin. A few hero botanicals include Green Tea Extract,…

  • 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.     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…

  • Su:m37 Skin Saver Pure Effect Foam Cleanser
    second cleanse,  Su:m37°

    Su:m37° Skin Saver Pure Effect Cleansing Foam

    the claim The creamy Su:m37° Skin Saver Pure Effect Cleansing Foam claims to thoroughly remove pore waste and makeup residue leaving clear and moist skin.     the science This is a first! I was unable to locate an ingredient list on the packaging, the brand’s website nor stockist websites. As such, I contacted the Singapore Su:m37° office requesting the full product composition. Unfortunately, I didn’t receive any reply. As such, this review is purely based on performance without an ingredient assessment.     the ingredients Not available.     the packaging The Su:m37° Skin Saver Pure Effect Cleansing Foam is presented in a plastic tube featuring a removable screw…