CLAY+essence
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.
 
Neogen Coconut Milk Pure Mild Cleanser
 

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 which helps cleanse and lather.
 
Hero ingredients include Coconut Extract at 10,350ppm. An excellent humectant, it supports Glycerin to help keep the skin hydrated. This botanical exhibits moisturising effects and helps to reduce water loss. It’s also an effective antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral agent contributing to reduce acne, diminish the appearance of existing scars and preventing new ones. Meanwhile, Coconut Oil (10,000ppm), is rich in fatty acids, primarily Lauric and Myristic Acids. It is particularly effective at moisturisation, able to reduce dry and flaky skin. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties accelerate wounds healing and strengthen acne defense.
 
Olive Oil is a brilliant moisturiser and softener, able to penetrate deep into the skin to provide hydration and conditioning without blocking pores. It is also a source of antioxidants, Vitamins A and E neutralising free radicals that damage collagen and cause skin dryness and wrinkles. Glycereth-8 Esters are derived from olives. Water soluble, these esthers are unsaponifiable emollients that result in mild cleansing.
 
As well as contributing to natural fragrance and refreshing properties, the citrus essential oils in the formula, namely Lime and Bergamot Leaf Oils display antiseptic, antiviral and antibacterial properties to help with would healing and acne control. Astringent and antioxidant properties also help to revitalize skin by fighting free radicals.
 
Rounding the formula are ingredients that provide preservation and pH balance.
 

the ingredients

Water(Aqua), Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Potassium Cocoate, Glycerin, Olive Oil, Glycereth-8 Esters, Acrylates Copolymer, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract (10,350PPM), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil (10,000PPM), Lactobacillus, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Polyquaternium-7, Ethylhexylglycerine, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Leaf Oil
 
Neogen Coconut Milk Pure Mild Cleanser Ingredients
 

the analysis

The CosDNA and EWG assessments return low hazard ratings with moderate warnings raised against essential lime oil and preservatives due to their potentially sensitizing nature.
 
Neogen Coconut Milk Pure Mild Cleanser CosDNA Analysis
 

the packaging

The cleanser is presented in an opaque plastic bottle with screw top lid and cap. A pump is included separately for assembly upon opening which has a twist action lock. There is also a protective seal over the bottle opening to ensure it remains spill free prior to opening.
 
Neogen Coconut Milk Pure Mild Cleanser Packaging
 

the application

On dry skin, pour an adequate amount to spread evenly across the face and briefly massage the product to help melt/breakdown any stubborn makeup. Then wet to lather and smoothly massage in rolling motions. Once most make-up and impurities have been dissolved, use lukewarm water to completely rinse off the product.
 

the scent

The Neogen Coconut Milk Pure Mild Cleanser has a very slight natural scent.
 

the cost

A 300ml bottle of Neogen Coconut Milk Pure Mild Cleanser costs USD$31 (accurate at time of publishing).
 

the availability

The Neogen range is available from the brand’s website as well as several Korean skincare boutiques including Style Korean and Yes Style.
 

the expiry

This cleanser must be used within 12 months of opening and has a shelf life of two years.
 
Neogen Coconut Milk Pure Mild Cleanser ExpiryNeogen Coconut Milk Pure Mild Cleanser Shelf Life
 

the performance

This cleanser is well presented, secured when new with a seal over the opening and screw top cap, a pump included separately. It’s sheer volume of 300ml makes it far from travel friendly, although it is very easy to transfer a small volume into a mini bottle for portability. Personally, I enjoy keeping this by the bathroom basin, ready for use. The pump has a handy twist and lock mechanism that guards against accidental dispensing. The opaque plastic packaging also protects the product effectively from light degradation, although I never allow my skincare to sit in full sun.
 
There is no added fragrance although there are bergamot and lime essential oils in the cleanser, listed last on the INCI. Essential oils don’t bother me so this is not a problem however, they can be sensitizing so well worth spot testing for those with allergies. To be honest, I don’t even notice their scent in the product either. The smell of this cleanser is so subtle. It’s not fragrant or herbal, not medicinal or floral and there’s certainly no sense of coconut in its aroma. The smell is quite inconspicuous.
 
Neogen Coconut Milk Pure Mild Cleanser Texture
 
The cleanser has a glossy gel like texture, opaque white in colour. It is quite dense but still slides across a dry face when used as a makeup remover. There is only drag if insufficient product is applied. Personally, I have tested this product’s ability to remove makeup for the sake of review completeness, but I never applied it in this way, much preferring oils and balms to perform this task. I used the entire bottle as a second step cleanser, following makeup removal to effectively eliminate any residue left behind from the first step.
 
Below, I have shown the removal progress on various types of makeup including foundation, long wear and liquid lipstick, lip liners plus eye and brow products. Progress goes from top-to-bottom, left-to-right, the first image indicating the makeup to be removed. Water is only introduced at the conclusion of the process as a rinsing agent, the outcome shown in the last photo. Although they look acceptable, I did have a to use considerable force to achieve these results. Gentle massage (as you may do with an oil or balm) did very little to breakup and dislodge makeup. As such, I would not recommend using this as a first step cleanser. In my opinion, this is not sufficiently effective in this capacity. It works well to eliminate any remnants of makeup left behind from the first step, but not as a primary makeup remover.
 
Neogen Coconut Milk Pure Mild Cleanser Makeup Removal Process
 
Although I didn’t enjoy this as a first step cleanser, I loved it as a second! One tiny pump of product is sufficient to clean the face and neck effectively so the bottle lasts a very long time. As such, it is also well priced, around USD$1 per 10ml. The only problem with the size is that if you’re like me and love to experiment with new products, it’s a long time to wait for it to get empty! Nonetheless, I have totally enjoyed this cleanser.
 
Neogen Coconut Milk Pure Mild Cleanser
 
The lather is light but satisfying and creamy. It rinses beautifully too, leaving nothing behind. The coconut and olive oils allow it to lift any makeup or sunscreen residue from the first step cleanse, while the surfactants effectively rid the skin of general dirt and grime also. Afterwards, my skin feels lovely and clean without tightness or dryness. Balance is perfect, my skin feeling bouncy when dry. This observation is confirmed by a close to ideal pH reading of between 5.5-6.0. The slightly acidic composition assures the moisture barrier remains intact, the skin ready to accept the upcoming routine.
 
Overall, I really enjoyed this cleanser when incorporated as the second step in the evening or first in my morning regimen. Its general non-drying nature assures it is suitable for all skin types, with the exception of those who may be sensitive to essential oils.
 
Neogen Coconut Milk Pure Mild Cleanser LatherNeogen Coconut Milk Pure Mild Cleanser pH
 

the conclusion

This is the second Neogen cleanser that I have used, the first being the Green Tea Cleansing Stick. Both times, I have been impressed. I want to venture into more Neogen products, the next one being their Truffle Oil Serum of which I have heard great reports. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this product. It lasts forever, provides a gentle and effective wash without tightness or irritation and leaves skin clean and hydrated. I have totally enjoyed it.
 
Neogen Coconut Milk Pure Mild Cleanser
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Large 300ml bottle lasts a long time Formula includes a potentially sensitizing essential oils
Well priced Lacks finesse when used to remove makeup
Ideal slightly acidic pH
Cleans without residue
Leaves skin soft, hydrated and balanced
Suitable for all skin types

 

the references

Neogen website
Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate INCI Decoder
What Is Potassium Cocoate? Emma Watkins
Olive Oil (Olea europaea) Blue Stone Botanicals
Cocamidopropyl Betaine Paula’s Choice Skincare Ingredient Dictionary
The Benefits of Cocus Nucifera Extract Anatomicals
Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Skin? Rachael Link
Lime Essential Oil Native Oils Australia
Bergamot Fruit Oil – Benefits in Skincare Florencia Beauty

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 


 

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