read over and tell me: if you had to pick one of these right now, which would you choose and why?
1. for most anyone: Origins Checks & Balances Frothy Face Wash, $22
pros:
foams well
creamy texture works well with Clarisonic or other facial brushes
helps balance dry and oily skin
very gentle
smells lovely (bergamot, spearmint, lavender)
no parabens, sulphates, phthalates
origins is committed to plant-based skincare, recycling, and earth-friendly manufacturing practices
cons:
none that I can think of
2. also for most anyone: Ole Henricksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser, $30
pros:
foams well, gentle, nourishing
contains antioxidants to protect skin, vitamin C to brighten skin
citrus-scented
no parabens, sulphates, phthalates
vegan
no synthetic materials
*was named the best natural cleanser at the Natural Health Beauty Awards
cons:
no real cons. $8 more than the Origins, but not a big deal.
3. if you need cleansing AND exfoliating: REN Micro Polish Cleanser, $30
pros:
the exfoliating ingredients can help with discoloration and uneven skin tone, making skin more radiant over time
exfoliating regularly also helps prevent breakouts
no parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, triclosan
cons:
I personally think REN products smell a little weird. not BAD, just weird.
also, this is strong enough that it should only be used 2 to 3 times per week, so you'll need another gentler daily cleanser as well for those in between days.
4. if you want to really break up makeup: Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil, $30
pros:
very gentle, ideal for sensitive skin
does NOT leave an oily residue, despite how it might seem - rinses away cleanly
removes even waterproof cosmetics
antioxidants & amino acids to protect skin
botanicals to soothe skin (hydrangea leaf to purify and minimize pores, geranium to improve circulation)
no parabens, sulphates, phthalates
no preservatives, artificial fragrance, color, gluten, or ethanol alcohol
cons:
the only tiny con for me is that it's a two-step process - you rub the oil into your skin to dissolve makeup and dirt, then add water and it emulsifies - then you rinse. it's an extra 10 seconds, tops, so NBD.
5. if you're lazy: Ole Henricksen Nurture Me Cleansing Cloths, $15
no parabens, sulphates, phthalates
recyclable materials
removes even waterproof makeup
leaves skin soft
cons:
while these are good, the clean you get isn't as good as cleansing with water, period. but in a pinch, these are great to have around.
6. if your skin is dry: Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk, $28
soft, milky texture
no rinsing required - just wipe off with cotton or cloth
leaves skin really comfortable
helps protect against free radicals
did I mention no rinsing? yeah, that's a nice option.
no parabens, sulphates, phthalates
hypo-allergenic, non-comedogenic.
suitable for sensitive skin & eyes, dermatologist & ophthalmologist tested.
cons:
takes a few more seconds and usually two rounds of wiping with this type of cleanser to get all makeup/dirt/dead skin removed, but you're also not drying your skin out more, so possibly worth it.
7. if you fancy - want luxury+nature: Omorovicza Cleansing Foam, $80
pros:
aerated cleansing foam
gentle and effective
anti-aging benefits
powerful antioxidants support natural collagen and elastic production
"Omorovicza’s patented mineral delivery system ensures absorption of minerals - skin looks better over time as ingredients are more absorbed. dermatological benefits of this enhanced delivery include: the support of natural collagen and elastin, a tighter lipid matrix to lock in hydration and protect skin from micro-damage, and improved antioxidant defense against free radicals."
no parabens, sulphates, phthalates
no polyethylene glycol, petrochemicals, silicones, synthetic colors, or synthetic fragrances.
cons:
it sounds amazing, but it's $80. maybe worth it, still. I want it. Now.
