Where to purchase: Amazon: LINK / Feel Unique US: LINK / Boots: LINK / Look Fantastic UK: LINK / Ulta: LINK / Target: LINK
Price: £8-£12 (depends on whether it’s on sale).
Volume: 150ml
Made in: France
What is it?: A Gentle Oat-oil and Hydrating PHA-containing Gel/Cream unscented cleanser that aims to gently exfoliate and hydrate sensitive skin.
Supposedly Good for: Normal-Dry Sensitive Skin.
What I think: I would agree. I would also agree that this fits Oily-Combination Skins (in the winter especially).
Note: Check out my other Aveeno Calm+ Restore Skincare Reviews: LINK
Youtube Video: Swatching + Reviewing the Aveeno Calm+ Restore Range
Vegan?: No.
Cruelty Free?: Still sells in China.
How long does it last after opening?: 12 Months.
pH: The natural pH of the skin is slightly acidic (4.7), and as this cleanser does not sting or make my skin feel very tight, I would put it at somewhere near this balanced pH and not higher.
Packaging: Plastic bottle with a flip-top cap. Easy to use. Can get a little messy at the dispensing area (i.e. product can dry there and flake).
Directions: ”Apply to wet or dry skin. Massage gently to remove dirt and impurities. Wipe off or rinse with lukewarm water. Gentle enough for daily use.” (From the Website HERE).
How I use it: I use this in the PM to wash off my Sunblock. If I were double-cleansing, I would use this second (see makeup removal test below). I actually have to apply a lot more than I would usually use, as this does not foam up at all, so I need more to spread over the skin and wash off my SPF adequately. Sometimes, I do need to double-cleanse just to remove my SPF (Especially the L’Oreal brightening Sunblock, as it sticks so thoroughly to the skin).
Key Ingredients: Gluconolactone (PHA – Exfoliating) / Glycerin (Skin-identical, important ingredient for the skin’s barrier) / Allantoin (Soothing – coupled with PHA . Sunflower Seed Oil (Emollient).
Full Ingredients: Aqua, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor oil, Avena Sativa Kernel (Oat) Oil, Lecithin, Sodium Citrate, p-Anisic Acid, Allantoin, Chlorphenesin
NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE
What is PHA and What does it do?:
Gluconolactone is a Polyhydroxy Acid (a PHA) chemical exfoliant, which is a ”Next generation AHA” (related to AHA). It can exfoliate a lot more gently than AHA (it’s a bigger molecule) and lifts dead skin cells from the surface of the skin (increasing the skin’s cell turnover rate), softening and smoothing it out (almost an immediate result).
It does so, without irritating the skin as much as Glycolic acid (hence why it was included in this sensitive skin cleanser) AND it does not make the skin sensitive to the sun (therefor you can use it in the daytime – but of course, still use sunblock).
The long term benefits of chemical exfoliation include a reduction in pigmentation (particularly caused by acne), and gluconolactone can also help thicken the skin and help reduce the look of fine lines / wrinkles over time (however it is weaker than Glycolic acid). It is also suggested to use PHA post-cosmetic procedure to prolong results.
The good think about this PHA is that it acts as a humectant (holds water and hydrates/moisturises the skin) and can help repair the skin’s barrier. It also has the potential to treat acne/blemishes (however, this requires further study). Gluconolactone therefore is great for those with sensitive skin or who are sensitive specifically to exfoliants. It is also a good ”beginner” exfoliant to use before stepping up to stronger exfoliants.
References: LINK / LINK / LINK / LINK / LINK / LINK / LINK
Note: Light exfoliation can be just as gentle as heavy exfoliation (i.e. a scrub, then a peel, then AHA). Using something as mild as PHA means you can use it every day (or every other day) and gently build up skin tolerance, while avoiding that ‘burning’ feeing or over-sensitising the skin (making SPF application usually hurt).
Texture: This is a cream-gel cleanser. It is semi-viscous and will run down the hand. It’s not a greasy texture and not tacky either (quite a smooth, milk-like cream).
This feels cooling and definitely has a smooth formula.
Does this dry out the skin?: On a scale from 0 (Not drying at all) to 10 (Horribly, painfully drying), I would put this (I have Oily-Combination, dehydration-prone skin) at a 3.5/10, so it’s not bad at all! If I don’t apply anything on the skin after cleansing, after 30 minutes, the skin is a slightly dry, but not tight or painful and I’m not in desperate need to apply something on.
Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: No.
Summer or Winter?: Oily Skins: Winter (I think Oily-Combination Skins would prefer this over oily skins). Dry Skins: All Year.
Video Swatch: Texture
As you can see, this is a lightweight cream-like cleanser. It thins out a lot (which might be undesirable for some people).
Video Swatch: Does this foam up / Turn Milky when water is added?:
When water is added, this becomes even thinner and does NOT foam up.
Makeup Removal Test: How well does this Remove makeup?:
Left to right: Eye Liner / Eye Liner / Liquid Lipstick / Mattifying Lipstick
Method: Rubbed for 30 seconds, then applied water and rubbed for another 30 seconds. Did not wipe dry or wipe with a towel.
As you can see, this wasn’t able to remove the Liquid Lip stick or Mattifying Lipstick. This is a gentle cleanser that isn’t intense.
Does this wash off regular SPF, grime and dirt adequately?: This is not the most powerful cleanser and I would recommend it as a second cleanser in a double-cleansing routine. I do prefer the cleansing capabilities of The Ordinary’s Cream Cleanser slightly more than this (Review HERE).
Fragrance?: This is Fragrance + EO Free. It smells slightly chemical-y due to being unscented.
How long have I been using this?: 1-2 Months.
Will I use until Completion?: Yes.
How Long will that take?: Another 3 Months (I use this daily and apply it over my neck and ears and back of the neck too).
The Effect?: Initially: gently cleansed (not very thorough, but simply/basically cleansed) skin that doesn’t feel painfully tight/dry. Long Term: No huge or noticeable changes to the look or texture of the skin (however this didn’t make it look worse).
Support the Blog!
Giving a donation really helps with the maintenance of the blog! any money made will go towards purchasing products for review!
£2.00
What I like:
- Gentle (I didn’t experience stinging or itching after use)
- Doesn’t completely dry out the skin or make it feel painfully tight
- Fragrance + EO Free
- Feels very smooth and pleasant to use along the skin
- Easy to wash off
What I don’t like:
- Doesn’t list the % of PHA (10% is usually ideal but this could be much lower, therefore reducing the potential immediate effectiveness of this)
- Doesn’t list the pH (would be nice to know)
- Not the most potent cleanser (i.e. doesn’t cleanse really thoroughly and may need a double cleanse to remove SPF)
Overall Rating and Conclusion: 3.9 (nearly 4) / 5 – A gentle (very thin i.e. it thins out a lot) cleanser that did not worsen, itch or irritate my skin. I appreciate that it didn’t make my skin feel very tight or dry, and I like the smooth creamy texture of this. It’s easy to wash off and I like the inclusion of PHA. I also liked that this is unscented. I would recommend this more to Sensitive and sensitised and Normal-Dry skins, however Oily-Combination Skins could still enjoy this in the winter/spring (like I do). I particularly understand why this is recommended to Sensitive skins and I like the idea that it allows sensitive skins to gently exfoliate their skin and not have to cut out exfoliating entirely for fear of irritating the skin.
Would I repurchase?: Yes I would (I like the inclusion of PHA, even if the % isn’t included).
How does this compare to the Aveeno Nourishing Oat Cleanser?: Both are very similar in terms of their gentleness; the Nourishing cleanser is more gel-jelly-like and does not contain PHA, whereas this PHA cleanser of course, contains PHA and is a creamy texture. Both have the same cleansing strength (very light).
Note: Review of the Oat Cleanser is here: LINK
Dupe?: The CeraVe – Blemish Control Cleanser – This is a gel-to-foam cleanser containing 3 Ceramides, 2% Salicylic acid AND Gluconolactone to exfoliate the skin, reduce the look of blackheads and blemishes. This is also Fragrance + EO Free. Note: this does foam up (isn’t a cream cleanser).
Available at: Look Fantastic: LINK / Cult beauty: LINK
- The Some By Mi – Beta Panthenol Repair Gel Cleanser is Fragrance + EO Free and contains Gluconolactone (PHA).
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
- The Inkey List – Oil & Water Double Cleanser is Vegan + Cruelty-Free, Fragrance + EO Free and also contains Panthenol (and is better at makeup removal)
Available at: Cult Beauty: LINK / Amazon: LINK
My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
Follow me on IG for Updates!
Note: I earn a small commission when you purchase through affiliate links, which helps me purchase products for review + also help improve the Blog! If you would like to support me, thank you ever so much! and if not, that’s fine – I hope you enjoy my posts!
My Skincare Regime 