From Cleansing Balm to Micellar Water, the best way to wash and remove your make-up
Navigating the Benefits and Drawbacks of Popular Cleansers and Face wash or make-up remover, the French way
The best face cleansers
It might seem simple, but no matter your skin type, texture, or current condition, having a cleansing routine is important. Too harsh of a cleanser can strip the skin barrier of precious natural oils, while too light of one won’t effectively wash away sebum and/or remove waterproof makeup, mascara, dead skin cells, or SPF residue.
From gels and foams to scrubs and natural cleansing oil, there are various “galenic” formulas to wash your face. In France, we say that « washing is just the first step towards maintaining your skin's natural condition ». But the question is: which facial cleanser is best for me?
Is it best to use a foaming cleanser ?
Well, not really. Many consumers feel their skin feels cleaner and fresher after the use of a foaming product compare to micellar water and oil-based wash, but the lather could actually strip your skin.
The key thing when buying a foaming facial wash is to look at:
- Type of surfactants: Harsh surfactants that leave your skin feeling tight are a no-no. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is one of them; Instead, look for gentle ones like Polyglyceryl-4 oleate or coconut-based derived surfactants, known to be gentle and dermatology tested.
- Numbers of ingredients: More than 25 ingredients ? it is a no-no. Formulations with a few ingredients (and natural!) can be efficient. A simple look over the ingredients list (or with an app!) and you’ll be able to tell straight away if one of the key ingredients is not naturally-derived.
3 good reasons to Avoid Using Facial Wipes as Your Primary Cleanser
Over the past years, face wipes had been very trendy. But they shouldn’t be regularly used in lieu of washing your face with a cleanser and water.
“I do not recommend them often due to excess trash for the environment; And even though [face wipes are] convenient for many, the majority are made out from plastic, and contain at least 1 or 2 preservatives.
Phenoxyethanol is one of them. When you’re checking ingredient lists, you may find phenoxyethanol in certain moisturizers, eyeshadows, foundations, sunscreens, conditioners, mascaras, eyeliners, shampoos, hair dyes, lip balms, eye makeup, face wash, baby wipes, baby lotions, shaving creams, deodorants, and more — the list really does go on.
Suspected of reproductive toxicity, phenoxyethanol had been in the crosshairs of the French agency for several years. In 2019, the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) required that manufacturers of leave-on cosmetic products (like wipes) containing the preservative Phenoxyethanol have to indicate on the label that they may not be used on the buttocks of children aged 3 years or under. In the US, It's an irritant, and shouldn't be used around the mouth. According to the FDA, It can also depress the central nervous system in infants, so really shouldn't be used on babies;
"So why would you use a product on your face, that you wouldn't use on your babies?
It might seem simple, but no matter your skin type, texture, or current condition, having a cleansing routine is important. Too harsh of a cleanser can strip the skin barrier of precious natural oils, while too light of one won’t effectively wash away sebum and/or remove waterproof makeup, mascara, dead skin cells, or SPF residue.
From gels and foams to scrubs and natural cleansing oil, there are various “galenic” formulas to wash your face. In France, we say that « washing is just the first step towards maintaining your skin's natural condition ».
But the question is: which facial cleanser is best for me?
Does foaming mean it cleans better?
Well, not really. Many consumers feel their skin feels cleaner and fresher after use of a foaming product compare to a micellar water and oil based wash, but the lather could actually strip your skin.
The key thing when buying a foaming facial wash is to look at:
- Type of surfactants: Harsh surfactants that leave your skin feeling tight are a no-no. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is one of them; Instead, look for gentle ones like Polyglyceryl-4 oleate or coconut-based derived surfactants, known to be gentle and dermatology tested.
- Numbers of ingredients: More than 25 ingredients ? it is a no-no. Formulations with a few ingredients (and natural!) can be efficient. A simple look over the ingredients list (or use an app!) and you’ll be able to tell straight away if one of the key ingredients is not naturally-derived.
Oil attracts oil: Cleansing Balm
Using an oil-based cleanser has gained immense popularity in recent years, especially within the realm of double-cleansing routines. Here are some reasons why an oil-based cleanser is often considered best:
There's a misconception that oil-based cleansers are only for dry skin. The right oil can help balance sebum production.
Dissolves Makeup and Sunscreen: Oil-based cleansers are effective at breaking down and removing all types of makeup, even waterproof formulas, and sunscreens. The oils bind to the makeup and sunscreen residues, making it easier to wipe or rinse them away.
Gentle on the Skin: Unlike some harsh cleansers that can strip the skin's natural oils, oil-based cleansers maintain the skin's moisture barrier.
Effective Deep Cleansing: Oil attracts oil. Thus, an oil-based cleanser can help dissolve excess sebum and pull out impurities from pores more effectively than some water-based cleansers.
Cleansing balm in a 100% recyclable tin: eco-friendly, travel-friendly, and perfect for on-the-go skincare
Micellar water?
Micellar water, often touted for its Parisian roots and French heritage, has been celebrated as a beauty staple for effortless makeup removal and refreshing skin cleanses.
Yet, while its elegant origin story lends an aura of sophistication, it's essential to peek beneath the label. Contrary to its pristine name and association with the meticulous French skincare regimen, not all micellar waters are created equal.
Some formulations, despite their chic branding, contain ingredients that may not be ideal for every skin type. From harsh preservatives to potential irritants, it's crucial to recognize that this seemingly simple water might carry more than just a hint of Paris in its bottle.
IIt might seem simple, but no matter your skin type, texture, or current condition, having a cleansing routine is important.
The best way to check ingredients list:
Well, not really. Many consumers feel their skin feels cleaner and fresher after the use of a foaming product compare to micellar water and oil-based wash, but the lather could actually strip your skin.
The key thing when buying a foaming facial wash is to look at:
- Type of surfactants: Harsh surfactants that leave your skin feeling tight are a no-no. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is one of them; Instead, look for gentle ones like Polyglyceryl-4 oleate or coconut-based derived surfactants, known to be gentle and dermatology tested.
- Numbers of ingredients: More than 25 ingredients ? it is a no-no. Formulations with a few ingredients (and natural!) can be efficient. A simple look over the ingredients list (or with an app!) and you’ll be able to tell straight away if one of the key ingredients is not naturally-derived.
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