My Summer Cleanser Collection
Updated: Jun 28, 2020
I switch up my cleansers with each changing season, but one thing that remains consistent all year round is applying the double cleansing method. To remove my makeup and the day's dirt I prefer a lightweight oil or balm, over one that's richer, as i prefer those more in the colder British months. My 2nd cleanse in the evening is either a deep pore cleansing mud cleanser or a nourishing cream cleanser depending on what my skin needs. In the mornings I like to use a lightweight, low PH gel-based cleanser. I've been a long-time fan of the Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser and the now discontinued Perricone MD Daily Foaming cleanser. I ran out of both this summer and decided to give some new cleansers a try. Deep cleansing and clarifying are the main things i look for in a summer cleanser.
Morning cleansing is a personal preference, some people like to use a micellar water for convenience, and some normal to dry skin types might not even need a cleanse and a splash of water will suffice; Because my skin is combination-oily I cleanse every morning because any excess oil will prevent the products that follow from penetrating into my the skin. Meaning my makeup won't sit as well. The main thing is to use a cleansing product that doesn’t degrade the skin’s barrier function opting for a cleanser with a low PH between 5-6. So let's take a look at the cleansers my skin has been loving this summer...
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil | £24 for 200ml - Link
An oldie but a goodie, the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil was actually my first ever oil-cleanser purchase, and I guess you could say it was a real game-changer for my skin. The DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is an Olive Oil-based Cleanser that helps to break down makeup, daily grime and sunscreen and even removes waterproof mascara gently and rinses away easily leaving behind zero residue. It's basically a no muss no fuss oil-based cleanser that quickly removes makeup without drying out the skin! It also doesn't irritate my eyes at all!
Ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) fruit oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) leaf oil
Cosdna Results
ENature Moringa Cleansing Balm | £25 for 75ml - Link
The first Korean oil-based cleansing balm that doesn't leave a cloudy film across my eyes! Though I loved how efficiently the Banila Co and Heimish All Clean Balm broke down makeup, i didn't like the cloudy residue left behind on my eyeballs. I only have one fear in life and that is going blind, so it's obvious to say if a cleanser leaves my eyes blurry I'm not a fan. The ENature Moringa Cleansing Balm is just as effective but much more gentle on the eyes. The sherbet-like texture melts almost instantly upon contact with warm skin Enriched with Moringa Seed, Rose and Iris Extract the formula works to do more than just cleanse, but also help skin with softness and anti-ageing. Being near 35 i will take all the anti-ageing help i can get. I love that this is fragrance-free.
Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Polyethylene, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Fragrance, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Iris Versicolor Extract, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Rhododendron Chrysanthum Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Water, Squalane, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Stearic Acid, Panthenol, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Polyquaternium-51, Glyceryl Arachidonate, Glyceryl Linolenate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine, Cyanocobalamin.
Cosdna Results
Jane Scrivner Nourishing Cleanser | £46 for 100ml - Link
The most heavenly scented balm I think I have ever had the pleasure of inhaling! Yes, the smell is even nicer than the infamous Emma Hardie Moringa cleansing balm which is another firm favourite of mine. Only the Jane Scrivner balm removes makeup way better without irritating my eyes, despite containing essential oils; It's actually incredibly gentle. This delightful cleanser is Jojoba Oil-based with a beautiful blend of organic cold-pressed, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lemongrass, Lavender, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Sweet Orange and Ylang Ylang. The texture is rich enough to slowly melt and nourish without being comedogenic but is also light enough to remove with ease. In all honesty, I've never tried another balm the same as this, and every time I open the jar the relaxing yet invigorating scent takes me away to a no-worries land for a brief while. It works beautifully as a first cleanse makeup remover and also as a 2nd cleanse when you need extra nurturing or enjoy a nice facial massage. This is a favourite of mine every winter, but it's honestly delightful to use all year round.
Ingredients: Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Organic Cera Alba (Beeswax), Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Canarium Luzonicum Gum Nonvolatiles, Eucalyptus Radiata Leaf/Stem Oil, Olibanum, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Commiphora Myrrha Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, *Benzyl Benzoate, *Benzyl Salicylate, *Citronellol, *Geraniol, *Limonene, *Linalool
Cosdna Results
Pestle & Mortar Renew Illuminating Gel Cleanser| £38 for 100ml - Link
If you are familiar with the emollient texture of the Oskia Renaissance Cleanser (one of my personal favourites) the Pestle & Mortar Renew is similar in that its an oil-based gel, but more viscous. It kind of reminds me of a light Vaseline texture. Ingredients include a base oil of Jojoba oil, Superoxide Dismutase which helps with improving wrinkles, fine lines and age-related pigmentation and fruit enzymes (papaya & mango) to help refine and brighten the skin. It's 100% Vegan uses no synthetic fragrance, however, it does have a slight citrus scent from it which comes from the Bergamot. Basically every time I use this cleanser my skin feels refreshed and looks brighter and clearer. I love that it comes in an airtight pump too.
Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Aqua, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root ferment Filtrate, Superoxide Dismutase, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Sucrose Palmitate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sucrose Stearate, Benzyl Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool, Annatto (CI75120).
Cosna Results
MV Organic Skincare 9 Oil Cleansing Tonic | £62 for 65ml - Link
The 3rd best smelling cleanser in the world is the MV Organics 9 Oil Cleansing Tonic! There's just something about the natural scent of all MV Organic Skincare Products that make you feel so zen, so chill, so relaxed. The sensory experience with a cleanser is very important to me, its why I don't enjoy using any menthol, tea tree or eucalyptus cleansers because its a scent I cannot stomach. The Cleansing Tonic is a beautiful lightweight oil packed with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich natural plant-based oils. It's an instant pick-me-up for those with tired, dehydrated and sun-damaged skin. It also acts as a balancing treatment for oily and congested skin types. At £62 it is pricey but believe me when I tell you that this little bottle lasts for a very long time. It's one of my favourite oils to really enjoy a thorough facial massage.
Ingredients: Camellia (Camellia Oleifera) Oil*, Avocado (Persea Gratissima) Oil*, Infused Centella (Centella Asiatica Extract) Oil, Vitamin E – non GM (Tocopherol), Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Extract*. With essential Oils of: Bitter Orange, Lavender, Geranium, Sandalwood, Rosewood and Carrot Seed. *Organically Grown.
Cosdna Results
MUN Skin Akwi Purifying Cleanser| £59 for 100ml - Link
An oil cleanser that clarifies is the first thing that comes to mind with this cleanser. It's an oil-based cleanser but the texture is very unique. Although it's oil-based, the Akwi cleanser contains gentle surfactants that help the cleanser to emulsify upon contact with water. It's my favourite all in one cleanser (makeup removal and 2nd cleanse) to use in the summer months. The natural scent is delicate and not at all obnoxious. It's a Castor, Argan and Camellia seed oil-based cleanser, and the only essential oil is Yuzu, which is known for not being sensitizing to the skin, unlike most citrus essential oils. The cleanser is delicately PH balanced so it doesn't strip the skin and works for all skin types. I've noticed it helps a lot with reducing excess sebum production throughout the summer.
Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil* Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil* Aqua Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil* Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate Silica Silylate Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate Sodium Bis-Hydroxyethylglycinate Coco-Glucosides Crosspolymer Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Oil Tocopherol (Non-GMO Vitamin E) Isopropyl Palmitate Citrus Junos (Yuzu) Oil *Certified Organic
Cosdna Results
Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser | £18 for 135ml - Link
Initially, I disliked the scent of the Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser when they first sent it to me to try a couple of years back. It has a slightly herbal scent mixed with chemicals, that i just can't quite put my finger on. However, I have since grown to quite enjoy the scent, it kind of reminds me of a natural spa. The Pixi Glow Mud cleanser is an Aloe-based clarifying cleanser that helps to cleanse and gently exfoliate leaving you with a clearer glowing complexion. It's basically a cleanser and mask hybrid. The Pixi Glow Mud cleanser relies heavily on an ingredient called Diatomaceous earth which is known not only for being a natural pesticide, but has been shown to help strengthen collagen and detoxify the body, which is why it's so popular in smoothies. Diatomaceous earth is an odourless talc-like powder made from fossilized remains of algae high in silica content. In skincare it's known to remove polluted toxins, remove dead skin cells and leave the skin super smooth. Combined with glycolic acid they are the ingredients working together to gently polish and resurface the skin. The rest of the ingredients are hydrators like Aloe, Safflower, Chamomile, Avocado, Glycerin and Squalane. I love this cleanser in the summer because of his cooling properties and how it reduces excess sebum and leaves my skin refreshed and glowing.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Diatomaceous Earth, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Glycolate, Lauroamphocarboxyglycinate and Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, Squalane, Anthemis Nobilis Flower (Chamomile) Extract, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract, Hexylene Glycol (and) Fructose (and) Glucose (and) Sucrose (and) Urea (and) Dextrin (and) Alanine (and) Glutamic Acid (and) Aspartic Acid (and) Hexyl Nicotinate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Corylus Avellana (Hazelnut) Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance, Chlorphenesin, Guar Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid.
Cosdna Results
Verso Foaming Cleanser | £32 for 90ml - Link
Unlike other foaming cleansers, Verso’s is more of a creamy-gel based texture, with a slight foam. It not only feels like it's purging pores but it also helps to nourish and keep the skin’s natural moisture intact. Initially, when I first got this because it had a 'soapy' type smell I was nervous it was going to strip my skin, but it was not the case at all. It's a delightful cleanser to use in the mornings, super refreshing and perfect for those of us with an oily t-zone looking for a simplistic cleanser to reduce excess sebum and grime in the summer months. A little really goes a long way.
Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Glycereth-7 Caprylate/Caprate, Lauric Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii Oil, Coco-Betaine, Decyl Cocoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Parfum
Cosdna Results
Real Barrier Cream Cleansing Foam* | £17 for 150g - Link
The texture of this is identical to the verso, a nice soft-whipped creamy-gel hybrid. However, I prefer this one as it has a just a tickle of scent compared to other gel cleansers. Though I enjoy a nice sensory experience at nighttime to help me unwind, in the morning too much fragrance can be a little overwhelming and nauseating. So this is perfect for my morning cleanse. My morning cleansers have to have a low ph and be able to refresh my skin without feeling drying. The Atopalm Real Barrier Cream Cleansing Foam* ticks every box for a simplistic morning cleanser. Despite being a 'foaming' cleanser, the creamy easy-whipped texture means this foaming cleanser really hydrates, soothes and balances. It's one of the few low PH K-Beauty cleansers that doesn't actually contain Tea Tree Oil which i love! Though the cleanser is mostly made up of delicate surfactants some of the other ingredients include Centella, Spirulina, Sunflower seed oil and Broccoli Sprout Extract. When it comes to Korean Beauty products in the UK I always look at Skinsider UK for innovative Korean beauty brands and products. Real Barrier is a good skincare brand for those with sensitive, reactive or compromised skin types. I originally discovered the Korean brand through Skinsider, and it's fast becoming one of my favourites. If your after a simplistic no muss, no fuss cleanser that gets the job done then I would highly recommend
Ingredients: Water, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Potassium Cocoate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Sweetalmondamphoacetate, Carbomer, Myristoyl/Palmitoyl Oxostearamide/Arachamide Mea, Dihydroxyisopropyl Palmoylpalmamide, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Sprout Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Panthenol, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Sprout Extract, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate(3), Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil(3), Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil(3), Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil, Disodium Edta, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol
Cosdna Results
Pixi Rose Cream Cleanser | £18 for 135ml - Link
The newest cleanser in my stash is the Pixi Rose Cream Cleanser. It's a lightweight creamy cleanser that gently cleanses and nourishes and hydrates. Just like the glow mud cleanser, it's aloe vera based and also consists of Rose, Avocado and Chamomile which help to soothe and hydrate the skin. It's definitely not as hydrating and nourishing as my antipodes Grace cream cleanser but its definitely a nice cleanser that I enjoy using, especially in the mornings. It has a very scent that's a mix of subtle natural rose and synthetic rose scent, and I like that it's delicately scented and not overpowering.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Water/Aqua/Eau, Diatomaceous Earth/Solum Diatomeae/Terre de Diatomées, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Montmorillonite, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Squalane, Xanthan Gum, Kaolin, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Disodium EDTA, Rosa Gallica Flower Powder, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Mica, BHT, Linalool.
Cosdna Results
As you can see in my bathroom cabinet I do have more cleansers in my collection. However, the ones I have mentioned are the ones I'm currently using this summer. Do you switch up your skincare and cleanser with the changing seasons? What are your favourite cleansers to use, I would love to know...
Des Bisous
Jamey xo