Describe the brand in five words.
Trendy. Young. Affordable. Innovative. NY/LA.
What type of cleanser is it?
Gel with charcoal
Who is it for?
All skins
What’s in it?
Water/Aqua, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Polysorbate 20, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Saccharomyces/magnesium ferment, Saccharomyces/copper ferment, Saccharomyces/silicon ferment, Saccharomyces/zinc ferment, Saccharomyces/iron ferment, Charcoal Powder, Sea Water (Maris Aqua), Acrylates/beheneth-25 Methacrylate Copolymer, Glycerin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance/parfum
What's not in it? parabens mineral oil
Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients? Methylisothiazolinone - banned in leave-on products such as body lotions/moisturisers in the EU since Feb 2017. Not shown to be problematic in wash-off products.
Suitable for pregnancy?
Yes
Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
Man-made/vegan/gluten-free
Tested on animals in home country/EU/sold in territories that advocate testing?
Cruelty-free
How does it smell?
Lovely - like a cleanser. I know that makes no sense but think of old-fashioned cleansers and that 'fresh' smell? It's that, refreshed for modern times.
How do you use it?
This is where I differ from the brand. And I'm not trying to be contrary. They show a video on the webpage demoing the cleanser by wetting the hands, applying the cleanser to the fingertips, bringing it to a mild 'foam' (it doesn't really 'foam') and then applying to the face. Honestly that's just cleaning the palms of your hands. I apply directly to dry skin, massage it through and then remove with a flannel. You could technically splash it off if you wanted to.
First cleanse/second cleanse or AM cleanse?
I use it as a second cleanse or morning cleanse. It would remove the lightest of bb creams/tinted moisturisers but you don't want this around your eye.
Best for winter or summer?
Either, but I can see the attraction of using this in warm weather. It's refreshing. I'll take it away with us in the holidays.
Does it remove waterproof eye makeup?
No.
How long did I test it for?
I bought it in April. How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?
$28.00 for 135g/approx 135ml. Depending on usage it should last you a couple of months at least.
Works well with?
Anything. It's a cleanser!
What’s the website like?
Good. Albeit like Glossier, definitely aimed at younger people (how rude) :)
How’s the distribution? Available freely or limited?
Sephora, online (in the USA) and Urban Outfitters - coming to the UK soon (hopefully!)
What’s good about it?
I love this cleanser. I thought it would be too harsh but it isn't at all. It leaves the skin fresh but not 'tight' and doesn't appear to disrupt the acid mantle. It massages well before you add water, and rinses off well when you do. And a little goes a really long way.
What’s not so good about it?
I wouldn't use this to remove makeup. A second cleanse yes. I'm surprised to see MI (Methylisothiazolinone) in it. This is known to cause allergies in enough people that the EU have banned it from 'leave-on' products as of Feb 2017.*
Would I purchase/repurchase?
Absolutely. Ava uses it too. All good from us.
Do you need it?
Yes. Unless any of the above is contraindicated for you.
Similar products?
Not really. It's pretty unique.
Milk Makeup Charcoal Cleanser is $28.00 from Sephora.com or MilkMakeup.com for those of you inside the USA.
*Sidebar: the EU consider face wipes 'leave-on' and wipes containing MI are included in the ban. So much for 'removing all traces of makeup' eh?