Clarins • Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed for Normal or Combination Skin • Cleansers

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kamakyri on 6/7/2013 10:51:00 AM more reviews by kamakyri

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

So I received a Bay gift card and decided to splurge on some Clarins products - the shea butter cleanser received great reviews here. The Clarins rep recommended that I try this cleanser instead because of my combination skin. I also decided to get the Lotus skin balancing oil as I had read about the drying sensation of this cleanser on this site. Whoot! I LOVE this combo! The cleanser is expensive but it foams REALLY well so you only need a tiny amount - the tube will last a very long time. My face feels super clean and my makeup is fully removed (which didn't happen with my previous cream cleanser from Aveeno). I then put two drops of the Lotus oil in my palm, rub my hands to warm the oil and then pat it all over my face at night. My skin is now really soft and supple.

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*TOP REVIEWER* aamna_601 on 6/1/2013 4:42:00 AM more reviews by aamna_601

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I really really wanted to like this product. Actually I loved this product, until I didn't.
I got two deluxe gift with purchase sizes over the last two months. Normally I use a glycolic acid cleanser (DDF or MD Forte) alternating with a gentler cleanser (Boscia purifying) and then the moisturizer/treatment alternates as well (retin-A, korres rose serum, or boscia clear complexion). This regimen has led my skin to be the best its been for a long time (knock on wood!) but I still get a pesky pimple once a month, probably hormonal. I also am going to be unhappy with my pore size forever and a day because genetically I just have big pores and that's that. So although my skin texture tone and brightness is great with the current regiment, I always stray a little to try new stuff.

When I first tried this cleanser I loved it so much. It really does give a squeaky clean feeling but not drying if that makes sense (I'm not usually a squeaky clean fan but this was def an exception!). It smells great (like fresh laundry as someone else said), and a small dab goes a long long way (its SUPER concentrated probably moreso than any other cleanser I've ever used). After washing I felt like my skin was so smooth, soft, oil free and the pores were so much smaller. It just looked airbrushed! And it stays that way for a few hours for sure before my oiliness kicks in (sooner on this cleanser btw than my others, so that was unfortunate). But that wasn't the deal breaker.

Deal breaker was the pimples I started getting with this. I was so surprised since yes my skin is sensitive but its not THAT reactive to products generally, it'll get red or itchy but not break out like michael jackson on the dance floor. However, clarins really brought out the evil in my skin. I tried to blame these pimples on everything else, honestly from my other skincare staples to the stress in my life and change of season but in the end, whenever I stop using this cleanser, I go back to the one pimple per month phenomenon instead of 4 new zits every 2 days (FML). I get these nasty cystic pimples on this cleanser, and I was boggled as to why. WHY? Its a GREAT cleanser otherwise!

The only thing I can think of is--the shea butter. Why on earth would you make a cleanser 'oil free' only to add butter to it? Oily ladies, would you feel comforted if someone told you that a cleanser was oil free only to discover later that it has lard or crisco in it instead? That's just word play to me, if its some thick fatty ish then it should really not belong in a cleanser meant for combo/oily skin. I have noticed before that shea butter anywhere on my face gives me some pretty impressive (=atrocious) zits.

Sadly, although this really shrinks pore size (or appears to) and gives a great airbrushed look, soft matte look, it really made me break out. Honestly, its one of the few cleansers (maybe the only cleanser actually) thats made me break out. Wow.

I'm so sad because I wanted this to work so bad. In fact I'm going to try the tamarind cleanser from Clarins next because I just can't believe that I can't have my cake and eat it too in terms of pimple free skin and perfect looking skin.

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rachelk94 on 5/17/2013 5:08:00 AM more reviews by rachelk94

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

Used this cleanser and really do like it! Alot of people are mentioning tightening or drying out, I had this too but realised i was using way to much! A tiny bit is all you need and it felt much better. Got rid of a few of my breakouts noticed a visible difference, but i do agree it is slightly drying but does do a nice job however i think i would try a more moisturising cleanser from their range before i buy again.

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madelinerose on 5/6/2013 11:52:00 AM more reviews by madelinerose

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Tan, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I bought this cleanser after running out of a Clinique one, i thought it would be great because i use a lot of Clarins products already and I have normal/combination skin and that's what the cleanser is for, however after the first time using it my skin didn't feel too great, then after continued use i started to break out a fair bit and that's pretty unusual for me, it could be that it was a bit too drying..

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Mari05 on 4/21/2013 11:25:00 PM more reviews by Mari05

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I am on my 2nd tube of this cleanser and I am quite pleased with it. It cleanses my face thoroughly and it doesn't have a strong smell to it.
It does make my face feel a bit tight after I washed it but its not as bad as previous face wash I have used before and it depends on the weather etc etc..
I like this face wash but I am still searching for my perfect face wash...

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*TOP REVIEWER* audmac on 4/21/2013 5:24:00 PM more reviews by audmac

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight   Eyes: Hazel    

I got a sample tube of this from a generous swapper and since i was almost out of my current cleanser i decided to give it a try. i was pleasantly surprised. it smells fresh- like one of the bbw or clean cotton scents. It foams up nicely, cleans and removes makeup well. My skin was clean and very soft after I used it. I may purchase the full size after I use this up.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Laski on 4/13/2013 12:18:00 PM more reviews by Laski

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

This was just a bit too drying for my skin. It produces a nice soft, creamy lather, but then it leaves my skin really squeaky clean (though I remove my makeup before washing with this, because it alone wouldn´t be strong enough) and if I don´t apply moisturizer right away it feels severely parched. Maybe it would be right in hot summerweather when my skin gets oilier, but in general it´s too harsh for me.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

DominotheCat on 4/12/2013 3:36:00 PM more reviews by DominotheCat

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I love this cleanser, the foamy consistency feels like it thoroughly yet gently cleans my face. Pricey but lasts for 2-3 months. And my skin has had almost no breakouts (touch wood!) since I've been using it the past year.

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phoenixstar76 on 4/12/2013 1:24:00 AM more reviews by phoenixstar76

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I had high hopes for this cleanser with all the good reviews, but sadly it irritated my skin, not majorly but it stung a bit and increased my redness. I wanted to get the one with shea butter, maybe that would be more suited to me. This was the only one on Sephora, not sure if the other one is discontinued or what. Glad I can return it. My skin did feel very clean and soft to the touch. It's a bummer to be sensitive to so many products. I'm sure most people would love this.

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SmileeeyJ on 4/11/2013 12:27:00 PM more reviews by SmileeeyJ

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This product is great! It may be slightly expensive however it lasts soo long; little goes a long way with this! You don't even need a pea-sized amount in order to cover all your face and for it to lather and foam up.
It doesn't leave my skin feeling tight or really dry, however, like all foaming products, it does take oils out of your skin so I do moisturise afterwards.
The cleanser is very gentle so even on my sensitive skin it doesn't irritate at all but you can sense how well it has cleansed your skin.

Overall, it is a really amazing Gentle Foaming Cleanser that lives up to its name. I will definitely buy this product again...if I ever run out!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Alexandra123Y on 4/9/2013 3:31:00 AM more reviews by Alexandra123Y

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Very good basic product. Does exactly what it is supposed to be: cleanses very thoroughly leaving your skin soft. Doesn't make your skin feel dried out.
Has a light smell, can't really describe it, it smells the way some creams do.
A great advantage of this product is that it last a really long time. You need very small amount to make it work effectively.

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opossum19 on 4/8/2013 3:53:00 PM more reviews by opossum19

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

Great basic product, lasts for ages and really cleanses your skin. Lathers well, but if you put on just a tiniest amount in the morning when your face isn't that dirty it still gives great clean feeling, might be a tiny bit drying, but of course nothing a simple moisutrizer that you should use anyway can't fix. Might try next time with shea butter. Good nonirritating cleanser

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Endocalm on 3/28/2013 11:43:00 AM more reviews by Endocalm

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

A decent packaging. Very sanitary for repeated use.
I really love the creamy feel and enjoyed washing my face.
The smell is great but a bit too much like washing clothes.
I personally am dry and found a very tight feel after wash.
But it washes ALL your make-up off.
Clarins claims highly natural products but I do find for department they are too perfumy and that doesn't help to sensitive easily irritated skin.

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emblain on 3/25/2013 4:50:00 PM more reviews by emblain

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I had always struggled with very oily but dehydrated skin. Most products for oily skin would make my dehydration and flakey skin so much worse. I had tried so many cleansers in the past, but finally I feel this is the one for me. It controls my oiliness and I have barely any spots or blemishes now what so ever. It also doesn't upset my flakey/dehydrated skin. A favourite product of mine. It is ever so comforting and lasts a long time as you only need a small amount. Also, the smell is amazing! A top product.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

LTcurlygirl on 2/23/2013 11:37:00 PM more reviews by LTcurlygirl

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Warm   Hair: Red, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

This is the most luxurious cleanser I've used to date! I really hate washing my makeup off at night, but this cleanser makes it less of a chore. Its very creamy and silky and just feels great on my skin (no tightness) I have to use an oil cleanser first in order to remove makeup, however and it is expensive, but you really only need a tiny amount for each use.

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*TOP REVIEWER* blondbunny on 2/15/2013 12:25:00 PM more reviews by blondbunny

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I took one lippie off for the smell it smells just like wash up liquid its awful:/ but the cleanser otherwise is gold.after just one use my dry combo skin looked refreshed and more even toned I find this better then lauders splash away and this is cheaper to love this and can't wait to venture more in clarins skincare a lot of their skincare range is organic which I favour most.I higly recommend this to anyone.

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Elena1981 on 2/7/2013 10:04:00 AM more reviews by Elena1981

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This is an excellent cleanser. At first I fell in love with a Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Tamarind and Purifying Micro Pearls (combination/oily skin) but as in winter my skin changed, I decided to give a try to a Cleanser with Cottonseed (normal/combination skin). To be precise, I would give the previous cleanser 5+++ and to this one 4.8. The cleanser with Tamarind made my skin very pure and blemishes free, and this cleanser makes my skin very soft, supple and it feels less drying, making it more perfect for cold months. This is the main difference between these two.
What I extremely love in both of them is the tiny amount that you need to wash both a face and a neck, it is very economical, and 125ml. can easily last around 10 months. Both of them are very gentle yet effective. Both give a lightweight lather (though a cleanser with tamarind gives a little bit more lather, but the difference is not very striking) that is very easily rinsed off.
I believe this cleanser is like a golden middle between cleansing milk and a cleansing gel/soap. It leaves the skin as soft as cleansing milk does, but perfectly cleans and refreshes the skin like a cleansing gel. So if you are not sure what to buy either cleansing milk or a cleansing gel, go for Clarins Foaming Cleanser. It’s brilliant and worth every cent you pay for it.

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daniiq on 2/2/2013 3:54:00 PM more reviews by daniiq

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Grey    

I can be very short on this product; it's good.

It's a very basic cleanser, that gets rid of all the dirt and cleanses my acn-eprone skin easily. I don't break-out that often anymore, and this cleanser definitely helped getting it under control. I don't think i need to search for another cleanser anymore, because i have been using this for over 6 months, and it's been the best cleanser i have ever used; it just does everything i expect of a cleanser; nothing more, nothing less.

Don't throw this away too early though, because even though it may seem empty; when you cut it open you will see that there's still enough product in there to get through at least 2 more weeks. That's the only downside to the packaging. A little goes a long way too! I tend to use way to much even though you only need a liiiiiiitle bit, and it'll foam up easily!

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Char1008 on 1/30/2013 3:33:00 PM more reviews by Char1008

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

I purchased this facial wash towards the end of last summer as i was looking for something to freshen my face in the mornings. To begin with the wash worked well using it with warm water my face felt very clean if a little tight which was easily corrected with moisturiser. However, as the weather turned colder I found I was getting dry patches flare up across my cheeks almost immediately after rinsing. Now I have stopped using it my skin has gone back to normal. When the weather improves towards the summer I may give this product another try but I would definitely not recommend this to anyone with combination skin to use during the winter.

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mirameia on 1/13/2013 6:29:00 AM more reviews by mirameia

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Black    

I was using Clearasil for about 2 years before this and everything seemed fine(i loved the fact that it's not harsh but cleanses really well) but my skin somehow decided to change and react against it. All of a sudden I started getting breakouts! Or maybe it just doesn't work well for my skin anymore. So I had to change to a different cleanser urgently.

Stumbled upon these reviews on Clarins cleanser with Cottonseed, and took a chance. Though it's by far the most expensive cleanser I've ever purchased, I do not regret it one bit.

At first my skin itched a lil when I used this and I was so worried that I may have an allergy reaction to it. But as I continue to use it, somehow my skin got used to it and then..it just began to work WONDERS for me. My breakouts LITERALLY cleared, thanks to this amazing cleanser. And you just really need a pea-size amount to lather up the whole face. It cleanses extremely well and I'm still amazed at how my breakouts just vanished. Somehow I think it shrinked my pores too. Now my face is really, almost flawless.

Though it's a little drying, nothing a moisturizer can't do. :)

I will definitely repurchase.

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