Zia • Fresh Cleansing Gel • Cleansers

rated 3.9(70 reviews)

Average Rating.3.9
Would buy this product again.72%
Package Quality4.1
Price3.2
Ingredients

rated 5 of 5 morgs5555 on 2/1/2011 5:49:00 PM more reviews by morgs5555

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

A makeup artist friend of mine recommended I use this cleanser for my ruddy, sensitive complexion. It is one of the only cleansers that calms my skin and cleans it. I don't have to use a makeup remover, I just use it and a toner. I have less blemishes and less redness since I have started using it. It is $18 at whole foods and lasts about 1 - 2 months. It is probably a little more than I would like to pay for a facial cleanser but for me it is worth it. If I use anything else I have problems.

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rated 4 of 5 jmarvellous on 2/5/2010 10:51:00 PM more reviews by jmarvellous

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

Extraordinarily gentle, nice smell and great feel. You'll have to use a makeup remover for any eye makeup and an exfoliator at least once a week, if not several times.

It leaves my skin soft and glowy, but I'm beginning to think it's just not strong enough for the oilier parts of my mixed-up skin. I recently got a pimple on my nose, where I have never gotten one before in more than 12 years of acne, whereas my normal acne-prone areas are hit-or-miss. My skin is changing now, and I'm not sure of the role this wash has had in it.

If you've already got good skin, I'd highly recommend this product. When my face is in balance, it's a great asset.

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rated 2 of 5 Jaqueta on 8/7/2009 8:05:00 AM more reviews by Jaqueta

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

This product, in a nutshell, doesn't clean well, yet dries out my sensitive skin. I really wanted to like this cleanser. I've used and liked a couple of other Zia products. This one promises that it "gently yet effectively removes dirt and makeup". It does not. It was $17.00, which I would consider a fair price if it did what it promised, instead, it couldn't remove my pretty light makeup (I wear Olay Definity TM) and left my skin feeling dry. There is no way in hell I would repurchase this.

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rated 5 of 5 Inchworm on 12/25/2008 4:44:00 PM more reviews by Inchworm

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

I received this as a Christmas present and I LOVE it. It's helped with my adult acne (stress-induced) and rinses wonderfully clean. The scent is pleasant, clean, and not too strong. I don't think I've had any fresh breakouts since using this.

I would recommend using a separate makeup remover, especially if you wear a lot of foundation and/or eye makeup, but that's generally the case. A cleanser isn't supposed to remove your makeup AND cleanse your skin; that would be like taking a shower with your clothes on!

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rated 2 of 5 suzata on 9/23/2008 2:50:00 PM more reviews by suzata

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Blue    

This cleanser was too harsh for my sensitive skin. I was really surprised (and disappointed) at how much it burned my skin.

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rated 3 of 5 cherrybark on 6/14/2008 12:34:00 PM more reviews by cherrybark

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

i have acne prone skin and this product for me is an ok pre wash. i have the original formula so i don't know what i think of the new ingredients, but recently i was able to find the original in a discount store and bought a couple. it is very mild with a great scent and works as a pre wash for those who need a little extra. i love the smell but it doesn't work for me by itself. i won't buy again because it just doesn't seem worth the cost.

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rated 2 of 5 Pava on 1/29/2008 6:16:00 PM more reviews by Pava

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

New formulation makes this an entirely different product. Not a little change, almost all the ingredients are different. I've used this for years, and frankly I'll have to give it up now. It gives me zits.
Back to the drawing board for a hyper-mild cleanser for rosacea skin

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rated 2 of 5 candigirl72 on 1/2/2008 2:19:00 PM more reviews by candigirl72

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight   Eyes: Brown    

I have combo/slightly sensitive skin.
The new formulation hurt my skin.My skin became warm red & irritated after using this. The scent is the same but the gentleness is gone. This is going back to the store.

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rated 4 of 5 CHOSENVESSEL on 11/19/2007 11:21:00 AM more reviews by CHOSENVESSEL

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I have been using this cleanser for 16 days. I am 30 years old and suffering from adult acne. I have used cleansers from Lancome, Clinique, Estee Lauder, and Mario Bedescu. I purchased this cleanser from Whole foods for $17, which I believe is fairly priced. Cost is no factor when it comes to something I cannot replace such as my skin or my teeth.

This cleanser is wonderful! I have not broken out since I started using this gel. I use BE and this cleanser seems to take off my mineral makeup very well.

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rated 3 of 5 Gingerly on 10/14/2007 8:15:00 PM more reviews by Gingerly

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

Cleanses well without stripping or leaving a film. Seems to really calm my finnicky complexion -- which is really saying something. I have problems with sulfates, so this cleanser is just the ticket. I've strayed, but have always come back. I love the natural essence too.

UPDATE: I am heartsick! They've changed the formula and I'm afraid to try it now.

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rated 1 of 5 amelina on 9/30/2007 4:42:00 PM more reviews by amelina

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    


UPDATE: After a closer look I realized this was making my rosacea worse and I had to stop using it. Plus, it does not remove makeup on its own.

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rated 3 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* lotusfairy on 7/30/2007 10:47:00 PM more reviews by lotusfairy

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

The trick to this cleanser is to rub it in as best as you can to lift away any dirt or makeup you have. My face feels soft and is left with a nice, glow. I really don't like the strong ylang-ylang scent; its a bit much for a facial product, but nonetheless its a good, natural cleanser. Its gentle, it doesn't break me out, but does seem to irritate my eczema when I get flare-ups.

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rated 5 of 5 amyvg on 7/16/2007 8:09:00 AM more reviews by amyvg

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Dry   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I have been using this cleansing gel for about 6 mths now. I used to use a harsh detergent-type cleanser but when I discovered that I have very dry, slightly sensitive skin I switched to this gel type. I wasn't ready to switch to a milk cleanser, just yet...
Any who, I love this cleanser. I was worried when I switched to a more gentler cleanser it wouldn't clean my face as well, but I was wrong! I do think I have to work harder to make sure all my make-up comes off, but the directions do say to "massage into your skin for 30-60 sec" which is exactly what I do. I have rarely, if ever, any residues after. It helps that I gently rinse with lukewarm water for a good while to make sure I have rinsed off everything.
Plus, I think this cleanser has made my skin look and feel better. I'm now starting to switch to a milk cleanser, because my skin is still too dry, so I will definitely miss this cleansing gel! I LOVE the smell! And the silky feel.
Maybe I can mix it up and continue to use this once and awhile...

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rated 5 of 5 ivyann on 5/9/2007 4:01:00 PM more reviews by ivyann

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

I love the smell of this product. I think it is ylang ylang. So if you like that smell, you will love this cleanser. It is very gentle, but I wouldn't use a washcloth or it would just get soaked into the washcloth and not be on your skin enough. You have to massage it on your face for about a minute to get a good cleaning. I have combination skin and I have had less pimples since I began using this, but it does not dry my face out at all. I think I bought an 8 ounce bottle for $15, which is alot for me, but a little goes a long way. I think I use a teaspoon per application. I will definitly be buying this again. It is a joy to wash my face with such a delicious smell. Some people hate ylang ylang, but I love it.

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rated 5 of 5 PuffyMiddlepart on 4/12/2007 7:07:00 PM more reviews by PuffyMiddlepart

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I love this cleanser--it's been a HG for me because it doesn't strip my skin or clog pores. Anyway, this is a brilliant finisher--I tend to remove my make-up with Shu Uemura a/o cleansing oil and then cleanse my skin by removing the oil with Zia. It leaves me perfectly balanced. I have normal-combination skin and this eliminates the problems I was having getting mascara off just using Zia and the ickyness of leaving an oil-based cleanser on normal skin. On the days when I don't wear makeup I just use the Zia. I alternate this with cyclic nano cleanser to brighten my skin tone. Works for me!

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rated 4 of 5 naaley on 3/27/2007 6:53:00 PM more reviews by naaley

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I've been using this cleanser for about 8 months now, after years of using a new cleanser every time I ran out- I just couldn't find one I liked. I have pretty normal, non-sensitive skin with the occasional blemish. This cleanser is super gentle and soothing on my face, and it's the only product that doesn't leave my face feeling dry and tight five minutes after washing. It's not great at removing eyemakeup so you definitely need a makeup remover, and I don't wear foundation so I don't know how well it would remove that but overall I'm very happy with this product and will buy it again. I use it before using Zia's Ultimate Exfoliant and my skin is soft, clear, and smooth.

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rated 3 of 5 justwishin on 2/22/2007 1:37:00 AM more reviews by justwishin

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Well, I think this stuff probably works best with a washcloth, which I don't usually use (I like to wash/rinse using my hands only). That's because you'll probably need the extra friction to get all the makeup off with this stuff. It's very very gentle, and with work I can get most of my high SPF makeup off, but when I follow with toner there is still makeup on the cotton. So, I would recommend this for people that wear very light, water-soluble makeup, or light powder. Also, I did notice that this takes the ruddiness out of my cheeks, which was an unexpected side effect. Still, personally I need a stronger cleanser at night. Too bad--I love the fragrance!

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rated 3 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* aimela on 2/17/2007 7:23:00 PM more reviews by aimela

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I did not like this at first, but as the weather got colder, it seems to be better suited for my face. I like foaming cleansers, so I had to get used to actually cleaning my face without the foam. I'd check its effectiveness by wiping my face with a toner soaked cotton pad. No dirt showed on the lily white pad. Non-drying, cleans well.

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rated 3 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* rossjen on 12/27/2006 7:40:00 PM more reviews by rossjen

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I wish this would have worked for me. I think my skin is just too temperamental to tolerate any sort of gel cleansers at all anymore, my skin flakes whenever I use them now. It is still an OK cleanser though. It is fairly gentle (probably will not be useful in removing heavy makeup), even if the slippery texture and slick feel were off-putting at first. I do not mind the scent or deep green color of this, it's very earthy. It is the most unique cleanser I've ever tried.

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rated 2 of 5 saritta on 10/11/2006 4:43:00 PM more reviews by saritta

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Not a bad cleanser, but I dreaded using it because I hated the smell, so I stopped using it.

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