Babor • Hyol • Cleansers

Where To Buy?

q8a6y5 on 3/15/2013 2:29:00 AM more reviews by q8a6y5

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Best make-up remover for sensitive skin! When you apply IT al the make-up comes off without leaving any off IT on your face. IT doesn t make my face red like other cleansers.
All my other make-up removers don t take away all of the make up and they burn because i need to use them in a larger amount.

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lamaris on 11/22/2012 1:41:00 PM more reviews by lamaris

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

I really love this product. My skin is very dry and most cleansers leave a dry feeling on my skin. I can't use any face wash either. But this stuff is the best. I use 2 pumps of the Ol and 1 pump of the base, that's enough for my face. Then I lather up with some wather and it rinses right off. I usually put it on my face and then wash it off in the shower.
It doesn't leave a greasy feeling at all. It also removes my waterproof mascara perfectly.

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daisyeyes on 2/29/2012 8:21:00 PM more reviews by daisyeyes

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

I received a generous sample of Babor Hy-ol and Phytoactive Base and it sat in my sample bag for months. I'm not going to lie, it scared me! I'd read the raves of oil cleansers. I'd even ordered a Shiseido oil cleanser one time, only to return it unused because I couldn't bring myself to smear oil all over my face. I kept thinking of the Babor sample but couldn't work up my nerve. Would it aggravate the cystic acne I'd worked so hard to keep at bay? Would it make me have whiteheads all under my eyes? Would it just feel like sludge was sitting on top of my skin? Or was it possible it really was the HG?


Finally, I took the plunge. I was scared to death. Surprisingly, it only felt like an oil slick for a minute, when I first applied the Hy-ol. When I added the Phytoactive Base, it was game on! As I massaged my face with my fingertips, I could feel the gunk in my pores working its way to freedom! I know that sounds like a crock, but I swear. I might have even heard angels singing. Okay, so maybe I made that last part up. But still, I could tell there was a party going on and my skin was on the VIP list.


I did the requisite steaming with a face cloth and wiped it off, repeating the process until I felt like I'd taken any excess oil away. My face felt smooth, looked like I'd just had a facial, and wasn't at all oily. I followed it with Kiehl's Dark Spot Correcting Solution, a few drops of Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, a dab of Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye Cream, and a small pea of Tazorac. All of this is my usual routine, only the Tazorac is every other night.


And then I waited. What had I just done to myself? Was horrible cystic acne just around the corner? Would I be an oil slick in thr morning? Nope. If anything, My face felt a little tight after my morning Cetaphil and Clarisonic routine. Another round of Dark Spot Correcting Solution, followed by Skin by Ann Webb Pomegranite Moisturizer, Guerlain Meteorites Perles Primer, Givenchy Photo'perfexion, and MUFE HD powder.


Repeat for 7 days.


And the results? Fabulous, darlings! My skin is clear, I'm looking fine.....oh wait, this isn't a Liz Phair song. Oops, my bad.


I'm a convert! This oil cleanser is HG for me. I just hope the larger bottles I ordered get here before my sample runs out.


I read about some people using cooking oils to make their own oil cleansers. One night I was feeling particularly daring after starting the Babor regimen and tried a mixture of castor, olive, and grapeseed oils. Blech! Won't do that again! It was a sticky, stubborn mess. And the smell? P.U. Not for me. The next day my blotting papers were particularly transparent after use, too. I'll gladly pony up for the Babor instead.

UPDATE: A few weeks later and I'm still loving it. My skin has thrived despite airplane cabin dry air, change of climates, lots of sunscreen, and long hours of makeup wear.

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Passerine on 9/18/2011 8:17:00 AM more reviews by Passerine

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Blue    

Many years ago, I had been a devoted Babor user and Hyol was part of my daily cleansing routine. Then we moved and I couldn't get it easily, so I moved onto other brands. While in Leipzig, Germany, last year, I walked past a Babor salon and immediately went in. I bought the Hyol and the sensitive cleanser. Unfortunately, the results were not as happy as in years past. My skin didn't like this product anymore. My pores were clogged and I had breakouts. After about six weeks, I threw it out.
One note: the salon manager said that in Germany, women don't mix the Hyol and cleanser together. It seems to be primarily an American practice. I tried it both ways - combining them as instructed by the American salon where I discovered Babor and on their own. Neither method was a success. I don't know whether the bad experience was due the product (a reformulation?) or changes in my skin. So, with a bit of regret, I have crossed Babor off my list.

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mandarinchen on 1/7/2011 7:21:00 PM more reviews by mandarinchen

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I love the hy-oil! I have very dry and sensitive skin and since i use this, my skin has improoved so much! I am lucky to actually live in the city where the Babor's flagshipstore is at and they do have an outlett-store there, too. As it was incredibly cheep there (If you have the chance to get to germany, go there!! I purchased 100 ml Hy-oil and 100ml Phytoactive together for 28 $) I let the SA talk me into using this product and I have repurchased the Hy-oil and the Phytoactive for sensetive skin 3 times since then. I did not pay too much attention how long it lasts, but I use it twice daily, in the mornings and evenings, and would guess it lasted about 4 month. The SA also told me that you only need to take 1 pump of the hy-oil and 2 pumps of the phytoactive.

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mochibunny on 8/20/2010 9:07:00 PM more reviews by mochibunny

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I've been using this for over six months now and so far it's the best cleanser I ever had. I use this with the Phytoactive for combination skin and after that the Rose Toning Lotion by Babor, too. Other cleansers which I tried before used to dry my skin out, leaving my t-zone oily (mainly the nose) with dry, flakey patches though! This was the reason why I stopped using any cleansers for 2 years, I just massaged my skin with water during the daily shower & used some vegetable oil (tsubaki, mostly) when I had to take off make-up occasionally (did not use make-up often). I wasn't happy with that routine either, I missed that 'absolutely clean feeling' and I felt like my skin would need more 'nuture' - it looked a bit dull and I was unhappy with my big pores. A friend who I always admired for her perfect skin (she says she has very dry and sensitive skin) raved about this brand so I gave it a try. I wasn't expecting much because I was a lot into green/ bio/ natural stuff at that time. Well, Babor healed me from that and left me amazed. I didn't know my skin could look like that. My pores looked smaller right after using it the first time, and my face felt clean but wasn't dry.
I have acne-prone skin but don't have to deal with serious breakouts since using this. My skin feels softer, purer and more even with less redness.


Cons: I think it is a bit difficult to wash off as it has an oily texture (you need more splashing than with other kind of cleansers), but that's no problem if you use a toner afterwards! Also, it's pricier compared to other cleansers, but I can compensate that because of the result and it lasts me long, too.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* laurenmt on 1/19/2010 8:46:00 AM more reviews by laurenmt

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Tried this for a few days,and as much as I would love to love this, it didn't clean my skin thoroughly enough (makeup on)and I saw an increase of whiteheads.I also developed painful acne,which I haven't seen in 3 years. Plus, it's too much work to use.Thank God I only got samples...

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y0cool on 9/11/2009 1:02:00 AM more reviews by y0cool

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I don't generally like to review products I've used for less than 6 months, but I find this product so exceptional that I really want to share with everyone here! I've been using this oil-based cleanser along with hypoactive sensitive for 10 days. Yes, only 10 days! And this product has noticeably improved my skin! Don't get me wrong, I actually really had very decent skin to begin with, I get complements from strangers all the time, although lately it's been acting up since I'm trying a whole new set of skin care products. But this cleanser has changed it all, it's taken the redness away from my T-zone, reduced my blackheads (the greatest flaw of my skin imo), adding luminescence, providing moisture. I can't say enough great things about this cleanser. I never thought that an oil based cleanser would be the key to improving my skin, but it proved itself! I should really thank all the reviewers of this cleanser, I would have never bought it otherwise.

Now the CON. It's Very expensive. I mean it's not from an individual set point of view. The oil + the hypoactive is like $50, which is very reasonable for such great product IF it lasted me ~6 months like most other cleansers do! Like I said I used this cleanser for 10 days so far, day and night, I use 3 pumps and the recommendation says 4! Guess what, I've finished 1/6 of both bottles already! So basically a whole set will last me 60 days... 2 months. So it's like $300/yr on cleanser... No wonder so many reviewers here say they only use it once a day. Either way, I'll buy it because I think it's that exceptional. But definitely something to keep in mind if price is a consideration.

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dandelion on 6/20/2009 12:40:00 AM more reviews by dandelion

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

Love, love, love Hy-Ol! I use this with Phytoactive for sensitive skin and it is my favorite cleansing oil! I have repurchased three times and have stopped experimenting with finding a HG cleansing system because this is definitely it.

It is a bit pricey but I find that it lasts almost 5 months of using it every night. I began using this after starting RAM .1% and being very dry but also acne prone. This has helped with dryness and doesn't give me any breakouts. I really love this system!

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AllisonWunderland on 2/7/2009 7:23:00 PM more reviews by AllisonWunderland

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Babor HyOl! Yay! Love it! I use the combination phytoactive but they make several versions so there is one for everyone (dry, oily, sensitive, aging). It's not a one-step like most other cleansing oils but it's worth the extra step for nice clean skin with zero leftover makeup (or high PPD SPF) and clogged pores. This leaves my skin soft and completely clean but not the least bit dry. I've tried many other cleansing oils (Fancl leaves an awful film, Shu & DHC dry me out) but this one is the gold standard.

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*TOP REVIEWER* kyasha on 11/19/2008 8:13:00 PM more reviews by kyasha

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

I bought this full size along with Phytoactive Combination for $44 on skinwest.com. I highly recommend this website because they sent me a free full size gift and have coupons frequently. I use two pumps of the Hy-Oil on dry skin, followed by 1 pump of the Combination formula. Both have left my face clean with no acne, and less oil on my T-zone. This is my new HG cleanser, will continue to repurchase.

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JaninaGirl on 11/12/2008 2:02:00 PM more reviews by JaninaGirl

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

This is a bit pricey. I got the travel size off of amazon for $12 to try it out. It came with the cleanser as well. (Not sure if it is worth paying full price of $40-$50!)
I have very sensitive skin and after a month I have not had a bad reaction (which happens with almost everything I try!) My skin is less flaky, but other than that I don't see a huge difference. I think am craving something that deep cleans a bit more. Nice products, but doubt i will buy again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Tess35 on 9/11/2008 5:09:00 AM more reviews by Tess35

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

HG ALERT.


Lately I have been seeing blackheads on my face, my expensive cleansers are not cutting it anymore. Shu is expensive and good but gives me cumulative acne/blackheads, Clarins is okay but requires too much work to clean well and Sisley cleansing system is excellent but way too expensive.


I ordered this + the phyto Sensitive from skinwest.com at $39 last time they had sale. I read about good reviews about this cleanser in another board and decided to try it and I tell you- this is a serious HG material. Leaves face smooth and soft and even-toned. No need for follow up wash or toner. My skin is glowing and I am so happy. This cleanser is way UNDERATED. I am so hooked on this stuff I look forward to nighttime cleansing where I can spread it on my face, really.


EDIT: To date, this is the best German invention ever.

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googler123 on 8/26/2008 4:58:00 PM more reviews by googler123

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

After using this product for a month, I do like it. It's so scary to put oil on your face, especially since my face is already oily, but this does not make me break out and it cleans very well. It leaves my skin soft and even.

Update: Stopped using this because I hated the feeling of an oil on my face and I wasn't sure if it was increasing clogged pores on my skin.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* amara_lani on 1/24/2008 6:52:00 PM more reviews by amara_lani

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

This cleansing oil, in combination with the Phytoactive Sensitive, does wonders for my skin. I was using a gentle cleanser before but I felt like it left my skin a little tight afterwards. Cleanses thoroughly, feels and smells very nice, and leaves my skin perfectly clean and hydrated for the rest of the day. This is my holy grail cleanser, I use it at night because it is tops for taking off all makeup (including mascara and eyeliner) and sometimes in the winter months I will use it in the morning as well, alternating with a gentle cleanser. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED product. Wasn't sure an oil cleanser for my combination, acne-prone skin (I'm on Retin-A for this) made a lot of sense, but this is a beautiful find. I am grateful to my esthetician immensely for bringing me to this Germany-based cleanser that truly works. You can order the hy-ol + phytoactive sensitive duo online at skinstore.com for $52. If you use 1 pump of the oil and 1 pump of the phytoactive, it should last you almost a year! Definitely worth it in my opinion. Feel free to email me with any questions! FYI details from the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep website (rates toxicity and irritation of various consmetics -- cosmeticsdatabase.com) for these two Babor products: Hy-ol is a 6 out of 10 (moderate hazard) due to fragrance, ethanol (alcohol), tocopheryl acetate, and citric acid. The Phytoactive Sensitive is a 7 out of 10 (higher hazard) due chiefly to its fragrance as well, and also for its parabens and alcohols. All in all, many cleansers contain these ingredients, and the bulk of what Babor contains are safe ingredients from plants, but a few ingredients raise its hazard level. The only thing that would prevent me from buying this for the rest of my life is if I find a product that works similarly that is devoid of potential toxins/irritants such as the fragrance, alcohol and parabens. If the potential toxicity of ordinary cleansers disturbs you, one thing I might recommend is checking out the postings for the Oil Cleansing method which describes smearing a blend of good-for-the-skin oils such as grapeseed oil over the skin, wetting the fingers to create a lather-like gel, and rinsing clean, followed by a ph-balanced toner to remove all residue. Grapeseed oil scores a 0 out of 10 for toxicity -- obviously a safer bet if it works for you! Plus you can determine (for much cheaper, like $6) if essential oil will work for your particular skin type! Hope this helps!

Updated 10/17/08:
Still very much a fan of this product - SO luxurious and literally CRAVE the scent of this - but have found a safer cleanser for my skin.

Main ingredients:
Soybean oil (<------- do not use if acne-prone: Comedogenic)
Sesame seed oil (<------- moderately comedogenic)
Peanut Oil (<------- moderately comedogenic)
vitamins C and E

Also contains Fragrance.

**I reserve a 5-lippie rating for products that shine above the rest in terms of efficacy, and based on toxicity and comedogenicity. I have a strong interest in consumer health and setting higher standards for the beauty industry. I extensively research products developed with consumer health in mind. This is my personal quest to find the best-quality products. We shouldn't have to choose between beauty and health.**

7 out of 12 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

meh on 10/19/2007 5:46:00 PM more reviews by meh

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

This is really a 2 part cleanser, you will need to purchase a Phytoactive to use with it, the Phytoactive contains the emulsifying ingredients that cause the oil to become water soluble so it can rinse clean. I have tried several oil based cleansers, and this is the only one I've found that leaves my skin feeling clean enough that another cleanser afterwards is unnecessary. I use the Phytoactive Combination, and it's perfect for my oily & sensitive skin. The way it's used is: Apply HyOl to dry skin, massage in. Then apply the Phytoactive best for your skin and massage in, then rinse. It doesn't leave my skin feeling dry or tight afterwards like some other oil cleansers. It's really an exceptional cleanser, especially if you wear mineral foundation or SPF.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

floridanurse on 9/23/2007 4:53:00 PM more reviews by floridanurse

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I began using this about 8 days ago when It was given to me as a sample while buying other products at a skincare/makeup store. I was skeptical at first. I have a super oily T-zone and could not see how cleansing with oil could possibly help my already oily skin. I was pleasantly surprised. I use the Hy-Ol and the Phytoactive for combination skin. My skin feel soft but never oily after use. I have zero bumps anywhere on my face. I have received compliments all week on how my skin is glowing. My pores appear smaller and my makeup just glides on now. I'm 42 and have never been truly happy with any skincare routine. This one is a keeper. I've already returned and bought full size bottles.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* frucht_tasche on 7/18/2007 11:00:00 AM more reviews by frucht_tasche

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

I've been using this together with phytoactive sensitive about a month, and I think it's the best cleanser I tried. It cleans very well but does not leave my already dry/dehydrated skin feel stripped. I also love that I don't have to use cotton pads/washclothes (but if you just rinse off, you may need a toner: I use bioderma crealine as toner, and I can see a bit of residue). I like it a lot better than other cleansing oils I tried (shu, kanebo). I alternate it with bioderma crealine (which is also excellent) with a nice result (in general clearer looking, even skintone, less dry skin). I will repurchase. FYI: it contains soybean oil, so if you're allergic, be careful. **Edit 20 Oct** I still love this cleanser. Since I began to use this (+phytosensitive) and bioderma crealine as toner, I don't get any breakout or bump at all although I use heavy creams and wear makeup almost every day.

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

*TOP REVIEWER* vodkabarbie on 7/18/2007 7:59:00 AM more reviews by vodkabarbie

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I have sensitive skin prone to redness, dryness and spots and have tried EVERY range under the sun. I'd resigned myself to being uncomfortable and to using cleansing lotions rather than rinsing with water, which I disliked.
After a Babor facial which miraculously calmed my skin I purchased this - I know the two-step system seems expensive but I no longer need to buy toner or eye make up remover as this with the phytoactive i seems to replace them. I put the oil on, then this, then lather with a little water before removing with a wet muslin. It easily removes all my makeup and smells nice and fresh too.
I can't rave enough about this - my skin is clear, the redness has gone, it feels soft but clean and my pores are tighter too. My boyfriend and little brother commented on the difference after 4 days of use - it's that dramatic. I adore this product and despite it being hard to get hold of in the UK I won't consider using anything else. A MUST!

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*TOP REVIEWER* monchichi on 10/26/2006 3:27:00 PM more reviews by monchichi

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Other   Eyes: Blue    

Off course this is the best. Everyone knows that. Gets rid of everything. Makes skin like skin. Very underrated. I was forgotten it, it's so built in my skincare routine that I was forgotten to review this. Will always use this at night. ALWAYS. I don't like the rest from Babor. Babor knows it cause they ask 36 euro and the bottle last 2 months. Very much more expensive then La Prairie, Valmont or Sisley. Nothing cleans like this. I use this in conjunction with the Phyto sensitive.

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