Avene • extremely gentle cleanser • Cleansers

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Snosand on 5/13/2013 7:20:00 PM more reviews by Snosand

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I have really bad rosacea. Enlarged pores, redness so bad my nose looks purple. Because of the nose inflation I get constant white heads from the blood vessels. To top it off my oily skin started becoming dry but still oily with thick skin peeling.

I have tried tons of options from Dove sensitive soap to prescriptions. Nothing has worked and most make it worse. If finally dropped the money for Avene but I given how my skin responds I went with the gentle cleanser. This has changed my skin. I still get flare ups but it is nothing like it has been and my nose looks almost normal.

I apply this to wet skin and then use a wash cloth to remove it.

I can't tolerate scents. This has a slight smell but is not a fragrance. The scent is really nothing and does not bother my nose.

As for the ingredients, I'll admit I wasn't crazy about certain ones but I've not had issues and the relief just for my nose is to me such a peace of mind that I can over look the ify ingredients.

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leviosana on 5/9/2013 11:52:00 AM more reviews by leviosana

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

My skin: when I started using this, my skin was quite dehydrated and irritated by a few previous products. I had a red, dry rosacea patch under my nose. But my cheeks were quite oily, with a few clogged pores/whiteheads.

First impressions: the cleanser is not scented, the consistency is very creamy (almost like a runny lotion). The application was smooth, it did not sting or leave a burning sensation (like some other cleansers) and my skin did not feel tight. It does not lather at all, which made me feel like my skin was not being cleansed.

How I use it: I now only use this in the morning, to refresh the skin and softly remove moisturiser residue. The instructions tell you not to use water to rinse it off, but I wipe my face once with a damp cotton pad; I have a very intensive moisturiser and I don't want an additional layer of product underneath it. I think my pores would get clogged if I used it as a night cleanser (instead I use Dr. Hauschka's Cleansing Cream).

Overall opinion: a great product for sensitive, dry skin. I don't think it does a thorough job of cleansing my skin, but I have not had any new breakouts since I started using it. I will be going back to my old cleanser, because for me, warmer weather always means oilier skin, however I will repurchase it and use it as a fall back product - for an instant relief in case of unexpected irritation or dryness.

Additional: The bottle could really use a pump. I end up using much more than needed. Some people have had bad reactions to the spring thermal water, so make sure your skin is ok with it before purchasing a full range of products :)

Customer service: The people at Avene (in the UK) are nice and helpful. They answered my questions quickly and were able to provide me with samples of the products I wanted to try. I definitely recommend e-mailing them and getting a sample if you are unsure about the product.

If you have any questions, feel free to message me!

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SkinEU on 4/14/2013 11:03:00 AM more reviews by SkinEU

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

Since my skin was upset I thought I would try this one again, I remember briefly using it years ago.
I like several of Avene's products so I thought it would be a good choice.
However, it stripped my skin like if I was using soap, it did not feel very gentle and my skin seemed even more upset.

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george3b on 1/29/2013 5:09:00 AM more reviews by george3b

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Black    

I just bought a full bottle of this after trying a sample as I felt that water was really drying my skin out. This is my 2nd day of using it and it feels extremely gentle.

Method 1: I apply this on to dry skin and massage it around my face to let it dissolve makeup and other grime. I also do that gently around my eyes. I then take it off with a flannel that was soaked in warm water and squeezed out.

Result: Not that great at removing makeup but most of these gentle cleansers are like that anyway (i.e. LRP physiologocal cleansing gel). Using the flannel, it does take most of my eye makeup off (i dont wear much but I do wear quite a bit of eyeliner and NWP mascara) but I did get a lot of gunk into my eyes which I try to wipe off. I repeat the process of applying and removing with flannel and it then removes all my makeup (note I always double cleanse). I however dont like the idea of having to rub around my eyes to remove makeup. My skin instantly feels soft and moisturised. It doesn't feel tight. There is a slight moisture on it left by the cleanser. Skin looks radiant and feels soft.

The Morning After: Next day I wake up with a couple of pimples on my nose and one on my forehead. Cleanser residue maybe? Perhaps better rinsing it off? We'll see. I will try a different method today and update my review.

Update: OK, I've persisted with this and my flannel. I now remove eye makeup using micellar water so that it doesnt swirl all around and into my eyes. I didnt try the rinsing off method but it still left a little bit on my skin which comes off better with the use of a hot cloth. My skin feels lovely, clean and comfortable at night however in the morning I do have a few bumps and spots which weren't there the night before. This has been happening since I've used this product. I havent changed anything else in my routine so I am pretty sure this is the culprit. My skin has never looked bumpier than this. It's like little tiny bumps all over my face and its especially obvious around the skin, there are some redness and uneven surfaces, spots appear out of nowhere on my forehead, around the mouth, chin and cheeks. It's strange really... What a shame :( I really wanted to like this as it is so gentle and feels so good for my skin but obviously it isnt. I'm gonna fix my skin with the cleanance gel for a few days and then maybe go back to LRP's physiological cleanser.

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bordenh on 1/19/2013 5:39:00 PM more reviews by bordenh

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

Love this cleanser. I have oily, combination skin with blackheads and this makes my skin look so much better. Pores are smaller and skin looks smoother.

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Miltonh81 on 12/29/2012 5:35:00 AM more reviews by Miltonh81

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

An excellent cleanser!. After being treated for chemical burns on my face I had to change my whole routine after disastrous results from murad anti acne. Was really scared to use any type of cleanser on my face but my doctor recommended to try the avene dry sensitive range. The cleanser has a very runny consistency almost like water really but a small amount covers face and neck and after gently massaging I actually slightly dampen cotton wool pads and remove it that way as dry pads really dragged my skin and made it sore. This removes any dirt and grease and makeup now I can wear it again!. I use the gentle toner afterwards and there is no traces left behind. My skin is now extremely sensitive and this causes no irritation and leaves it soft and comfortable highly highly recommended!.

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KirstenSays on 12/6/2012 4:20:00 PM more reviews by KirstenSays

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

I love this cleanser! I have oil/congested skin but I still find that this cleanser does a great job- it cleans well but very gently (as the name would suggest).
I have repurchased this product 3 times and will continue to do so, it just feels so GOOD to my skin, it is never drying and helps balance my oily skin.

I use this product all over my face as a first cleanse and then remove with a cotton pad- then either as a second cleanse removed with a flannel, combined with a facial massage, or with my clarisonic (only 1-2 times a week).

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ninasmith192 on 12/6/2012 2:36:00 PM more reviews by ninasmith192

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Grey    

Really nice cleanser. Removes all my makeup completely, and makes my face feel really fresh. Avene products are all so brilliant! I would definitely recommend to anyone who had sensitive skin, like myself.

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fayeeex on 11/28/2012 3:30:00 PM more reviews by fayeeex

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I have combination/oily skin which is prone to acne quite often. This product is perfect for my skin, I wouldn't use anything else, i use it to take my makeup off and it leaves my skin silky smooth even before i have started moisturizing and toning. A little bit goes a long way which means it takes me a while to get through a bottle, making it even better!! i swear by this cleanser especially for oily, acne prone skin. My skin doesn't feel clogged using this as the formula is so light, you don't need water to wash it off, i use a muslin cloth (cotton pads will also do the trick!) to wipe of the excess and I'm done! All round perfect product!

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Mariki on 11/28/2012 7:53:00 AM more reviews by Mariki

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I'm on the fence about how I feel about this. I've almost used the whole bottle, but I can't say I see a difference. It's OK, but I feel it doesn't do that much. My skin is easily clogged and this hasn't really done anything for that. I think it might be too gentle for me...

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simpletina on 9/26/2012 6:29:00 PM more reviews by simpletina

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

On my third bottle of this product now!
I use it to cleanse my skin after I have removed my makeup (bioderma), I rub it in and then tissue it off (I had tried cotton wool, both damp and dry but didn't find it as effective). It is great because it doesn't irritate my skin or leave it red, but most importantly it doesn't contain any ingredients that give me acne!
I recently tried the Liz Earle cleanser and it broke me out so bad, I was back to this within two days and my skin calmed down immediately.
The only thing I would like from a cleanser is a more hydrating, luxurious feel. Maybe I will try another cleanser from this fantastic brand.

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msCullen8685 on 8/27/2012 3:44:00 PM more reviews by msCullen8685

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

I think this cleanser is a very decent one for sensitive skin. I have very clog prone skin and this did not contribute to any breakouts. Although it has SLS in it, it really does not feel drying or stripping at all. This cleanser is marketed as one that does not need rinsing off but my skin feels much cleaner and without residue when I rinse it off completely. I have used it on both wet and dry skin with good results. For cleaning off makeup, however, it is not the best: you may need to cleanse twice or start with an oil cleanser or follow up with a toner. I would not repurchase as I have started oil cleansing with sweet almond and grapeseed oil with amazing results. If you have sensitive skin, I wouldnt hesitate to give this a try.

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lingading on 7/31/2012 4:40:00 AM more reviews by lingading

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

I really like it! I massage the milk into my skin with my fingers and then wipe it off with damp cotton pads. I don't get that uncomfortable tight sensation afterwards, and it leaves my skin feeling clean and soft. I also feel like it does a good job of making you remove your makeup properly at the end of the day. Because you use cotton pads with this cleanser, it provides the foundation with something to grip onto, resulting in a more thorough clean. You know when all your foundation is cleaned off when your cotton pad comes up white! I've even found that this cleanser has helped with the redness in my cheeks! I always thought I just had rosy cheeks until a beautician pointed out that I actually had mini red bumps on my cheeks - like rosacea! =( But I've found that my cheeks are noticeably smoother and less red and blotchy since using the Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Xxkonixx on 6/2/2012 10:42:00 PM more reviews by Xxkonixx

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

The reason why i purchased this cleanser is because i was looking for a gentle wash to remove makeup after my skin started to rage from sensitivity and acne. however this turn out to be more like a regular cleanser with similar consistency of the cetAphil which does not remove even light face makeup. i will not be repurchasing when my skin seems to react better to da cheaper alternative.

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GoldenMonkey on 5/30/2012 11:24:00 AM more reviews by GoldenMonkey

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

This is a brilliant cleanser. For years I have been searching for the perfect cleanser and I think this is it!
I usually use facial washes as I can't bear the feeling of the slimey build up left on my face from cream cleansers. However facial washes would leave my dry skin even dryer and tighter and would also break me out if I wasn't careful to use a really rich moisturiser afterwards.
This cleanser does not need washing off yet it leaves no residue whatsoever. My skin feels cool, calm and soft after using this.
I find it is good for taking off makeup but I do use about 3/4 pads with it on in the evening to make sure every last scrap of makeup and dirt has gone. This does mean I am getting through the bottle quite quickly but it is so reasonably priced that doesn't worry me at all.
I will continue to keep buying this product. My skin looks clear and healthy and because it's gentle on my skin I find I am not needing to use so much moisturiser.
A really great product!

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CNblue on 5/3/2012 4:00:00 AM more reviews by CNblue

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

I decided to buy this product and try it out as I was suffering from a very rare, but minor breakout - but in all honesty, I bought it because I like to try out new things. I have combination acne-prone skin, but I rarely break out massively like I just did after this purchase. After 3 weeks using this product morning and evening, I have come to the decision to stop using this - I simply do not believe that my skin is "purging" from this product and I am even more convinced that this product has brought my skin into the worst condition in the history of my life when I see what minerals this product contains.

An awful experience.

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lykkekat on 4/21/2012 5:42:00 AM more reviews by lykkekat

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

It gets my makeup off, even my mascara. I use a lot of concealer to cover my scars and this takes it off pretty well.
How i use it:

i massage the product on my skin, make sure it dissolves all your makeup. Afterwards i wet a cottonball with the avene thermal water, and remove the "milk" from my skin. Then i use the hydrance cream, also from avene, (the light version)
It has really helped to heal my scars and making them fade away. Loooove :)

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ThinMinti on 4/4/2012 7:21:00 PM more reviews by ThinMinti

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Just so so. Doesn't get makeup off at all and I still must remove it prior with olive oil. not the greatest but not the worst. It also has SLS in it...WEIRD.
EDIT** BAD BAD BAD. Does not remove even a trace of makeup and leaves you with irritated skin from the SLS. Broke out terribly. Avene you have done me so wrong. Back to my jojoba oil and SpectroJel (should have never strayed).

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MartheNik on 2/15/2012 9:12:00 AM more reviews by MartheNik

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

First of all: I LOVE this cleanser!

I can't cleanse my skin with water on a daily basis because it dries my skin out. It's difficult to find a facial cleanser that can be tissued off but does not leave an oily residue even after I've going over my face with a toner.

If you have normal/oily skin and doesn't like to cleanse with water, go for this! My face actually feels clean after I've used this, like I've cleansed with water, which I've never felt before with a tissue-off cleanser. But still it doesn't makes my skin dry or tight, just clean. It does contain 96% "Avene Water" so it is basically a thick gel-like water.

I'm on my second bottle now and is definitely something I will keep repurchasing for years.

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hannelia on 2/1/2012 10:11:00 AM more reviews by hannelia

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I love this cleanser! I've used it for years to remove my eyemakeup in the shower. 1 pump is enough for both eyes. I just rub it on my eyes and rinse. It will not sting or burn at all. It won't leave the skin around my eyes feel thight. I used to use it all over my face, but I now use one with a little more cleaning-power. For those with sensitive skin this cleanser must be the best.

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