Purpose • Gentle Cleansing Wash • Cleansers

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*TOP REVIEWER* itsKelCeeEee on 4/28/2012 11:19:00 AM more reviews by itsKelCeeEee

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium Brown, Cool   Hair: Black, Kinky, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I stay buying this cleanser. I use it every night and it removes makeup beautifully. I'm talking about full eye makeup, full face makeup, whatEVER. It doesn't dry my skin out and it doesn't mess with my oily T zone. Keeps my skin amazingly clear considering it doesn't have anything sort of acid or peroxide in it to fight acne. A simple cleanser that gets the job done, and at a decent price. My only complaint is the packaging; it's really easy for the bottle to leak, especially when traveling. Very inconvenient for that. Otherwise, I'd recommend this to just about anyone.

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lune85 on 4/28/2012 2:12:00 AM more reviews by lune85

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

Unless your skin is on the dry side, I would suspect that Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash would be appropriate for most skin types. In short, Purpose is an affordable, simple, and gentle cleanser that works well in removing oil and dirt. I can't attest to how well it removes makeup, as I don't wear any. It lathers quite well and has a light, clean fragrance. There's really no need to spend lots of money on expensive cleansers with fancy ingredients when, ultimately, all cleansers are ultimately rinsed off into the drain.

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youdoyou on 4/23/2012 7:41:00 PM more reviews by youdoyou

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Nice cleanser, gentle. Removes makeup and sunscreen well. No adverse reactions. Left skin a little tight, but no big deal. Highly recommend this cleanser to someone using an acne prescription who is very oily as opposed to using Cetaphil or Cerave Hydrating. Also found this removed sunscreen very well.

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*TOP REVIEWER* gandiko on 4/14/2012 3:10:00 PM more reviews by gandiko

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

I used this just once and it was enough to make me regret it for a very long time. I went to visit a friend and the face wash I took with me (Cerave Hydrating Face Wash) exploded all over everything, so she told me to use this.


Oh the pain. I assumed this would be alright for a few days because it's marketed towards troubled skin (mine is ridiculously sensitive, acne-prone, dehydrated and just generally awful) but it really wasn't. It burned the top of my cheeks, it dried my skin out and it irritated everything it came into contact with. I slathered on the moisturizer afterwards and it still didn't help. I woke up with angry, red, peeling skin. I went out to CVS that same day to get myself another face wash even for just a few days.

One of the top ingredients in this SLS. I can't use that shit even on shampoo because it will break my scalp (and facial skin if I'm not careful rinsing) out, and makes my hair fall out in clumps. I guess this cleanser could work for people with less sensitive skin - but honestly, for the price, you can get much better cleansers that are both better for acneic and irritated skin. Even my friend, who loves using this, said there was no way in hell it would come anywhere near her face when she was using products to treat her breakouts.

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shadow1997 on 4/2/2012 1:48:00 PM more reviews by shadow1997

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

Pro

Price
Pump
Gentle
Multi purpose (I use mine for makeup removal and cleaning brushes)
Helps control oil

Cons

None

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McKaelaM on 4/2/2012 5:19:00 AM more reviews by McKaelaM

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I really like this! I got it when I was trying to find a cleanser that didn’t have too many acne-clearing things in it but was still gentle. I have VERY oily skin that is very breakout prone and this doesn’t seem to cause me any problems. The pump I love and I just bought my second bottle. The only thing I don’t like is that it makes my hands extremely dry after using. This doesn’t seem to be a problem with my face though as it’s already so oily and could use some drying up;)

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lass917 on 4/2/2012 1:35:00 AM more reviews by lass917

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

This stuff seems to clean really well, and for that I really wanted to love it... Clean skin seems to be the first step to clear skin, as I did not seem to acquire any new clogged pores while using this (and the very similar Johnson's Head-To-Toe Baby Wash) for a couple months. The entire time I used it I went through a massive breakout, and then when the breakout began to subside, I decided to use something different because I really want to use more environmentally- and skin-friendly products with fewer chemicals. So I began Dr. Bronner's, which kept my skin comparably clean but made it drier and gave me strange irritation bumps. Then I went back to Ceptahil, because it never seemed to irritate my skin. During the Bronner's/Cetaphil stint (about a month in total), I hadn't gotten much inflamed acne, but after a week or two of using Cetaphil, I began to get a couple clogged pores again. I figured it was because Cetaphil doesn't do the best job of cleaning as evidenced by makeup still on the face after using it, and decided to start using Purpose again. After about a week, I was getting really big and painful zits again. Instead of purging mildly over the course of a couple days, a couple clogged pores were becoming big, red, pus-filled and took more than a week to go away. So I decided to stop using it again. This stuff does keep my skin clean, but it was pretty drying which I think might have led to irritation and inflammation. Still trying to figure out what my skin wants to be clear and healthy as it once was...

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ahodges1981 on 3/28/2012 6:39:00 PM more reviews by ahodges1981

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

I have used this cleanser for about 17 years. Its never given me any trouble. I have very oily, acne-prone skin thats also extremely sensitive (I know, I'm sooo lucky). This cleanser has never dried me out or irritated my skin. It works great at removing makeup, even eye makeup.

Now, I am in search of a new cleanser. I have recently become more aware of the chemicals we come in contact with everyday, and I am on a mission to reduce my "toxic load".

Purpose products are made by Johnson & Johnson. This company has a bad habit of putting toxic chemicals in their products (especially their baby care products, check it out). So, for this reason, and this reason only, I am not using Purpose face cleanser anymore.

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phoenix76 on 3/25/2012 5:23:00 PM more reviews by phoenix76

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Black, Relaxed, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I love this product as I have been using facial washes that are overly drying...leading to increased oil production. This has no fragrance or dyes and does not irritate my skin. The lather is subtle but it still cleans very well and leaves my face feeling soft, not stripped. My T-zone is producing a LOT less oil since I have been using this cleanser. At night I use a makeup remover and a cream cleanser before using this to be sure every inch of makeup is off. Its very inexpensive and I like the hygenic pump. The plastic bottle is a minimalist design and would look good on any sink. I will absolutely stick with this cleanser.

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chickee394 on 3/21/2012 3:20:00 PM more reviews by chickee394

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

I have been using Purpose religiously twice a day for five years. I had bad acne as a teen and visited a derm several times, trying many different combinations. This inexpensive face wash turned out to be the end of my expensive journey. I also use Purpose moisturizer (the SPF 15 one) after washing day and night. I was using a night time prescription as well, but have weaned my skin off of it now that I'm in my 20s, so Purpose is now all I have to use! I have combination skin and this is a very gentle wash that doesn't dry out my chin but also removes oil in my t-zone. I remove my makeup with this wash as well. I used to try many different face washes and they'd seem to stop working after a few weeks, but this has continuously worked for me. I have also tried store brand versions of this product and they seem to work equally as well for me, though the formula does feel slightly different in my hand.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Jmberry on 2/29/2012 8:53:00 PM more reviews by Jmberry

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I like this cleanser. It's a nice, simple formula that doesn't promise to eliminate acne or perform any miracles, just gently cleanse your face (which I think it does very well). My skin is very oily and acne/clog prone. I always remove my makeup with oil and a washcloth and follow up with this. It does a great job of removing any residue and leaves my skin feeling clean. I love that I can use this all over/around my sensitive eyes with no irritation. I don't find it particularly drying although some folks do, but I do always follow up with a moisturizer. Purpose works best if you follow the instructions on the label (mix in your palms with water first). Otherwise it doesn't lather as well. This product has 2 very close dupes: Johnson's Head to Toe Baby Wash and Clean and Clear Foaming Facial Wash for Sensitive Skin (all 3 are made by Johnson and Johnson and have very similar ingredients and appearances). I've used all 3 and they perform almost exactly the same. The Clean and Clear has a much stronger scent so if fragrance bugs you I would avoid that one. Purpose and Head to Toe both have the same soft smell and are almost identical to me, except that I think Purpose foams up a bit more. All 3 are worth checking out if you are in the market for a basic cleanser.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Beautyy on 2/28/2012 12:59:00 PM more reviews by Beautyy

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I tried this for the first time last night(yes soon to write a review) & I couldn't believe how my skin felt. I didn't get any kind of tight/dry feeling afterward. My skin looked & felt so clean & very soft/smooth. I could do without the scent as I am not someone who likes fragrance when it comes to skincare but it is made my Johnson & Johnson and it smells just like the baby shampoo. I will continue using this. I may use as just a makeup remover after a while but either way, I will continue use.
**UPDATE** I continued use & this in fact does dry out my skin. I switched to using it as a makeup removing & now I'm not using it at all. If it didn't dry me out it would be perfect.

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*TOP REVIEWER* nola80 on 2/26/2012 4:35:00 PM more reviews by nola80

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Oily, Olive, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I've been using Skinceuticals for over a year and when I ran out I used the Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit cleanser and it destroyed my skin! I don't have enough time to express my anger for this cleanser but I had to find something gentle to get my skin back to normal. I purchased Purpose because I read reviews at how gentle it is and it was amazing to getting back my skin completely back to normal in about a week. It leaves my skin baby soft and removes majority of my makeup. If you have pretty good skin with no major problems or have sensitive skin I really recommend this. The only reason I gave a 4 instead of a 5 is that it's a tad drying since its super cold right now but this will be perfect when my face starts to get really oily again in the summer. For ref I have combination/oily skin in my 30s

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sarangbunny on 2/20/2012 8:01:00 PM more reviews by sarangbunny

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

I purchased this product after reading such good reviews about it here and when I saw it at my local Rite Aid I just had to get it. (I have Oily/Combination Skin, that’s Acne-prone) I used it for about 2 months and at first it looked like it was helping my acne but after that it didn't do much. It didn't treat the acne I had and didn't prevent new acne. I think it actually also dried out my skin a bit to. So I was really disappointed with this product. The price its self was pretty cheap, I believe it was about $6.99, so the price isn't bad. The package... well its good because it is a pump and that’s helpful for not spreading bacteria, but I wish it had a lock on the pump. This package is really not travel friendly, any time I brought it with me to a friend's house it always ending up spilling, no matter what I did to try and prevent it. So all in all This product isn't really worth buying to me and I definitely won't be repurchasing it.

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DD1969 on 2/11/2012 4:06:00 PM more reviews by DD1969

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I've used this cleanser for years, then I tried a "natural" cleanser (Neutrogena Naturals) and I'm switching back to Purpose. The Purpose cleansing wash is better at cleaning, better at rinsing off, and doesn't irritate the eyes. I've started my tween daughter on it too (although if she rinses out her hair conditioner properly she doesn't break out, so she really doesn't need the Purpose cleanser yet). The Purpose cleanser is kind of drying, but I'd rather have that than something that doesn't rinse off. I like the smell too - light and pleasant. Note: we have hard water.

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KandEandS on 2/6/2012 10:38:00 PM more reviews by KandEandS

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

WOW!! I have been on a quest for looking a perfect facial wash. From high end product to my Dr's recommendation. My skin gets sooo dry in the winter and slightly oily during summer, Now since its winter time and my face feels like leather i bought this product after hearing positive reviews, and oh boy was i surprised? Not only it doesnt leave a film on my face, it doesnt make it tight and dry afterwards.. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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crissy234 on 1/28/2012 2:15:00 PM more reviews by crissy234

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

I LOVE this face wash! I've tried a ton of different drugstore brands and for the most part, they've been ok, but I'm definitely sticking with this one. It cleans makeup off fairly well, but I definitely take off my eye makeup before washing my face. I like that it doesn't leave a tight, drying feeling after you rinse it off. I know some people say they don't like the smell, but to me it has a similar smell to baby shampoo, so I think it smells fine. I've already recommended this to some family members and they really like it too.

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*TOP REVIEWER* lydiaxaidyl on 1/26/2012 1:23:00 AM more reviews by lydiaxaidyl

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

The product irritates my skin and leaves a film on it. I guess my skin just can't tolerate sls :( Also leaves my skin very dry.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Miaoudeminou on 1/21/2012 2:41:00 PM more reviews by Miaoudeminou

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I just recently did a skincare overhaul. I got tired of having oily acne prone skin and the pores on my cheeks looking like orange rinds! Ew. I went to a beauty forum and asked for help. I found out that I was using too harsh of products on my face. This was suggested more than once and after reading the reviews I picked it up. While it's not the cheapest (I think I paid something like ~$5USD at Target for it), it's not the most I've paid for a cleanser. I've paid almost $10 for one and it was awful (thank goodness I got my money back). This stuff is fantastic though. I wash and my skin feels clean. Not tight, not gross, and my make-up is gone (I don't use anything heavy duty or waterproof- except mascara). It's so gentle but works! I have been using it with an AHA lotion so that does help clear up pores & acne FYI. So between that, the Olay Complete Sensitive lotion and this my skin is look fantastic! I didn't have to spend a ton of money (I got Target's form of Olay for $5, this for $5 & the AHA lotion was on sale for $10- normally $14 but you can get it through their site for pretty cheap). I barely have to wear make-up anymore thanks to this and my new skincare regime.
3/28/12 update: I almost ran out of this and had some baby wash in my closet. I ended up pouring some of that in the pump bottle. I don't know if there is a difference since it's made by the same company and has very similar ingredients.
12/3/12 update: I have since stopped using this. It did nothing for my face and I've gone back to my routine of using babywipes to "wash" my face.

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msalsera on 1/20/2012 1:53:00 AM more reviews by msalsera

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

LOVE Purpose! At 37, my face became very dry, dull and congested (I had been using Shu Uemura's Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O Advanced Formula which was excessively stripping my skin and therefore, increasing sebum production and whiteheads). I made it worse by over exfoliating - I was desperate.

After reading reviews, I started using Purpose and my skin felt softer and started to feel more balanced. Not long after, I started using the Clarisonic Mia and improvement only increased - sure the Mia helped a lot, but Purpose was now my HG cleanser. No more expensive cleansers for me.

Johnson & Johnson's Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin has the same formulation, but I prefer the Purpose scent. In fact, I like it so much that I started using Johnson & Johnson's Head-to-Toe Baby Wash as a shower gel because it smells the same.

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