Burt's Bees • Orange Essence Facial Cleanser • Cleansers

rated 3.3(424 reviews)

Average Rating.3.3
Would buy this product again.55%
Package Quality3.5
Price2.6
Ingredients

rated 5 of 5 binkies06 on 6/9/2013 9:40:00 PM more reviews by binkies06

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Other   Eyes: Hazel    

This is, by and large, the best cleanser I have ever used. They've just recently changed the packaging (was previously a dark orange bottle, now a white bottle) which also became reformulated and after finding this out, I went and ordered 15 from an online site in the orange bottle because this cleanser is THAT good!!

I have very sensitive, dry to normal/combo skin (really, my nose only gets a little oily sometimes, while the rest of my face is almost always tight and dry,) with very dry skin in the winter. Though my skin is mostly dry, I've been battling breakouts for the past 14 years (since I was 11). My nose is really nothing but sebaceous filaments, super large and clogged pores around my nose and just creeping onto my cheeks, and I get break outs along my jawline, chin, cheekbones, and forehead of at least one to two pimples at all times somewhere on my face with more around the week before my period (the jawline, is prone to cystic acne fyi).

I had been using the Gentle Cetaphil for years but really didn't like that the only ingredients were water, some alcohols, and two or three parabens. I was at Walgreens and since they'll let you take anything back if you don't like it, I figured id try it. It does have a bit of a learning curve almost, and yes, it does leave a "film". I've found the best way for it to work is to have my face slightly damp. I use the dermalogica precleanse to take my makeup of and essentially squeegee off the water before applying this. I do use it with my clarisonic and have had the best results in doing so.

The first day or two, my skin did itch a little when I used it. The first two weeks, I did notice more breakouts but this is fairly common with any product. The "film" mentioned is just the extra moisturizers of natural oils that seep into your skin after patting dry and the feeling goes away within a few minutes. Since using my clarisonic as of week three to now (week five), the results have been even better. My skintone is even and the purple post-acne marks I've had forEVER are greatly diminished. It's amazing. I don't recommend using this for eye makeup remover, however, because it has orange peel oil in it. It would be like orange juice getting in your eyes.

If you're one who likes that "squeaky clean" feeling from a cleanser (which, in working with skincare, is really just the feeling of your skin being stripped), this cleanser is not for you. But if you want a cleanser that softens and doesn't leave your skin terribly parched, this is it. Best. Cleanser. EVER

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rated 2 of 5 beautykrazy on 6/9/2013 3:07:00 PM more reviews by beautykrazy

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

I bought this after hearing good reviews, what stuck in my mind was Katie Puckrik describing it as one of her fave pick-me-up fragranced products. It does has a gorgeous orange-botanical scent. As a lover of orange oil and citrus scents I really appreciate the strong, reviving scent of this cleanser. It really makes it something I want to reach for, it gives it the feel of an aromatherapy spa product - luxurious and packed with gorgeous treatment ingredients. I also like the thick oily consistency, it reminds me of my days using the Eve Lom cleanser & muslin cloth. It's full of natural skin-saving things I love in facial products such as oat extract.
I wanted another oil-based, wash off cleanser that removed every last scrap of makeup & grime without too much hassle. I wanted a cleanser to help me on dry, sensitive days. I use it with a muslin cloth. However I didn't really get on with it and can't recommend this. I found it hard to spread across the face and the slightly gritty feel made me not want to rub too hard. This doesn't wash off well, it leaves a residue that I didn't like. It doesn't remove makeup well and I woke up with a cystic acne breakout two days in and I'm not acne prone. It removes eye makeup particularly badly as it stings the eyes, I think it's the orange oil that stings eyes. I didn't find it did anything beneficial and isn't an effective cleanser even on no-makeup days. My face never feels clean afterwards. The only things I enjoy is the gorgeous smell, plus the packaging is lovely. Sorry Burts' Bees, wanted to love this but didn't, sadly.

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rated 4 of 5 kittyc on 4/29/2013 5:13:00 AM more reviews by kittyc

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

There seem to be three general issues with this product: firstly that it is fairly heavily fragranced; secondly that it can leave a oily residue; and thirdly that it is '100% natural'.

Fragrance: the product is scented with orange oil, you either like that or you don't. I'm normally cautious about over-scented products because really, fragrance does not add to the product's performance and could actually be irritating. But I do enjoy the scent of this one and find it aromatherapeutic. At the end of a long day, it's nice take a few minutes to myself while I take my makeup off. Once I had an orange oil-scented shampoo and that was lovely too.

Too oily?: the product contains glycerin, olive oil, lanolin, and other oils. So if that does not suit your skin type, keep away from this product. I'm quite fine with it, but I never use foaming cleansers because my skin is dry already, and I hate that taut feeling that foaming cleansers leave. This cleanser leaves my skin feeling comfortable and I almost don't need a moisturiser.

100% natural: take it or leave it. Natural substances can be irritating, perhaps toxic, so a product that is '100% natural' may not be as beneficial as it sounds.

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rated 4 of 5 JessEVS on 4/23/2013 9:13:00 AM more reviews by JessEVS

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

Really like this stuff.. I have acne prone skin and I have been aiming to rid of my crappy skin from the inside out so I am happy to find something that only CLEANS my skin, not trying to do a bunch of other things. It has not made my skin any worse and the idea is that oils dissolve dirt; this is how it is cleaning.

TIP.. Use it on a dry face and really let it warm up on your skin (thins it out a bit, easier to spread) and massage your face with it. When I first used it it would leave a little residue but I think it's because the cleansing part is more about your hands and how your massage it. I gently massage and rinse with warm water and my skin feels properly clean without being annoying dry like most products.

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rated 1 of 5 kmm82512 on 2/18/2013 7:54:00 AM more reviews by kmm82512

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

I almost never get acne, but this cleanser somehow gave me pimples on my cheeks and chin during the ten or so days that I tried it. At first I thought it was my new moisturizer causing this, but I eventually found out that it was in fact the cleanser that was to blame. I was surprised at this because all of the ingredients in this cleanser are natural. However, one of the ingredients is vegetable oil and is known to be comedogenic, so I'm thinking that had to have been what caused it. I have not used this cleanser in a little over a week and my skin is back to being clear and acne-free.

Some other notable things about this cleanser: It has an odd, thick gel-like consistency, and it smells like orange popsicles. I didn't mind it that much, but others might not like its scent. Also, instead of leaving my face feeling fresh and clean, it left it feeling slightly sticky. I don't recommend it and I won't be buying it again.

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rated 1 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* ninjalips on 2/6/2013 4:32:00 PM more reviews by ninjalips

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

It sounded like a great idea at first. Natural, lovely orange smell, all natural, no parabens, petrochemicals, no added fragrance etc. until I tried it. Bad reaction, red skin, itching, rash that went on for several days. Way too harsh for super sensitive skin like mine. Too irritating maybe due to orange oil. Once more, I reminded myself that because something is all natural, doesn't make it automatically good! Live and learn. Additionally, it left an unpleasant film on my skin after washing it off and felt really greasy. Sensitive skin types , please be cautious.

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rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* BrittaBot on 1/2/2013 12:52:00 PM more reviews by BrittaBot

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Blue    

This stuff really exceeded my expectations.

The texture is thinner than petroleum jelly, and it's orange instead of clear, but it spreads about the face in the same way, except that it feels soothing and luxurious during the process. It also has a lovely, light orange smell that provides a sense of aromatherapy, and it's easy to either wipe off with a towel or rinse off in the shower. Surprisingly, even when I rub this around and onto my eyelids, there is no stinging or burning, which I find kind of amazing since even cold creams sting my eyes.

I have normal/oily skin, and this product has been a great winter cleanser because it's very gentle and cushioning, and I typically don't need moisturizer afterward because my skin feels comfortable and soft. I also feel like this cleanser has helped my skin look even and radiant because it's not getting stripped, dried out, or scrubbed. I'm happy that I don't need any foundation to make my skin good.

The only reason this gets a 4 out of 5 is that it's not the best at removing eye makeup like mascara and liner, but it does well at removing everything else if you use a towel or cotton pad.

Truly an effective and unique product since it does its job well and is even an ideal shape and size for travel. Don't let the fact that it's creamy turn you away–I think even acne-prone skins would benefit from this because it's gentle, inert in its ingredients, and a good medium for exfoliating with a warm cloth.

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rated 4 of 5 Julia7239 on 12/27/2012 2:45:00 PM more reviews by Julia7239

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

I use this intermittantly when not using my dermoligca. I like it as i use it as an astringent moisturisering mask in winter. I love the smell and the textture and it leaves my skin feeling refreshed. It is a good goliday cleanser. I would not use it everyday ongoing though, as i feel it is a little strong

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rated 5 of 5 GardenValleyGirl on 12/26/2012 3:54:00 PM more reviews by GardenValleyGirl

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

I LOVE BB's Orange Facial Cleanser! Tried it on a whim because I was looking for something more natural that wouldn't sting my eyes and this is it. Smells amazing, does have a warming effect when you massage it into dry skin, and it takes off all my daily makeup (including Dior Hypnose Drama mascara) leaving my skin soft and ready for my night time routine of AHAs and moisture. Like earlier reviews state, it does not leave your skin squeeky clean but soft and moist so it is best for dry (not sensitive) skin. I remove it with splashes of warm water and a Sephora facial sponge. Perfect!

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rated 5 of 5 elin22 on 12/26/2012 1:16:00 AM more reviews by elin22

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

First off: I have sensitive combination skin and usually use cream cleansers. I bought this cleanser when I ran out of my usual. I was intrigued by the ingredient list as there are only about 12 ingredients, all of which are natural and recognisable. It is comprised mainly of oils and is a thick, balm cleanser that looks a little like wood glue. It smells really strongly of oranges, so it smells lovely and refreshing.

I recommend applying this cleanser to dry skin. It feels a little like smearing honey on your face but it gets easier as it warms up on your skin. As you rub it in the cleanser seems to heat up, which is a little disconcerting but this soon stops. I like to take my time to massage it in so I can make sure that it's dissolving everything. You shouldn't use this cleanser in the shower as the warm water and steam just melts it off.

When I want to take it off I heat a face cloth under warm water and lay it over my face for a few seconds. This feels nice so I usually do it a couple of times. I find this is enough to make most of the cleanser dissolve straight away. I then use the cloth to rub the rest of it off before rinsing.

This stuff, although a bit scary in texture, is amazing. It leaves my face feeling so clean and soft. I swear that the redness in my skin is reduced and my pores are smaller and cleaned out. Any dry patches are gone and my skin is left feeling moisturised so I don't have to use a moisturiser at night. I am really looking forward to using this in winter.

Some cons: I find it a bit expensive at AU$20, especially considering how much you get. Also, I don't like the way it heats up on your skin. It makes my skin look a bit red for a few minutes which makes me worry that it's causing irritation. The high level of orange oil may be a problem for those with sensitive skin. Some people may also not like the packaging as it has a screw cap.

I highly recommend this cleanser to everyone, whether you have oily or dry skin. If you take the time to use it properly it will gently clean, leaving you with soft, healthy skin.

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rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* OSusanna on 12/16/2012 12:27:00 PM more reviews by OSusanna

Age: 36-43   Skin: Very Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

It looks and feels like orange (peel included) scented petroleum jelly. It's loaded with oils and fragrance. Recommended for drier skin only and the fact that it leaves a tiny bit of cushy residue will not make everyone happy. Does not dry out skin and does appear to remove light facial makeup. Works well with a clarisonic. For me, it works well once or twice a week when I'm not wearing too much makeup and I need a hydrating cleanser. I follow up with a toner and then treatments and haven't seen any problems. My big concern would be an allergic reaction since it 's so loaded with fragrance, but so far so good for me.

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rated 2 of 5 missbeautyqueen on 11/19/2012 3:11:00 PM more reviews by missbeautyqueen

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

Pros:
- Smells nice
- 100% organic
- Easy to find
Cons:
- ineffective (for my skin)
- bit expensive for what you get
Overall:
I wanted to like this product. But I just don't. It didn't work for my skin type. Even though it said it was for all skin types it didn't work. But then on the back of the product it said it was for normal-dry. I liked that it was 100% organic and that it was easy for me to find. Sadly I do not like this product and will not repurchase. I don't not recommend it because it could be that it just didn't work for me.

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rated 4 of 5 luineumaiel on 11/1/2012 11:32:00 PM more reviews by luineumaiel

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brown, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this product when I was on the lookout for an OCM alternative. I find using a hot, wet washcloth to wipe away the muck on your face after OCM-ing, extremely unhygenic. The trick with this product is to rub a pea sized amount all over a dry face. There's a lovely warm feeling that spreads as you rub it over your face (because of the vegetable glycerin, I think?). I massage gently for about 2 minutes, and then wash it off with tap water or warm water. It obviously doesn't lather, but when you wash it off, it does come off completely. without leaving any oily residue/film, and leaves your face squeaky clean. I have perennial jawline acne, and in 2 weeks of using this, it hasn't worsened at all, so I'm very comfortable with this. I'll keep buying this until I find a better, natural cleanser alternative (preferably something that lathers!)

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rated 5 of 5 glamorouskatie on 9/17/2012 2:02:00 AM more reviews by glamorouskatie

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Red, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

People may be put off by this cleanser because 1) it doesn't lather and 2) it doesn't give you that "squeaky clean" feeling. But I have to say, if you can get over that, this is a great product. Oil is a cleanser, too, it's just not aesthetically pleasing to us for some reason. I love the scent of this, and I love the texture. I wouldn't say it has granules in it, but it's not completely smooth. When I rinse it off, I feel like there's still a residue on my face, but once I've dabbed my face dry, it feels so soft and clean. My skin tone is also more even.

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rated 1 of 5 tresdivine on 8/28/2012 2:56:00 AM more reviews by tresdivine

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I swore by my burt's bees' chapsticks, and so I thought I might add this cleanser into that list of things I swear by. But, I was dead wrong. Although the product smells yummy and refreshing, and it is all natural, my skin does not like it. I guess the product is way too oily, it leaves residue and even with more washes and toner, the oil stays. Not to mention, the product breaks me out.

Off to the donation bin with you!

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rated 4 of 5 jinxiies on 8/19/2012 1:56:00 PM more reviews by jinxiies

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this product on a whim. I needed a facial cleanser on vacation because I forgot to bring my own, and didn't want to buy the same product I had back home. When I first tried this cleanser, I was amazed by the smell; the cleanser has a very appetizing smelling scent.

I have acne-prone, combination skin and although I did not notice this cleanser make any significant changes to my acne, it did make my face feel very fresh and healthy. The product feels very moisturizing and natural on my face and does a good job in removing makeup, however it is a little difficult to wash off completely, in my opinion. Therefore, I only use this cleanser before stepping into the shower.

Although it might have not made any changes to my skin, I would recommend this product to anyone who wants a gentle, moisturizing, natural-feeling cleanser.

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rated 4 of 5 sarahjeangirl on 7/16/2012 10:55:00 AM more reviews by sarahjeangirl

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I really like this product. I had been using Clarin's Pure Melt Cleansing Gel, and found that I really liked using an oil-based cleanser at night to get all of my makeup off. That product is a bit pricey (I think about $30), so I when I saw the Burt's Bees Orange Essence Cleanser in the store (less than $10, I think!), I figured I would give it a shot. I think that it's a decent replacement; it cleans well (gets ALL the makeup off!), it smells great, and it makes my skin feel very soft. I have read that some reviewers do not like how their faces feel after use of this cleanser; I don't have this experience, but then, I only use it at night, followed by my heavier lotions/treatments. I will most likely continue to buy this cleanser since it is very affordable and does exactly what I need it to do.

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rated 1 of 5 sdrayt1 on 7/12/2012 10:14:00 PM more reviews by sdrayt1

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Dark   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I tried this when I was on the lookout for a cream or oil based cleanser….something that wouldn’t strip my skin or irritate it. I started using a compound from my Derm (strong stuff) and I wanted a very gentle cleanser. I have sensitive skin, combination skin. I tried to use this cleanser twice about 2 months apart and got the same result…..IT BURNS! I mean as soon as I put it on, my skin starts to sting and made my face feel hot for a while after I washed it off. I’m assuming it’s the orange essence…whatever it is, it’s way too strong smelling and too strong for my sensitive skin. It smells like a commercial bathroom cleaner also. No Bueno.

I understand the concept of oil cleansing, but imagine smearing orange scented vaseline textured oil over your face. I didn’t expect it to foam, but it leaves a film behind that made me feel like my skin was dirty. This went in the trash because I couldn’t image anyone who would benefit from using it. Maybe if you have very dry skin that is not sensitive and you like oranges?

NOT purchasing again nor will I try again. I found Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple to be what I was looking for and I’ll stick with that from now on!

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rated 3 of 5 chookana on 6/14/2012 11:32:00 PM more reviews by chookana

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Tan   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I've been using this product for a little over a week now and I don't feel like it's done much for me. I've had a small break out on my cheek and I think this could be because of the oil content of the product. It does leave a thin greasy film after using it, initially I thought this was just one of the moisturizing properties of the product but after a prolonged period of using it, it's just making me feel dirty, even when using an oil control moisturizer afterwards. The only pro I can think of when it comes to this product is the orange smell, it's AMAZING! Funnily enough it even tastes good LOL.
For me personally, I feel that natural products don't have powerful enough ingredients to clean my skin thoroughly. I had the same problem after using KORA Organics, just feeling really unclean. I won't be repurchasing this product again, and I'll be staying away from all natural/organic products in general.
I'd say this would be suited to people with really dry skin and to anyone else who is wanting to try this, I wouldn't recommend using it in the morning because your face will probably be a greasy mess by midday.

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rated 4 of 5 bhenderson on 5/1/2012 11:37:00 PM more reviews by bhenderson

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

I happened upon this product only because the store was out of my regular.. I had little hope for it. Turns out to be amazing! ESP with removing makeup. It works best in combination with the citrus facial scrub. Smells like orange slice candy.

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