Desert Essence • Thoroughly Clean Face Wash with Organic Tea Tree Oil and Awapuhi • Cleansers

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nanamisan on 5/20/2013 11:27:00 PM more reviews by nanamisan

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

Pros: favorite cleanser to clean makeup brushes or makeup in general. This stuff strips. I use it sometimes when my face is crazy oily and/or horribly broken out and it does help. I would never use this twice a day, I would never use this in the winter. But it's definitely become a staple in my bathroom. It does not break me out but it probably would if I overused it and didn't moisturizer.

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drivesl on 1/16/2013 3:00:00 AM more reviews by drivesl

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Red, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

There is no cleanser that leaves my skin drier and more stripped than this, but it is oddly kind in that my acne is slowly fading on it and no other cleanser that's gentle does as good a job (like Annemarie Gianni aloe herb cleanser, You Can't Zit Here, simple cleanser, and the many I've tried.) I don't like that it has drying soap of Castile and the very comedogenic Coconut Oil as its top two ingredients. I do like that it's organic and has jojoba oil. I am getting small bumps on my forehead and a blackhead where I don't usually get it, I partly blame this cleanser and partly bee yummy skin food which seems to break everybody out.

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kelkelkel87 on 10/19/2012 6:55:00 AM more reviews by kelkelkel87

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

Good organic cleanser for oily skin.

Makes my face feel really clean and i love that feeling.
Does not dry my skin at all as i have oily skin.

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MadchenRogue on 9/18/2012 8:18:00 PM more reviews by MadchenRogue

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

**this is a review I posted on my blog**

Desert Essence is a brand I have only seen in two places (physically): Sprouts Farmers Market and Vitamin Shoppe. There are 2 honest reasons why I bought this face wash: Because it was on sale [told you I love sales (from what I can remember It was originally at 8.99, in sale for 6.99 @ Vitamin Shoppe)]. Secondly, because I wanted to try out the brand. I have never ever purchased anything from Desert Essence. Thanks to the internet I read loads of reviews about this product with mixed emotions. Because my face is as oily as the worst oil spill you can google about, I said to myself "What the hell, if it doesn't work, I can always return it".
Before I get to the juicy review let me tell you about this product. It has 8.5 fluid ounces. Comes with a pump. Has ALL and I mean ALL natural ingredients. No parabens, no mineral oil, no Sls, and the list goes on and on. According to the official dessert essence website it claims
" NEW! The extract of Hawaii’s fragrant awapuhi plant brings additional softening properties to this gentle, but effective cleanser already rich in soothing extract of goldenseal and essential oil of chamomile. Eco-Harvest® Tea Tree Oil leaves a clean that feels oil-free, and with regular use, helps improve your skin’s texture and radiance".

Better Nutrition Best of Beauty Awards, 2009

My THOUGHTS

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this product. It claims exactly what it promises. I love how my face feels super clean. It really takes the dirt of my face. Beware! If you have open sores or acne that is healing, YOU will feel the burn/sting sensation. NOW, I don't mind it. TO ME its disinfecting the wound and will help to heal it faster. To some, this may be a complete turn off. Some reviews I read around said "it dries your face". You know what, that is true. But you see I WANT my face dry. I want the oily layer of my face GONE. It does a fabulous job doing that. So if you have a "normal, normal to dry, or "sensitive" face. Then this product is not for you. Desert Essence makes other face washes for those particular skin types. I personally like to rotate my face wash. I have a generic "neutragena" one, this one I am reviewing, Cetaphil and a few bar type face washes. My only issue I have with this product is the pump. For some reason the soap dries to this film, and even after I clean the pump it still would not pump properly. So I had to buy a travel size bottle with a pump to pour the product in. But that's my only issue.

My advice? Check websites that carry this product and see if there is a sale that way You can save a few dollars. One more thing, they have a mega 32 oz bottle as well for 14 dollars. Once I run this one out, I am going to purchase the big bottle.

Again, this was a surprise find. I really don't purchase with an agenda (because it has the finest ingredients). But my goodness, this was one hell of a positive surprise!
It has Holy Grail quality and Natural Beauty ingredients wrapped into ONE! Highly recommend!!!!!!!!!!

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ALE515 on 9/5/2012 4:49:00 PM more reviews by ALE515

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

I switched to all natural products after having a bad skin reaction to an ingredient that's in everyday drug store products. I wanted to love this product, but this made my face break out, and become rough and red. On the other hand, my shoulders and back like it. So now I use it for skin clearing body wash. Be aware that this product is very liquidy. It has the same consistency as water, so be careful.

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loulee on 8/3/2012 6:02:00 PM more reviews by loulee

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

I wanted to like this cleanser so badly but it was just too harsh for my sensitive/acne prone skin. I used it five or six times and started experiencing redness and stinging on my cheeks and around my eyes. I loved the scent, the texture and was even starting to like the squeaky clean feeling afterwards. I will definitely keep it around for when I need a deep cleaning but there is no way I could use it as my daily cleanser. I don't think it's a bad product, it definitely gives a hardcore cleaning; just a little too industrial strength for my skin. If you have very oily or non-sensitive skin, I would definitely give this a go. Inexpensive, natural and does the job. I noticed a lot of reviewers complaining about the pump but it wasn't too much of a problem for me, just pick it up and aim the pump nozzle into your hand and it's less of a mess.

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sophiapirie on 6/4/2012 1:50:00 PM more reviews by sophiapirie

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

I like this cleanser a lot, it doesnt dry me out but i tend to have really oily skin. I wouldnt use this during winter though.

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svaiko on 4/16/2012 1:34:00 PM more reviews by svaiko

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

Ive been using this for about 6 months, day and night and it has helped my skin. It keeps my skin clear, however, it doesn't prevent my hormonal chin acne around my TOTM. Also It does not seem to help with enlarged pores or blackheads. It cleans off my makeup remarkably well and my skin is squeaky clean afterward. it is strong stuff and very watery, however, I dilute it with about 30% water and put it in an empty foaming hand soap dispenser (comes out of the dispenser as a foam) and it takes care of both issues. Overall, this is my go to cleanser until I find something that works better for me. PS. Also cleans makeup brushes well!

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mermanda on 4/12/2012 1:13:00 PM more reviews by mermanda

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

I've been using this every night for about three years to remove my makeup. It leaves my skin feeling clean and not tight. I have acne-prone skin and am using Retin-A -- I don't find that this face wash irritates my skin and it is not overly-drying.

Things that aren't so great about it: It is somewhat messy to use, though, because it shoots out as liquid and it is very difficult to travel with it. It stings REALLY BADLY if it accidentally gets in your eyes and if you accidentally get some in your mouth -- you will be shocked at how terrible it tastes. Not a problem if you don't eat your face wash I guess. ;)

I have repurchased this many times -- including the very economical giant refill bottle. Great value.

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*TOP REVIEWER* piecesofpurple on 3/22/2012 10:01:00 PM more reviews by piecesofpurple

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this product yet! I've been using it as a my face cleanser at night for years because it's the best cleanser to wash off makeup, oil, dirt, and pollution that's built up from walking around all day. The consistency is very liquidy and thin, so I pour it into a travel sized bottle that makes it into a foam consistency so it's more manageable. I get 32oz for 10 bucks on iherb.com, so that price REALLY can't be beat. This may be too harsh for people with sensitive skin or dry skin, but for those with oily skin, it's perfect! I even used it while on Accutane and I was fine.

I do use a mild face wash from 100% Pure in the mornings, though, since I'm not washing off makeup and just need a quick rinse.

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aquavita on 3/22/2012 3:50:00 PM more reviews by aquavita

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Don't buy this product , it is way too harsh. If you strip all the oil from your skin, it will just respond by producing even more oil. I am happy that it works for some, but I don't think it is a good long term solution.
Anyways, I give it a 2, because it lasts forever, makes not a bad hand wash( as long as you don't use it too often, because if not it will suck your hands dry) and does have a descent smell.

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itaJ on 2/24/2012 2:06:00 AM more reviews by itaJ

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

This is definitely my favorite face wash of all time - I've strayed from it before, but I always end up coming back. It's all natural, soothing, and it makes my face feel super clean! Great when used w/ Desert Essence's Tea Tree Oil Blemish Stick, it really cleared up my acne! I personally like the smell, but it is very different; after I wash my face with this at night, my boyfriend always says I "smell like plants." :)

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woooooosha on 2/21/2012 9:55:00 PM more reviews by woooooosha

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

Just started using this. I have acne-prone, dry, sensitive skin that overproduces oil. Salicylic acid washes just didn't work for me, so I decided to try this. So far my impressions are:

Smell- Very stinky. You can tell there is tea tree oil in here, whew! It only reeks terribly while washing, but after rinsing the smell is very fresh.. herbal, and almost thirst-quenching?

Feel - Stung my acne lesions pretty bad, but that's not a surprise. Felt like a typical soap - watery, lots of suds, and after rinsing very squeaky. I don't really have a preference for after-rinse, but if you don't like squeakiness, you'll definitely want to avoid this. It IS a true soap, after all.

Skin Reaction - Hard to tell if I'm reacting to this yet, I've only used it a few times and started using it in the midst of a full-fledged breakout. I haven't seen any improvement yet, but I'll give it a while. My skin did feel a bit dry after using it, but not so bad as some other cleansers I've tried. Definitely not worse than the salicylic acid stuff I used to use. I can imagine this may have long-term drying effects, though. Using a moisturizer is definitely recommended!

Will edit after using for a while.

EDIT: Well, it unclogged my pores! I actually miss using this stuff, but unfortunately I found that it was giving me tons of cystic acne on my chin! I thought it was because it was that time of the month, so I stuck with it - big mistake. Lots of scars from that break-out. Oh well, it was worth a try. I use it to clean all sorts of stuff now, it's a great brush cleaner. Wish it didn't give me cysts, though, because it cleared out the rest of my skin so well :(

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katehume on 2/2/2012 3:35:00 PM more reviews by katehume

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

Like others said, I really wanted to love this product. I really think the tea tree oil in this product helped clear my acne, but after months of use, I just couldn't take the harshness any more. My skin was red, irritated, and felt like it was burning (especially around my nose). And, despite the drying effect, my face was trying to overcompensate by producing a ton of oil. So I went from breakouts to irritated, oily skin, which is just as bad - if not worse! I think I'll keep this around to clean makeup brushes with though, but overall it's been far too harsh for my skin.

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mochio on 1/13/2012 4:44:00 PM more reviews by mochio

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

I originally bought it as an everyday face wash, but found it too drying for that. This is still good stuff, though. What I use it for: when my face is feeling hormonal or oily, I'll wash my face with this after I've removed my makeup with oil cleanser. I use it in junction with my shiseido brush and although my skin feels "drier," it looks cleaner and smoother in the morning. The formulation is thin and runny and foams quite a bit. The temporary dryness is worth it though, for when I wake up in the morning. Blackheads appear dimished and no new pimples have emerged. Definitely doesn't clog pores (i'm look at YOU mineral oil filled shu uemura cleanser) and thus doesn't irritate my skin. I wouldn't use this more than a few times a week though, and more as a treatment face wash. Also doubles as a makeup brush cleaner woot woot! Will let you know how satisfied I am with usage when I finish up the bottle.

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YellowLantern on 12/30/2011 5:18:00 PM more reviews by YellowLantern

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

Strips my face like whoa. I guess I should have been more diligent about reading the label when I bought it since this is basically just castile soap and I have always found castile soap to be drying when used on my body. The only way I was able to use this is if I used half a pump mixed with water and then very, very briefly washed my T-zone with this. Used this way the cleanser lasts forever, but frankly I didn't want it to.

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littlefangfang on 12/24/2011 8:12:00 AM more reviews by littlefangfang

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

It took me a long time to discover this product. I used to only use expensive department store brands (or sephora) . after been on this "clean" beauty product kick, and reading all the articles and books about the 'truth' of beauty industry I am officially scared to put any of that stuff on my face. This product is simple and gets the job done and makes my skin feel really soft and clean afterwards. If you are used to the normal cleanser's after feeling, maybe this is not the product for you. I used Aveeno for a while and i just recently read the label on the back, it's loaded with paraben and synthetic fragrance...as much as i liked how good it smells and how nice my skin feels after, you bet I'd never put that crap on my face ever again.

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nb55 on 11/28/2011 8:08:00 PM more reviews by nb55

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

I am a huge fan of this, I really can see the difference if I go away for a few days without it and then break out. You really need to use it like the bottle says, massage for 60 seconds with warm water. The pump is pretty poor (new packaging) but it is really affordable. I think it is way better than benzoyl peroxide products (bleaching) and much better than the Biore salicylic acid wash I was using. I also use the Desert Essence drying stick and sometimes the pads (they have alcohol, I am not such a big fan of them).

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hotnerd on 11/4/2011 12:14:00 PM more reviews by hotnerd

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

I got the bottle without a pump, so I transfered it to another pump bottle.
This cleanser really washes my makeup and all the grime off my face without drying it out.
However,
I feel like it doesnt clean deeper than that, and it irritates my eyes. Since using this cleanser I have had very red eyes, not sure if its the cleanser though! Could be something else since I like to mix it up.
But Im ready to try something new now.

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slobrina17 on 11/4/2011 12:12:00 PM more reviews by slobrina17

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

This is essentially a Castile soap with a few extras added. Being a soap it is very alkaline and harsh on your skin's acid mantle. Although it may kill bacteria in the short run, it reduces your skin’s ability to keep bacteria away after it has been rinsed off. It’s drying and damaging to the skin in the long run.

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