Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser all skin types

.../> Perhaps this is why Clarins was my mum’s favourite brand for a number of years? It certainly sounds impressive, so when my mum bought me several products from the Clarins range a couple of years ago I was suitably chuffed.

One of the products she bought me was this ‘Gentle Foaming Cleanser.’ There are two versions available: ‘All Skin Types’ and ‘Dry or Sensitive Skin.’ Mum chose me the latter because my skin can be slightly sensitive ...
...packaging is in the tradition Clarins style – plain but classy, and definitely not ‘cheap’ looking. It is a fairly large soft malleable plastic tube about seven inches tall with a screw top lid, which can be used to stand the tube up. Being a French company the main writing is in burgundy and written in French; below that, an English translation. The gold Clarins logo is stretched across the top and embossed on the lid. If you turn the tube over ... more

“Clarins laboratories gather doctors, biologists and cosmetologists all working in synergy around the same charter of quality: always favouring natural ingredients, using the highest quality plant extracts in their most effective concentration, developing textures that are both pleasurable to use and perfectly absorbed by the skin”

Perhaps this is why Clarins was my mum’s favourite brand for a number of years? It certainly sounds impressive, so when my mum bought me several products from the Clarins range a couple of years ago I was suitably chuffed.

One of the products she bought me was this ‘Gentle Foaming Cleanser.’ There are two versions available: ‘All Skin Types’ and ‘Dry or Sensitive Skin.’ Mum chose me the latter because my skin can be slightly sensitive on occasions.

THE PRODUCT

The packaging is in the tradition Clarins style – plain but classy, and definitely not ‘cheap’ looking. It is a fairly large soft malleable plastic tube about seven inches tall with a screw top lid, which can be used to stand the tube up. Being a French company the main writing is in burgundy and written in French; below that, an English translation. The gold Clarins logo is stretched across the top and embossed on the lid. If you turn the tube over you are greeted by insutrctions in give different languages. Although there is nothing *wrong* with the packaging as such, it doesn’t exactly scream fun or ooze youthful vitality (which my favourite brands do). It simply utters “I’m here to do a job, and a good one at that, so let me get on with it.”

The lid is easy enough to remove, even with wet hands. If you then sniff the nozzle there is no distinct fragrance. To some, this may be a great advantage, but personally I prefer something more interesting, or fruity. To me it just smells clean, how you might imagine any cleanser to smell. When you squeeze it out of the tube it is a rich cream colour and thick in texture. It is more of a smooth paste than a liquid. It certainly won’t leak out of the tube if you forget to replace the lid immediately.

USING THE CLEANSER

“Morning or evening, gently lather on damp skin. Rinse carefully and apply a cream.”

Short but sweet. No miracle claims and no waffling, just straight to the point. This product is so easy to use that if you follow the exact instructions listed above you’ll not go far wrong.

The cream lathers up slightly on contact with water and your skin but it doesn’t produce a large amount of soapy bubbles, just a mild foam, which I like. It is not at all hard to wash off, and leaves skin feeling relatively soft and beautifully clean. I find that this cleanser is so gentle in its action that I don’t necessarily require a cream immediately after use. I can leave it a while (although admittedly I normally just slap cream on as a habit).

IT CLAIMS:

 Thoroughly removes excess oil secretions, surface impurities and make up

I have never tried to remove makeup with this, and probably never will. I would not trust a foaming cleanser to remove all makeup; I prefer to use liquid cleanser and a cotton wool pad. However, I can comment on the first two claims I believe it fulfils both adequately. I have a tendency to develop an oily patch on my forehead if I leave it unattended for too long. Using this cleanser not only removes all surface impurities but seems to keep my skin oil free for several hours.

 Cleanses and purifies the skin, refines the pores

I would agree with the first two, as mentioned above. I don’t have major problems with enlarged pores so can’t really comment on whether it improves them, but let’s just say it hasn’t aggravated any existing condition I may have.

 Neutralises the uncomfortable drying effects of hard water

Definitely. If I wash my face with certain cleansers I get that ‘tight’ feeling as if your skin is half a size too small for what’s inside. This cleanser doesn’t give that feeling. In fact it doesn’t really give any sensation as such (like tinglyness or the feeling as if your pores are open) it just makes you feel clean.

 Protects the skin’s natural balance

I presume so, as I have had no noticeable problems with my skin due to using this product. No dryness or itchiness, or excess oil (no more than usual anyway!)

WHO IS THIS CLEANSER FOR?

Clarins are so kind as to state in their brochure who this is for:

 Those who like to use ‘soap and water’ products but wish to avoid their dehydrating effects.

 Those who have combination skin prone to oiliness and who want to gently purify their skin without causing irritation.

 Those who feel the need for more thorough cleansing and want the purifying, refreshing effect of water.

 Children and teenagers: gentle cleansing for their sensitive skin.

So there you have it. It is aimed as the slightly beauty conscious but those not willing to dedicate too much time to their skincare routine. Fair enough.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

This gentle foaming cleanser costs £12 for 125ml. You do not need a huge amount each time and I estimate that a tube would last at least 3 months if used twice daily. Clarins is available in larger Boots stores and major department stores. See http://uk.clarins.com for more information on the brand.

MY VERDICT

So maybe after this review you’re thinking it’s something I will repurchase because it works and keeps my skin in good condition after using it?

I can’t really fault this product. Oh actually sorry yes I can, it should have a flip top lid for convenience, but apart from that it’s almost perfect. However, in saying this there is something that simply doesn’t suit me about it. Ok, so I am concerned about my skin and its condition, but I don’t feel that I am at the stage that I *need* cleansers that just “do the job.” I prefer something in fancy packaging that I really look forward to using each day. Something that makes me feel special and pampered (and of course, clean!)

I have various cleansers that do a great job on my face, and this is one of them, but sadly I won’t be repurchasing it as I feel it is a little too ‘functional’ for me, rather than fun.

I am not in any way criticising this product as I think it lives up to all its claims. It would be perfect for anyone who is not taken in by the flashy marketing of brands such as BeneFit and Origins who wants a quality cleanser at a reasonable price. I, on the other hand, will be shelling out money on products which do the same thing but smell all fancy and come in funky packaging and cost about double!

 carly_pussycat - Ciao UK ©
 

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