Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

A few months ago I needed to replenish my cleanser, I am a Clarins beauty products enthusiast, therefore, 'twas no surprise to find myself at the Clarins section. I fully intended to buy the Clarins foaming cleanser; as I had had previous success with it. However, the 'Clarins Paris - One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser' 'with orange extracts' caught my eye - I decided to give it a whirl.

-

Clarins claims that this product is a quick and easy one step cleanser, offering a "4 in 1" skin care treatment; to achieve a healthy looking complexion.
The 4 skin care treatments included are:
Cleanses, the cleanser is a pH balanced gel, removing impurities, long lasting make-up and non-transfer formulas.
Exfoliates, using skin polishing micro beads, that gently remove dead skin cells and un-clogging pores. Thus refining your skins texture and enhancing your skins complexion.
Detoxifying, using the ingredient 'moringa' (aka horse-radish) grains extract, the cleanser removes all traces of pollution. Therefore, combating the adverse effects of pollution.
Toning, using the orange extracts and nourishing plant water to tone and refresh to restore skins radiance.

To use the Clarins one-step gentle exfoliating cleanser; we are instructed to place a small amount of product onto our fingertips …. lather onto our skin and cleanse using circular movements. We are to avoid eye contact and advised to rinse thoroughly.

This particular cleanser is aimed at all skin types, even for those who have very sensitive skin and it is dermatologist tested. It is retailed at £14.50 for a 125ml tube.
The cleanser comes in a classy yet simple; red, white and gold box; typical of all clarins products. The cleanser is contained within a transparent sturdy tube and is pastel orange in colour (See photographs). Packaging includes instructions for use and a list of claims (using colourful extravagant language; promising the earth) - all of this information is provided in many, many languages. All packaging is recyclable.

-

Upon opening the product, there is a lovely discreet aroma of oranges. The smell only lasts while washing; this pleases me as smelling of cleanser, moisturiser, shower gel, shampoo and perfume is just an overkill. I love citrus aromas for beauty products; as I find them very refreshing in the mornings, giving me a good start to the day. Therefore, the smell worked for me.
The cleanser is very thick compared to other cleansers, it feels quite gritty to touch; due to the micro beads. I use a dollop approximately the size of a five pence piece. It lathers really well and feels scratchy whilst washing - again due to the micro beads.

I tend to drink vast quantities of coffee, this tends to leave my skin looking dehydrated and dull.
This cleanser worked really well for me, effectively achieving all it's claims. Initially, my skin appears worse (true to the saying 'gets worse, before it gets better) but after a week, I began to notice a significant improvements.
My skin did look and feel smoother and softer; it definitely appeared clearer; it looked refreshed, toned and revived. Overall, my skin looked significantly healthier. I did find that my skin felt tight and quite dry after use, therefore, I found moisturising after use; enhanced and completed the overall effect.

In comparison to other cleansers I have used; this is by far the most effective one. With it being a cleanser, exfoliation, detoxifier and toner all in one, it suited my lazy and rushed lifestyle; giving me an extra few minutes in bed. I initially wondered if it would work, as products such as "2 in 1" shampoos and conditioners; I find are useless. I am pleased to say, I found this cleanser was effective in all four of it's claims.

The price I consider, extremely good value for money; when you consider it is "4 in 1". Individual Cleanser, Toner etc all cost approximately £13 each, in the clarins range - therefore with this product, you are really getting your moneys worth. Comparable to other manufacturers I.e. Clinique, the price is very similar.
I do find that it the cleanser doesn't last as long as other cleansers; I find it only lasts approximately a month … with every day use. Whereas other cleansers can last up to a couple of months. I do not consider this effects the overall value for money; as you will still be making a saving due to the "4 in 1" components.

In summary, I believe this product is excellent value for money. It is truly effective; living up to the extravagant claims made by Clarins. My skins complexion looks considerable healthier, clearer, refreshed and revived; as a direct result of using this product … I recommend it highly.

-

Clarins Paris - One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser (With Orange Extract) is available from Boot's, Brown's and similar shops. It is retailed at £14.50.