Latest news with #facialcleansing
The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
I tried CeraVe's new foam cleanser – and it's not what I expected
Fans of CeraVe will relish the brand's affordable, no-nonsense approach to facial cleansing. Do away with the essential oils, scrap the yellow and pink colouring, and hand over what's left: a targeted approach to bacteria and grime, specific to each skin type. It currently has a range of face cleansers, from an exfoliating salicylic acid formula (£10.80, to a hydrating one (£9.36, for dry, delicate complexions. And CeraVe has just added another to its cleansing roster aimed at normal to combination skin types. As someone who loves CeraVe, I was excited to hear word of a new launch: the balancing air foam cleanser (£10.86, But, I was dubious of the formula as I'm not normally a fan of foams. By design, foams require surfactants – ingredients that help lift dirt and oil but can often be drying. For years, brands like Clearasil and Neutrogena leaned into this, creating foaming face washes that stripped the skin under the guise of controlling acne and shine. Ironically, such formulas can backfire. Harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) may compromise the skin's surface, creating tiny fissures that allow sebum to leak through. Dr Stefanie Williams, a registered dermatologist and medical director at Eudelo skin clinic, explained: 'Foaming cleansers, often marketed for oily or acne-prone skin, can actually make things worse when overused or poorly formulated as they can damage the skin barrier and disrupt the epidermis, triggering reactive oil production and congestion.' The result? More oil, more shine, and a disrupted barrier. So when CeraVe used the term 'balancing' to describe this cleanser, I had my doubts. The question is, does it buck the cleanser curve? How I tested I used CeraVe's balancing air foam cleanser for 10 days in the mornings and evenings, the latter as a second cleanse after removing make-up. I applied two to three pumps of the formula to my skin, massaging it into the surface before wiping it off with a hot flannel. I paid attention to the texture, feel and post-use results, noting any changes to the tightness or hydration of my skin. I also considered the value for money across ingredients and packaging, stacking my real-time review up against its on-paper benefits. Here's how I got on. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews Lucy Smith is The Independent 's beauty writer. She has grown increasingly familiar with CeraVe – from its revitalising eye cream to its vitamin C serum. Regarding cleansers, she's covered multiple in her five years in the industry, including Elemis, The Inkey List and more. She's interviewed numerous skincare experts, from plastic surgeons like Dr Rebecca Rollett to dermatologists and aestheticians to understand different ingredients and formulations.
The Guardian
04-06-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Sali Hughes on beauty: Foaming cleansers for clean skin without the squeak
The ritual of facial cleansing is sacrosanct in my home, but only for me. While beauty buffs use melting balms, silky oils and rich creams to remove daily makeup, dirt and SPF, and separate exfoliants to remove dull skin, the vast majority of consumers – including my own family – will always prefer a foaming face wash that does it all. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. I get it. Exfoliating cleansers are fast to use (and easily stored in the shower), and give that fully refreshed feeling only wet cleansing can. The drawback is that they can leave your face feeling tight, dry and begging for moisturiser, and frequently fail what I call 'the towel test' – that is, they leave behind enough makeup for it to lightly stain a white towel during post-cleanse drying. So which exfoliating cleansers do a decent job and leave skin clean, without too much squeak? For oily and spotty skin, I frequently recommend CeraVe's SA Smoothing Cleanser with salicylic acid (£14.50), since the beta hydroxy acids cut through oiliness without leaving skin parched, thanks to comforting ceramides. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion On dull, drier skin, I love the always excellent Skingredients' new (refillable) AHA Brightening + Exfoliating Lactic Acid Cleanse (£28, pictured). This recommendation is a bit of a cheat, since the product doesn't foam, but it rinses off with water (leave on for 60 seconds before doing so, for best results), cleanses properly and gives face-wash fans that very clean, fresh feeling they crave. The lactic acid (my exfoliant of choice) here is gentler than other alpha hydroxy acids and its moisturising abilities help ease that tight, dry sensation. Slot this one in place of your usual cleanser a couple of times a week. Also using lactic acid for brightness and smoothness is Simple's Smoothing Gel Cleanser For Sensitive Skin (£9). This is an impressive product from a brand that has raised its game considerably over the past two or three years. It removed all but my eye makeup (clear that with micellar lotion before turning on the tap), rinsing away quickly and easily, leaving no residue and only very mild tightness (unavoidable on drier skins). To those who find even a separate wash for face a step too far, I offer Beauty Pie's AcidEnzyme Jumbo Exfoliating Face & Body Cleanser (£28.50 to members) for a massive 400ml pump bottle. My family is mad for this unfragranced, easily rinsed, sudsing wash that helps clears pores and mild acne, whether it's on the face, chest or back.
