Hey y’all

I’m in need of cleanser that’s suitable for sensitive dehydrated acne prone combo skin. No oils or coconut derivatives (or at least no coconut derivatives so high up).

Gimme your best Cleansers

Hey y’all

I’ve seen lots of hype regarding mediheal toner pads. But besides the simplicity toner pads provide in the toner step, I’m wondering if there is any other benefits or differences?

Toner vs Toner Pads

Let’s all connect with any socials! Follow me on Insta and I’ll follow back! 

Insta: brownbettybella

Would love to get a follow train going🙏🏾

Not acne prone safe or oily/combo skin safe. Defeats the purpose of hydration for oily/combo skin if you load too many fatty alcohols derivatives and fatty acids as your mild surfactants. Which increases the chance for irritability. I didn’t use this on makeup so I can’t speak for that.

 🪺elf SKIN—Mini Holy Hydration! : Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm🪺

Sizes/Retail: Mini | 0.45oz | $5 

🧪KEY ACTIVES
* Hyaluronic Acid
* Ceramides (Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 II, & 1 more)
* Peptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1)

💬CLAIMS
A solid cleansing balm that melts into a luxurious oil to easily melt away makeup. After washing it leaves the skin feeling silky smooth and soft.

*Great for: normal, dry, oily, and combination skin

🔬 elf SKIN: Mini Holy Hydration: Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is a cleansing balm that will melt away the long day’s makeup for a squeaky-clean feel. This solid makeup removing cleansing balm melts into a luxurious oil, then transforms into a nourishing, milky texture that rinses off clean. Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides. Your skin will feel silky smooth, and soft.


🧬SKIN TYPE: Dehydrated, Acne-prone, Oily-Combination


💭GENERAL THOUGHTS vs. CLAIMS
This is actually the first cleansing balm I’ve used before. So my experience is completely with inexperience in using cleansing balms in general. I’ve known of cleansing balms for a long while, but the thick-balm like state of them seemed like an occlusive heavy nightmare for my acne prone skin. I used this balm for a couple days to test and see how it’d help with my hydrating my dehydrated skin. Immediately I noticed that there’s no apparent scent, or rather it’s neutral. Which was a bit interesting because they didn’t specifically label this as fragrance free (there’s still a dreaded non-specific “parfum” ingredient) but they do have products they do make note to state are fragrance free. So the fragrance is not so prominent in the final product (likely due to linalool) but it’s their FYI for my sensory/sensitive skin people. I then applied this on dry skin, I didn’t use a water based cleanser afterwards because I didn’t want any possible interference with the cleansing balm. When I first grabbed some to apply it carries on thick and waxy on the hands/fingers. Once I rubbed it on dry skin it did in fact melt into my skin. On the skin it results in a oily greasy finish which didn’t feel luxurious to me lol, and made me think I’d have to work to wash this off. As I applied it I really focused on massaging it into my skin and then I washed it off. I was sure I’d have to really work to wash this off my face but it came off without much fuss. It washed off into a milky substance. My skin didn’t feel squeaky-clean like claimed which is a good thing! Squeaky clean to me is unnecessary and in my experience really primes skin to eventually lose that necessary oil-water balance. My skin instead was clean but smoothed and slightly noticeably softer than *before*. So my dehydration was controlled. But overtime though as I used this for the next several days alongside the non-fragrance free face cream; my cheeks/pores began to look noticeably congested and looked splotchy like the heads of pimples wanted to form. I got a random breakout on my side of my cheek closer to my jaw so a hormonal breakout is also likely co-occurring but my cheeks looking as they did was my tell tale sign to stop using this. The price makes this a maybe try for non sensitive skin folks but either way I wouldn’t say to use this on the whole face.

The fatty alcohols and shea butter within this just did not lend themselves to maintaining that level of high moisture long enough on the skin even after using/removing. I also wouldn’t call this or any non-comedogenic/acne prone safe.

🌊EUCERIN—FACE: Immersive Hydration: Night Cream🌊

Sizes/Retail: Standard | 2.5oz | $24 Amazon, Walgreens

🧪KEY ACTIVES
* Multi-Weight Hyaluronic Acid (Macro hyaluronic acid molecules plus 40x smaller* micro molecules to intensively hydrate and visibly smooth skin)
* Provitamin B5 (conditions skin to support visibly renewed appearance)


💬CLAIMS
The Eucerin Face Immersive Hydration Night Cream restores skin’s moisture throughout the night to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It will not clog pores (non-comedogenic moisturizer) and is for all skin types, even sensitive skin.


🔬EUCERIN: FACE: Immersive Hydration Night Cream is a clinically proven formula ienriched with Multi-Weight Hyaluronic Acid, combining two sizes of hyaluronic acid for hydrated and noticeably smoother skin. With macro-sized molecules, it intensively hydrates the skin’s surface, while with 40x smaller* micro molecules, it hydrates throughout the skin’s upper surface layers, helping to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Provitamin B5-enriched, it also conditions skin and supports a visibly renewed appearance. The lightweight night moisturizer won’t clog pores and provides long-lasting hydration. With Antioxidant Complex, this night cream helps defend against damaging free radicals for healthy-looking skin. Eucerin Immersive Hydration Night Cream is fragrance-free and formulated for all skin types, even sensitive skin. 


🧬SKIN TYPE: Dehydrated, Acne-prone, Oily-Combination


💭GENERAL THOUGHTS vs. CLAIMS
I used this after cleansing both night and day. Primarily because I don’t think it’s necessary to have more than one moisturizer for times of the day. Now seasons I get. Also my skin is currently dehydrated so I’m a bit more open to trying heavier creamy moisturizers. Anyways this cream is scentless. And it’s thick in density but it didn’t just pile on my face. Though I do have dehydrated skin right now and I feel like my face will ultimately drink up most things. But it sinks and smoothly settles into the skin. I used this on drier winter days and in my dry AC/Heated home. And I can’t speak for the wrinkle/fine line “look improvement” but through the night I did get/feel my skin moisture balance improve from the scaly dehydrated feel of before. It does touch the level of deep hydration I believe but it doesn’t last. So it ends there in its utility. In my use of it for a couple of weeks the moisturizer reaches a peak in replenishment of moisture and then I felt drier/water loss in the morning. My temples also got bumpier which led me to believe I was going breakout. Which I did. I contribute that to the shea butter in this, which I hate occlusive + fatty alcohols. So the non-comdogenic claim I’d say that’s false as for me, and personally and in general. There’s really no universality to EVERY PERSONS skin reaction towards ingredients. For dry non sensitive skin I’d say try this in less harsh conditions.

It’s cheap so it can be a starter face cream but personally I don’t find it worth it. Too many fatty acids derived from fatty alcohols that’ll just sit on the face and build up irritation if you possibly have sensitive skin.

🪺elf SKIN—Mini Holy Hydration! : Face Cream🪺

Sizes/Retail: Mini | 0.529oz | $5

🧪KEY ACTIVES
* Niacinamide (minimizes appearance of pores and evens out skin tone)

💬CLAIMS
* 100% said this formula keeps their skin feeling hydrated all day after 1 week of use*
* 94% said skin looks plump and nourished after 1 week*
* 91% said this formula delivered intense hydration after 1 week*
* 91% said skin feels soft and smooth after first use*

*Great for: Oily, Combination, and especially Dry Skin

🔬elf SKIN: Mini Holy Hydration: Face Cream is a facial cream/moisturizer that delivers a powerful boost of hydration and illuminates skin. Great for oily, combination and especially dry skin, this cream is packed with nourishing and hydrating ingredients that replenish moisture for a bouncy complexion. Ideal for AM and PM use, the non-greasy feeling cream sinks into the skin quickly for a smooth, super-soft feel.


🧬SKIN TYPE: Dehydrated, Acne-prone, Oily-Combination


💭GENERAL THOUGHTS vs. CLAIMS
I followed using the face cream after I used the cleansing balm in the same hydration line. At first use I noticed it carried a floral/perfumey scent. Kind of reminds me of that pink sop you’d see in a bathroom. Or something else. It’s not a smell I liked and in general I wasn’t optimistic about putting a leave on product with fragrance on my face. It was thick and creamy and did take some smoothing out to melt into my face. As I used this over a week or so it did deliver in surface hydration. But the claim on “skin plumpness” and nourishment for me was untrue. Instead my skin looked increasingly over several days looked loaded on the pores on my cheeks but just smooth elsewhere. Also the noticeable hydration was there but it wasn’t intensive at all. It didn’t last all over my face through the week. It was more so smoothed and soft on the surface but loaded and greasy on my cheeks/chin(which I deal with hormonal acne so that colors my experience). Considering that cheeks ended up with the beginnings of a breakout. But I did see immediately how my skin was smoother and softer after the first use. Overall this was a mediocre face cream.

The SMELL, price, cleaning agent/ingredients, and product opening. You lose a lotta product in each application.

🌫️MOLECULAR SILK AMINO HYDRATING CLEANSER 100ml — 3.4fl oz🌫️

🧪KEY ACTIVES
•    Silk Amino Acids
•    Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
•    Organic Safflower Oil
•    Organic Moringa Oil
•    Green & White Tea Extracts
•    Astaxanthin

💬CLAIMS
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲: Skin is effectively cleansed from makeup, sunscreen and daily, urban-life grime while preserving the skin’s vital nutrients and moisture levels.
𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐬𝐞: +10% more nourishing ingredients replenish the skin for a softer, refined & more radiant complexion.

🔬ALLIES of Skin MOLECULAR SILK AMINO HYDRATING CLEANSER
This new-ish Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Hydrating Cleanser has been raved about by skincare enthusiasts and derms alike. It contains the potent addition of 4X Silk Amino Acids - antioxidants which aid in providing trace nutrients and nourishing the skin. They’re function is to be humectants that seek to draw water and enhance moisture absorption in order to revitalize skin. With the inclusion of actives like: Ethylated L-Asorbic acid to aid in fading dark spots and increasing collegen production. And Organic Safflower Oil a “non comedogenic” oil rich in important fatty acids (present in our skin layers) and Vitamin E that soothes and hydrates the skin. Plus the antioxidant rich & Vitamin A and C packed, overall barrier repairing Organic Moringa Oil. Then the highly antioxidant Green & White Tea which helps in reduction of oxidative stress and damages. And finally the powerhouse antioxidant Astaxanthin that fights free radicals and prevent the damage they incur like fine lines, dark spots and redness. This new formula is “attempted” to be designed for dry and sensitive skin types. 

🧬SKIN TYPE: Dehydrated, Acne-prone, Combination 

💭GENERAL THOUGHTS vs. CLAIMS
It must be said that this carries a strong shoe polish wood glue medicinal-like scent. Don’t know how no their review mentioned that here cause it’s wannabe adhesive bad. And it’s entirely unappealing and offputting. Luckily it doesn’t linger after it’s washed off your skin. But it’s one nasty scent and any further updates to this product has gotta get rid of that. The texture is jelly-like and through emulsion works it way into a thin creamy milk consistency. I used this on damp skin to aid in emulsion through the course of a week and a half. It didn’t dry out my skin after washing; which does validate its instant claim about preserving the moisture levels. My skin felt clean and calm with no flakes and my dehydration wasn’t set off. But through the week as I used this daily, the beginning of deep pimples were forming on cheeks and around my jawline/chin. At that point I stopped using this product daily. I tried using this once a day during the night and the pimples started back up. So in my experience daily use of this product was kickstarting breakouts. None of that soft skin or radiance just congestion. From the jump I knew I was gambling with getting this product that contained strong coconut oil derived surfactants + even more oils like jojoba + Vit C. And any supposed non inflammatory properties could be diminished. But I tried this even after researching thinking it’d work out. Unfortunately my acne prone skin reacted to this with acne lol. This not sensitive / acne prone skin formulated in my opinion. If you’re gonna get caught up in hype and the marketing of this buy this on a sale/new member discount/etc and patch test. It’s way too expensive to mess around with.

pH: 5.1 - 6.1

Considering the price I don’t believe it’s worth it. Paula’s choice products are not the most affordable but usually are worth their buck and last even as travel sizes. This was not at all worth it’s price. 

🫧PAULA’S CHOICE—RESIST: Perfectly Balanced Foam Cleanser🫧

Sizes: Full | 6.4 fl. oz. & Travel | 1 fl. oz.

🧪KEY ACTIVES
* Hyaluronic Acid 
* Ceramides
* Aloe

💬CLAIMS
This pearlescent foam gently removes all traces of makeup, sunscreen and excess oil while visibly improving the look of pores and redness. Replenishing hyaluronic acid and ceramides draw moisture into skin for a soft, hydrated complexion that's perfectly prepped for the rest of your routine. 


🔬PAULA’S CHOICE: RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser is an advanced anti-aging, pore-reducing cleanser specially formulated to gently remove excess oil and makeup without disturbing skin’s protective barrier. The Paula’s Choice RESIST line is directly dedicated towards fighting effects of aging. Which is not only exclusive to “mature” skin, but skin with: enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, dullness, rough surface texture, clogged pores, and wrinkles. All of which can be experienced at any age—the benefits of the line can be felt by anyone of any age. The RESIST line does not solely focus on skin type unlike other Paula’s collections; but rather about giving skin (normal/dry or normal/oily/combination) of any age more of what it generally needs to replenish and renew itself, fight signs of environmental stress, and look younger. There are currently two available lines for it. That being The RESIST line for normal to dry skin which provides skin-smoothing hydration and silky, emollient ingredients that renew the skin's appearance, leaving it soft and supple. And the RESIST line for normal to oily skin which helps minimize clogged, enlarged pores and red areas without drying out skin, while also improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (without feeling heavy or greasy and without making skin feel dry and tight).


🧬 SKIN TYPE: Dehydrated, Acne-prone, Oily-Combination


💭GENERAL THOUGHTS vs. CLAIMS
When I used this I applied this on a damp face and the texture starts off as non-heavy cream and emulsifies into smooth foam through careful motions. The application is instant and simple with no obtrusive scents, if anything it’s neutral, and the wash off process is easy. I definitely agree this cleanser does work to wash off any products and environmental guck/grime. But personally I felt as if this toed too close to the line of clean but still balanced vs. squeaky clean and stripped of my sebum. The condition of my skin at the moment is dehydrated. But as you know you can be dehydrated and oily and so on fourth. My skin traditionally leans on the oily side of the combination skin type. So after using this for a week that line edged closer and closer until my skin felt tight in my more “drier areas” and in so a pimple began to try and form. At that point I dropped this. This cleanser is calming but this effect of such gets diminished, over time my skin did not feel hydrated or softened. With the current needs of my skin this cleanser failed in providing any balance. And if you have truly dry dehydrated skin and/or sensitive acne prone skin I wouldn’t recommend this. If so buy the travel size to test it. The fatty acid as a surfactant over time is sensitizing on my acne prone skin. This was better suited to my oiler skin sib and I much preferred the RESIST Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser for my dehydrating/nourishing/balancing skin needs.

