All right, so I’m on the search of better face products. Not that the ones I’ve been using aren’t bad – Noxzema, and Neutrogena have helped me clear my skin for years. However, I like to switch up things every now and then.
Checking out the reviews of my fave store, Sephora, I came across Olehenriksen face cleansing system. Yeah, I can’t pronounce the name so don’t bother to ask me. However, whether I can pronounce something is irrelevant. Does it work is the real question?
Before I put anything on my face, I need to ensure I’m putting on something that won’t turn me into a pepperoni pizza.
From the Sephora website:
-Green Fusion Complex™ (Green Tea, Eucalyptus, Algae (Kelp), and Irish Moss Extracts): Helps absorb excess oil and refine pores.
-Neem Seed Oil: A legendary ingredient in Ayurveda.
-Salicylic (BHA) and Glycolic and Lactic Acids (AHAs): Help lift and loosen dead skin cells that clog pores.
Find Your Balance™ Oil Control Cleanser:
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycol Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Laureth-4, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil, Linoleic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chonrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Phytic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Limonene.
Balancing Force™ Oil Control Toner:
Water, Polysorbate 20, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Gylcerin, Gluconolactone, Glycolici Acid, Lactic Acid, Oleth-20, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Menthyl Lactate, Eucalpytus Globulus Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil, Linoleic Acid, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Linolenic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Calcium Gluconate, Benzoic Acid, Tocopherol, Limonene.
Counter Balance™ Oil Control Hydrator:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alykyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 20, Linoleic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Methyl Gluceth-20, Caprylyl Glycol, Linolenic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Phytic Acid, Fragrance, Saccarhide Isomerate, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oleanolic Acid, Limonene.
Now I have a solid rule – if I can’t pronounce it, it doesn’t go on my face or my body. Sounds fair enough doesn’t it? So, even though I broke that rule for this product review, I still tried it because it doesn’t contain sulfates or parabens.
However…this product DOES contain carrageenan and silicones, so that’s something you want to be aware of if you avoid both ingredients at all costs.
When I applied the cleanser, I noticed I didn’t have to use a lot for my face and it cleaned very well. When I applied the toner, however, it was hard to determine how much I needed to use and I can never tell if I poured out too much or too little. Weird.
The moisturizer was a lot easier to manage and I also found I didn’t have to pour out a whole lot. While it was the travel version that I tested, I found that it did last quite a while.
My face felt fresher and I had a natural glow as evident by the pic below (excuse my goofy smile):
Review:
Pros:
- It cleanses very well.
- The travel system is a bit pricey but it does last a long time ($34).
- My skin felt dewy and refreshed within a week.
- My skin did have a natural glow within a month of usage.
Cons:
- Contains carrageenan. While carrageenan as a beauty ingredient isn’t bad, carrageenan as food ingredient is best to avoid. I’m giving this warning to those who want to avoid this altogether. Both the cleanser and toner contain this.
- Contains silicones. I noticed the moisturizer is the one that has contains it.
- Contains a whole of other ingredients that made me iffy despite how well it worked. I don’t know what the long-term effects will be.
- Pricey as I stated above. $34 may not be feasible for many on a budget. There are many over the counter, drug store cleansers that work just as well.
Bottom Line:
I do recommend this as a splurge, however, my jury is still out if it’s something I would recommend on a daily usage, despite how great my skin looks. If you’re able to shell out a bit more money for the full-size versions, go for it!
What are your favorite facial products?
Nice review …I tend to go for natural products , black soap, acv toner and and oil as a moisturizer (usually vitamin e) but I love reading about other people’s experiences and trying new stuff
Oh I love black soap! That is my go-to and I wish I discovered it years ago.