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I remember double cleansing my face for the first time over four years ago and thinking “wow, THIS is real cleansing. I’ve been missing out”. The purpose of an oil cleanser or a cleansing balm is to break up oil-soluble impurities such as sunscreen and makeup. A foaming cleanser is used after that to remove anything left behind by the first step.
I’m currently using Make P:rem Safe Me Relief Moisture Cleansing Oil. I received this as PR, but you can purchase it on* Amazon. Credithink is a reputable retailer of Korean beauty - use the affiliate code kbhobbit10 to save on anything they sell, including the cleansing oil - find all of their products here.
This product contains a blend of plant oils plus willow bark extract (willow bark is a natural source of salicylic acid / BHA) to effectively cleanse and even help with blackheads and skin texture. Make P:rem cleansing oil is made without mineral oil or synthetic sulfates and fragrances. There’s a light, barely noticeable scent from the natural ingredients used - a full list can be found at the end of the review.
How to use:
Massage all over dry face and neck with dry, clean hands (can be used on eye makeup as well)
Add a bit of water, massage a little more (the product will emulsify / turn white)
Rinse
Follow with a foaming cleanser - make p:rem makes this great one
Don’t let the name “cleansing oil” scare you. These products are specifically formulated to emulsify when in contact with water, so they rinse clean and won’t clog pores.
My impressions
This is a great cleanser. I’m not really surprised, because usually Make P:rem products work well for my combination skin. The oil is gentle but removes makeup well (including eye makeup, although I didn’t test it on waterproof mascara since I currently do not own any).
The texture is pretty liquid but not excessively - it doesn’t run down to my elbows while I massage my face. I don’t notice a scent unless I specifically hold my palms up to my nose; you may notice it a bit more.
As far as the BHA / blackhead claims - almost any first step cleanser can help with blackheads and sebaceous filaments since it can dissolve their top layer and also remove makeup and sunscreen well. When makeup / sunscreens aren’t properly washed off, they can cause congestion and make the pores appear bigger. I haven’t noticed a big difference between this formula and ones not containing BHA. They all work pretty well as long as the oil cleanser is good quality.
Overall, a really good cleansing oil choice. What’s your favorite first step cleanser?
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Make P:rem Safe Me Relief Moisture Cleansing Oil ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Myristate, Octyldodecanol, Ethoxydiglycol, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Tocopherol, Water