I used an oil cleanser first for a month. Then I just didn’t.
The real test? Seeing if my sunscreen and mascara residue actually needed a two-step ceremony every single night.
Clinique’s Perfectly Clean Foaming Cleanser. $25. The claim? It removes makeup and pollution. I was skeptical.
Lather Level
It doesn’t just foam — it billows into a dense, shaving-cream cloud.
Scent Profile
That “clean” fragrance is strong. Like, hotel-soap strong.
Post-Wash Feel
Zero residue. Your face feels… audibly squeaky.
It’s a surfactant party. No fancy oils or butters here. The goal is pure, efficient stripping.
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate: The primary foamer — potent and clarifying
- Charcoal Powder: For that ‘detox’ visual effect
- Caffeine: A token wake-up call for skin
- Menthol: The tiniest cooling kick
One pump, wet hands. The lather is almost too good — dense and slightly drying as you massage. Rinses completely in seconds.
By week two, my combo skin felt taut. Not “clean,” taut. The surprise? It took off my Heroine Make mascara better than some balms. But my cheeks protested.
Blackheads on my nose looked clearer. But any dry patches turned into little deserts. This isn’t a gentle daily driver.
Double cleansing doesn’t always need an oil first. But using this foam alone? That’s a strict regime for the truly shiny.