It started with a jar of soy milk in a Boston kitchen. Alina Roytberg was just trying to soothe her eczema.
The real magic? She realized soy proteins could calm skin without stripping it — a revelation that built the Fresh empire. They were “clean” before it was a marketing term.
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. $48 for 5.1 oz. They claim it removes makeup without that tight, squeaky feeling. I was skeptical.
Gel-to-Milk Texture
Turns from a clear gel into a milky lather with water.
No-Rinse Claim
You *can* tissue it off, but I always rinse. Feels cleaner.
Cucumber Scent
It’s there. Not artificial, but noticeable. Press release calls it “soothing.” I call it fresh cucumber.
Photo: Rosa Rafael / Unsplash
The hero is amino acid-rich soy proteins. They cleanse gently. Then there’s rosewater and cucumber extract for a calming effect — not just for the story.
- Soy Proteins: Maintain skin’s moisture barrier
- Rosewater: Anti-inflammatory, but mostly just feels nice
- Cucumber Extract: Provides that cooling sensation
- Borage Seed Oil: A lightweight oil that helps with softness
Photo: Bailey Burton / Unsplash
The texture is slick — not oily, but slippery. It feels luxurious washing your face. Doesn’t foam much, which weirdly makes it feel more effective.
By week two, I stopped reaching for a second cleanse. It got my sunscreen off. The real surprise? My skin felt balanced in the morning, not an oil slick.
My skin is softer. No change in breakouts (good or bad). It didn’t “transform” my texture, but it made cleansing — a chore — feel like a treat.
It’s a brilliant, gentle cleanser that makes a routine feel ritualistic. Overpriced? Maybe. But I keep buying it.