Let me just say, if you haven’t ever heard of Exuviance, then you are missing out! Exuviance, one of my fave skincare brands, was founded by Drs. Van Scott and Yu, who are renowned in the cosmetic dermatology industry. They created and held the original patent of the first glycolic peel, and discovered the rejuvenating qualities of alpha hydroxy acids (NeoStrata, 2016).
Exuviance products are backed by solid science and research, not just consumer opinion. While consumer opinion is still important and valid, the actual scientific proof needs to be there. With Exuviance, you get both- skincare backed by science, and loved by consumers!
As I really liked the Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector, I was really happy to get their Gentle Cleansing Cream. (You can read more about Sheer Daily Protector and Drs. Van Scott and Yu here.)
After using tretinoin, my skin is much more sensitive and prone to irritation, so I tend to stay away from harsh products. Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Crème contains skin conditioners and botanicals, along with gluconolactone. Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid. This ingredient is an anti-aging superstar that helps exfoliate the surface, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines (Dermreview, n.d.).
So, if gluconolactone is an AHA, does it do the same thing as other AHAs? One difference between gluconolactone and other AHAs is that the molecules are larger. This means they don’t penetrate the skin as easily, but the ingredient is still effective (Begoun, 2016). In other words, you still get results, but there’s less irritation. Great news for those with dry or sensitive skin!
Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Crème is purported to clean away makeup, surface oils, and impurities without stripping the skin of moisture. The highly moisturizing and soothing formula is ideal for dry or sensitive skin, and it’s also supposed to work perfectly as a makeup remover.
The Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Crème comes in a convenient, sanitary tube. It has a very light, barely discernible scent, and a soft, creamy texture. Since it’s supposed to be perfect as a makeup remover, I really put it to the test and piled on my makeup. Prior to washing my face, I put a small amount on a tissue, like I do with my eye makeup remover, and wiped off my shadow, liner, and mascara. It worked- it even got my waterproof liner off!
After removing my eye makeup, I washed the rest of my face like normal. The Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Crème left my skin clean, but it didn’t feel tight or stripped of moisture. The result was similar to those in-shower moisturizing body washes- you get clean, but the product also works as a moisturizer.
I have oily skin, so I have to be careful not to use products that strip the moisture, or I get even oilier. It’s also difficult to find a cleanser that’s moisturizing but doesn’t leave me greasy. Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Crème is just right- it’s like the Goldilocks of cleansers. In the summer, when I’m in a hurry, I may even be able to get away with just using the Sheer Daily Protector right after washing.
So, what’s the verdict? I love Exuviance more and more with each product I try. A moisturizing cleanser that doubles as a makeup remover and doesn’t irritate my skin, make me greasy, or leave my face dry and tight? Yes, please!!!
Exuviance Gentle Cleansing Crème retails for $32.00 and is available at www.exuviance.com. You can also follow on Twitter @Exuviance.
Source:
Begoun, P. (2016). Polyhydroxy acid. Beautypedia Ingredient Dictionary. Retrieved March 3, 2016, from www.paulaschoice.com.
Dermreview (n.d.). Gluconolactone. The Dermatology Review. Retrieved March 3, 2016, from www.dermreview.com.
NeoStrata (2016). Our Company. Retrieved March 3, 2016, from www.exuviance.com.
does this cleanser dry your skin out?
Hello! Absolutely not- it does just the opposite, it actually seems to act as a moisturizer, too, that’s why I may not need a separate moisturizer in the summer, hoping just a serum! 🙂