Facetheory was born in 2015 because as a brand, they wanted to find a better, fairer way of doing skincare - skincare that works, that’s vegan, and that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. With the belief that just because something is expensive, it doesn't mean it will work. So instead, they took it upon themselves to create their own brand.
I was kindly sent three products from the range to try a good few months ago now and as always, I really wanted to put them to the test, give them a try and then share my thoughts, especially when I read the following:
We blend the best of nature and science to transform skin for the better. Our goal is for everyone to feel beautiful in their skin, so they can get on with their lives: we worry about their skin, so they don’t have to.
We are bombarded with new skincare multiple times a day and for a brand to really stand out, I feel they need to do exactly what they say or claim to do. Facetheory don't make wild promises they cannot live up to and the reason is simple - they allow you to build your own skincare routine giving you the option to keep it simple or include multiple products for something a little more intense.
The first of the three products I was sent to try is the Clarifying Cleanser Pro (£15.99) the other two products will be shared in future posts. Described as being the supercharged version of their signature cleanser, the Clarifying Cleanser C2 Pro has been formulated using three kinds of acids at a low pH and a botanical surfactant derived from the quillaja saponaria tree.
Recommended for combination or oily congested, acne-prone skin and the chosen actives within the cleanser are designed to help to remove pore-blocking debris and reduce redness while at the same time to gently resurface the upper layer of your epidermis, all without irritation. Those actives include:
- Glycolic Acid 4% - This AHA helps exfoliate skin cells by breaking down their bonds.
- Lactic Acid 1% - Helps exfoliate skin by breaking down the material that binds together skin cells.
- Quillaja Saponaria Extract - This is an extract from quillaja bark containing over 60% natural saponins. A sulphate-free, natural soap.
- Salicylic Acid 2% - A beta hydroxy acid (BHA)which helps the regeneration of skin cells and resurfaces your skin to leave it soft and bright.
- Sodium Lactate - Acts as a humectant.
On the skin, this cleanser, which is very much feels like a balm cleanser but with a creamier texture, applies to the skin like a dream, surprisingly you only need half a teaspoon to cleanse your skin. On the skin, the cleanser isn't greasy or tacky, it doesn't feel oily either but it does a great job at removing all that surface dirt, debris and other detritus that lurks on the skin. The star factor for me however is when it comes to how my skin feels after using, despite the fact I exfoliate twice a week, my skin is still dry in parts, so I swapped out my exfoliating product and instead used this cleanser and the difference is incredible, minimal dryness on my cheeks and around my nose and much less congested looking skin.
As the Cleanser does contain alpha/beta hydroxy acid that may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, the advice is to always use a sunscreen and limit sun exposure.
Priced at £15.99, this is an incredible cleanser that really does do everything it states it will do and it is priced so reasonably too.