I seem to be on a bit of a skincare revamp in recent times. My skin decided to throw a major hissy fit in January where everything I used to do and use (I didn’t change any part of my regular skincare routine) no longer worked and I was breaking out like I was a teen again, yet experiencing serious dry skin. I knew I had to do something. I told you earlier about my toner + cotton pad rediscovery that helped me. Now, here’s something else I changed. I haven’t been using cleansing oils for over a month.
Not using cleansing oils to remove my makeup and as part of a double cleansing routine is something really big for me. I’m such a cleansing oil evangelist and I’ve used so many. It has been such a part of my skincare routine for so many years that it was almost impossible for me to just abandon it. But I did. Instead, I turned to using cream/milk cleansers.
As luck would have it, I didn’t own any, except 2. The last time I used a cream cleanser, it was the Neutrogena one. Worked a treat but I didn’t replenish because… you guessed it; I went back to my oil cleansers. However, after rooting around, I discovered 2 – Swissline Water Shock Comforting Emulsion Cleanser and Yves Rocher Hydra Vegetal Hydrating Cleansing Milk.
I have been using them both this past month and I have to say that its different. My skin actually stopped feeling so dry and tight and it really seemed to help my skin feel more comfortable. Naturally, its also made me curious about trying other cream or milk cleansers 😀 Do you use any? Interestingly enough, both the cream/milk cleansers I’ve been using come in 2 different price categories 🙂
Splurge: Swissline Water Shock Comforting Emulsion Cleanser – RM198/160ml
The name of the product is that of Emulsion Cleanser but I feel that it is more of a cream. It pumps out quite thick, like a cream and applies on skin very much like a cream. It serves to remove makeup without drying out the skin and in fact, does a pretty decent job. I don’t use it about the eyes, because I use a separate eye makeup remover for the eye area (the same principles as that I’ve explained before apply).
With this one, I do not use a cotton pad. Instead, on dry face and with dry hands, I pump out about 2-3 pumps of the cleanser and massage it all over my face, giving myself a mini face massage as I go. I then rinse off or you can tissue off, and it leaves my skin feeling quite lovely and clean. Unlike oil cleansers that really deep clean, and sometimes leave skin feeling dry, this one leaves my skin feeling comfortable and hydrated. I do follow up with a foaming cleanser because it makes me feel more comfortable but you technically do not have to.
I did realise however, that I could not use this one too often or I’d break out. I’m not quite sure why this is so but I’m good to use it about 2-3 times a week, but not too often. Not bad either because its terribly pricey! If I have heavier makeup on, its back to the oil cleansers I go. This one doesn’t do as good a job at removing long wearing makeup.
(1) Swissline Water Shock Comforting Emulsion Cleanser (2) Yves Rocher Hydra Vegetal Hydrating Cleansing Milk
You can probably tell from these swatches the difference in texture of the product.
Save: Yves Rocher Hydra Vegetal Hydrating Cleansing Milk – RM49.90 /200ml
Unlike the Swissline Water Shock Emulsion Cleanser, I can’t use this cleansing milk without cotton pads. I’ve tried it using just my hands to massage it into my skin but it seems to get absorbed and doesn’t make me feel like its doing a good job cleaning my skin of makeup. So, I dispense some product onto a cotton pad and then wipe it over my face.
I do find that it does a fair job at removing most of my face base makeup but if its a longwearing product, then I do need more time to remove it. I also find myself having to go through quite a few cotton pads just to get my face clean and I do have to go over at least twice; but when I do, my skin feels very nice. It feels cool, hydrated and clean and I haven’t even washed it again yet 😛
As the name implies, the texture is more liquid and runny as opposed to the Emulsion Cleanser. It spreads quite easily on skin and when I use the cotton pad, I apply it in circles so my skin gets a little massage at the same time. It smells of the fresh green scent like the other Hydra Vegetal products and is just as affordable.
My Pick
Of the two, I’m going to pick the Yves Rocher cleansing milk simply because I can use it for weeks straight without experiencing any breakouts, and its affordable and works. I do think they are both fairly good products of themselves, and I do like the convenience of not having to use cotton pads with the Swissline emulsion and the nice creamy texture but I need something that I can use at a stretch without having to worry about breakouts and without hurting my wallet too much.
I will also note that cream, milk or emulsion cleansers are usually targeted at those who have drier skintypes who will benefit from cleansing while hydrating the skin. I personally benefited from this and I’m starting to be sold on the idea of using milk/cream cleansers.
Granted, it does now take me longer to remove my makeup and cleanse my skin, and I do have to do all the cleansing before I get into the shower and it can be quite a hassle, I have to continue because my skin has decided that for now, at least, this is what it wants. Ah! Fickle skin!
Have you tried either product and have an experience to share? Do you have a cream / milk cleanser to recommend?
I’d love to know if you are using a cream or milk cleanser and how you like it. I do still double cleanse; its just that I substituted the oil cleanser with a cleansing milk. I know this isn’t for everyone but when skin throws a hissy fit, sometimes its worth taking two steps back and trying something new. Thankfully this worked! 😀
Paris B
Swissline is a salon brand and products are available at Energy Day Spa and various other salons. Yves Rocher is available at their stores in various neighbourhood malls and Fahrenheit 88 and 1 Utama
Wojis says
I now clean off my make-up with my DIY cleanser (no cotton, just micro fibre cloths) and then I wash my face with Purity Made Simple (as it didn’t work on it’s own unfortunately) of with my EVOO-soap. In the morning I just use my EVOO-soap for my face, and I love it. It stopped me breaking out as much as I did before. The Purity Made Simple is just a test (don’t realy see the need as it didn’t do what it promised and costs twice my soap) and I up till now I am not convinced. As a lotion I use my DIY Aleo Vera lotion, I love it and won’t change it for a while.
Paris B says
That’s a very interesting cleansing regiment, Wojis! I’m going to read your blog and see if you mention it 🙂
LeGeeque says
I actually use a milk/creamy cleanser in the mornings! After a night of slumber (tough work), I don’t think my skin is as grimy to justify my regular gel/creme cleanser. I alternate between my Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution and Clarins Milk Cleanser – something like that. Got the Clarins one as a deluxe sample in a GWP. I quite like it but it’s heavily-fragranced. Love how soft my skin feels after my shower 🙂
Paris B says
I like how so many of us are using cream cleansers. I had the impression all along that oil cleansers were the “norm” LOL! Glad to know you found products that work for your sensitive skin 🙂
Kathia says
The trouble with cleansing oils is that they are often laden with hidden surfactants, which I find very drying. I switched away from them and to cleansing balms about a year ago because they have less surfactants and allow me to massage my face a little. I started with REN’s and then to Eve Lom (which works very well in hard water, less impressive in soft water) and now I’ve moved on to Bobbi Brown’s cleansing balm due to cost. I tried using my bottle of Kanebo Naive Deep Cleansing Oil here in London recently and found it way too drying.
Paris B says
Cleansing balms are something else I hear is wonderful to use. I have one from RMK and had planned to try it until my recent experiment with cleansing milk. Maybe I’ll try that once one of these finishes – not hard coz I’m so generous with the product LOL! I like using the Eve Lom occasionally. The cleansing process can get really messy!
Efrain says
Try Bioderma Micellar Water, as I have combination skin, milk are too heavy for me and instead I use it in Sebium version; for light makeup you only need one cotton pad impregnated with product. After it I use a gel cleanser; but I think in summer it is more comfortable than a milk.
Paris B says
I have been trying Bioderma but it doesn’t impress me the way I know many people are impressed with it. It is very useful I think for cleaning off light base and for light cleansing but I still double cleanse LOL!
Jennifer says
Hope your skin condition improves! I have always been attracted to milk cleanser but a few consultations at the beauty counters seem to conclude that due to my oily skin, any cream or milk based cleanser will make my skin more oily. I will give it a try one of these days. Currently double cleansing with cleansing oil and facial foam are doing a decent job but clogs my skin. No breakout though.
Paris B says
Cream/milk cleansers don’t work so well on oily skin thats true. So better stick to the oils 🙂 I know many people have reported great success using cleansing waters too. We don’t get Bioderma locally (the most popular) but I’ve been using Caudalie Cleansing Water and it is really nice!
toiletriesaddict says
When my skin acts up (I do have hormonal imbalance), I find these helps:
Removing makeup using the OCM – oil cleansing method (with Avocado oil / Olive oil / Grapeseed oil) hate the smell so I add a little pure essential oil (make sure it’s a good grade). Followed by a cleanser that suits your skin type from Dermalogica, Caudalie, Aesop or Melvita. Followed by the calendula lotion then calendula cream by Jurlique to soothe my irritated skin. If I’m breaking out with very rough and open pores, Swissline’s Resurface Overnight Cream. This formula works for me but I have oily yet dehydrated and congested skin with open pores. Age: late 30s. Sometimes when my skin looks so angry, I just give it a good cleanse and slap on some pure aloe vera gel and the next day it’s nearly back to normal.
LIA says
I’ve used Avene Cleansing milk for over a year and liked the consistency and gentleness, a plus for dry reactive skin. However, it did nothing for my dry to very dry (winter only) skin that was visually parched after cleansing, further requiring the use of a toner to remove unsightly residue. So I decided to switch over to Ren’s Hydra-Calm Cleansing Milk after trying an ample sample from Sephora, much to my delight. Its thicker and creamier than Avene’s and goes on o’ so smoothly. For a moment I thought it would be too rich for my skin but it wasn’t. It leaves my skin refreshed without that tight feeling after cleansing.
Paris B says
Mmmm I have had good luck with REN so far, so this sounds lovely, Lia! Thanks for sharing and I’ll be sure to look at REN the next time I’m in the market for a cleansing cream 😀
Tracy says
Hi Paris, I started using the Sisley cleansing milk recently as a morning cleanser cos I find foaming cleansers are a bit drying for me in the mornings; it hydrates my skin very well after cleansing.
I use bioderma cleansing water (cleanses well and is convenient but a bit drying if i use it everyday though) if I have light makeup on or fancl cleansing cream (one of the few foaming cleansers that works for my dry skin) if no makeup. Fancl cleansing oil is really good if you have full makeup etc, cleanses well and yet gentle.
Paris B says
Glad to know the Sisley cleansing milk works for you 🙂 I’ve never used Fancl. I remember it was very popular quite many years ago, but I never quite got into trying the brand. Maybe because it wasn’t available in Malaysia then. Is it now?
Bell says
Hi Paris B,
I’m a dry skin and currently using the L’occitane Shea Butter Cleansing Milk to remove sunscreen on my face. The smell is like baby powder and doesn’t leave my skin tight afterwards. The con is it absorbs fast. I remove the dirt residue with partially wet cotton pads then rinse off, followed by Fresh Soy Cleanser (gel type) to do the second cleansing. After finish L’occitane’s I would like to try Nuxe Cleansing milk with rose petals and Caudalie’s gentle cleansing milk. Both have good reviews too! 🙂