The Purito Defence Barrier pH Cleanser is a gentle gel cleanser formulated with a low pH, designed to effectively remove dirt and excess oil from the skin. It aims to cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, thereby helping to maintain the skin's natural barrier and promote hydration.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
This cleanser features a thoughtful blend of ingredients aimed at supporting skin health:
- Tea Tree Leaf Oil: Known for its antibacterial properties, Tea Tree Oil is beneficial for acne-prone skin as it helps to suppress the growth of acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes). Studies suggest that a 5% concentration of Tea Tree Oil in a gel format can be as effective as 5% Benzoyl Peroxide in treating pimples. While Tea Tree Oil can potentially cause irritation, especially when undiluted, its inclusion in this cleanser, particularly when diluted, offers anti-blemish and antibacterial benefits. It contains limonene, a common allergen for sensitive individuals, but has a minimal overall allergen content, making it generally tolerable, especially in diluted forms.
- Centella Asiatica Extract (Cica): With a long history of use in folk medicine, Centella Asiatica is recognized for its wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Its active compounds, centellosides, can stimulate the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), including hyaluronic acid, which are crucial for skin hydration. It also aids in collagen synthesis, contributing to skin repair.
- Royal Jelly: This ingredient contributes to the cleanser's moisturizing properties, helping to maintain the skin's moisture balance.
How It Works and Who It's For
The Purito Defence Barrier pH Cleanser is designed to cleanse the skin without causing tightness or dryness. Its gel texture makes it potentially suitable for various skin types, including oily and oily-combination skin. The cleanser aims to leave the skin's barrier intact and moisturized post-cleansing. It is particularly recommended for Sensitive and Dry Skins, although individuals with a specific sensitivity to Tea Tree Leaf Oil should exercise caution.
The cleanser does not sting the eyes, even if the skin has been irritated or sensitized by factors like shaving or heavy retinol use.
Formulation and Texture
This cleanser has a transparent, gel-like texture. Upon contact with water, it transforms into a soft, fine foam that is not excessively bubbly, indicating it is not overly drying. The resulting foam is milky and rinses off easily.
Surfactants (Cleansing Agents)
The cleansing agents in this formulation include:
- Coco-Betaine
- Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
- Sodium Methyl Isethionate
- Lauric Acid
- Sodium Laurate
These surfactants are noted for being gentle and not overly stripping to the skin.
Usage and Routine Integration
The Purito Defence Barrier pH Cleanser can be used in both the AM and PM routines. To use, dispense a moderate amount onto a wet face and massage for approximately 30 seconds. The reviewer uses this cleanser to remove SPF, daily dirt, and oil after workouts.
Given its gentle nature, this cleanser is not primarily designed as a makeup remover. For effective makeup removal, it is recommended to use it as the second step in a double-cleansing routine, following an oil-based cleanser.
Scent and Packaging
The cleanser has a scent characteristic of Tea Tree oil, due to its inclusion of limonene. The packaging consists of a plastic tube with a flip-top cap. It initially comes with a silver hygiene seal that needs to be removed before use. Notably, the bottle is made from recycled plastic, aligning with eco-conscious practices.
Longevity and Value
The product has a shelf life of 12 months after opening. Based on usage, one tube is expected to last approximately 5-6 months, with the reviewer anticipating another 3 months of use from their current product.
User Reviews and Comparisons
Overall, the Purito Defence Barrier pH Cleanser receives a positive rating of 4/5. Reviewers appreciate its gentle cleansing action, the fact that it doesn't foam excessively, and its ease of rinsing. It is noted for not irritating the skin or leaving it feeling tight or dry after cleansing, even for those with oily-combination skin in dry weather.
One reviewer mentions a slight preference against essential oils, including Tea Tree, due to personal scent preference, which led to a deduction of one point. However, they acknowledge the cleanser's overall decent performance and would repurchase it if necessary due to its non-stripping nature.
Comparisons are drawn to the Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, with the Purito cleanser being described as less stripping. Another recommended alternative for those seeking a fragrance and essential oil-free option is the HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Cleansing Gel. The Vegreen - Rice Facial Wash Cleanser is also mentioned as a gentle foaming cleanser that cleanses without stripping natural oils and is fragrance and essential oil-free.
One user with acne-prone, slightly dehydrated combo skin (tight cheeks/eye area, oily T-zone) finds this cleanser suitable for their preference for lightweight formulas that prevent clogging. They report that it doesn't irritate their sensitive skin.