Being oily-combo, I tend to gravitate towards foaming face washes that leave my face feeling super clean but not dry and tight. For this reason, I’ve really enjoyed using Optiphi’s facial cleanser (R689, Skinmiles and selected salons). A gentle face wash that’s free of drying soap and potentially irritating fragrance, it cleanses like a boss but also contains salicylic acid.
If you’re spot-prone, salicylic acid (also known as beta-hydroxy acid or BHA) is your BBF as it’s able to penetrate deep into your pores and exfoliate them from the inside out to help keep them clean and clear. The other acids typically used in skincare are alpha-hydroxy acids – things like glycolic or lactic acid – and while they exfoliate too, they’re only able to do so on the surface of your skin whereas salicylic acid is the ‘deep diver’ of the bunch. The easiest way to remember that is Alpha’s exfoliate Above while Beta’s exfoliate Below.
Actually, now that we’re on the topic, know that BHA in face wash is actually a brilliant idea regardless of whether you’re spot-prone or not. Everyone needs cleaner, clearer pores. Still, if you’re especially concerned then look out for it in leave-on products, not just wash-off ones. Neutrogena’s Visibly Clear Spot-Proofing toner is a good pick. What’s truly excellent, however, is Dermalogica’s Overnight Clearing Gel that contains 2% salicylic acid. If this product’s every discontinued I’ll cry a river.
But ja, let’s get back to face wash. While Optiphi’s option is lovely, not everyone has deep pockets, so if you’re looking for something similar consider Eucerin DermoPurifyer Oil Control cleansing gel (R127,95, Clicks).
Much like Optiphi’s cleanser, Eucerin’s DermoPurifyer is also low-foaming, fragrance-free and formulated with salicylic acid. The whole DermoPurifyer collection actually got a little revamp the other day and the cleansing gel’s switched from a flip-top bottle to a pump that makes it easier to dispense.
If you were a fan of the original formula, don’t freak out, as they haven’t changed it. Two products in the line that had their ingredients tweaked (the oil control mattifying fluid and adjunctive soothing cream) but Eucerin took the whole ‘if it ain’t broken, it don’t need fixing’ approach to their cleanser.
Also, if you’re a Eucerin fan, know that the brands currently on special at Clicks until 23 Jan. If you buy any three products you’ll get the cheapest for free!
Lastly, Neutrogena recently launched new Visibly Clear Pore & Shine in-shower mask (R126,94, Foschini).
The ingredient doing the heavy lifting is kaolin, a clay that’s able to absorb excess oil. You’ll find kaolin in most mud masks and using one of those will give you the best results in regards to oil-blitzing but if you don’t have the time to sit around in one then Neutrogena’s in-shower option is a nice compromise. It also contains glycolic acid. That’s an AHA… so where does that exfoliate? Above!
Texture-wise, it kind of feels like a citrusy-smelling hair conditioner containing micro beads. Sure, it contains clay, but if you weren’t told that you wouldn’t know it. I like to apply it to dry skin just before I get in the shower so that it ‘sticks’ to my face a bit more (applying it to wet skin dilutes it) and then rinse it off after at least a minute. Afterwards my skin feels lovely and clean and I don’t need to reach for another face wash to get rid of it. I’m able to use this every day without drying out (kaolin sits in the middle of the ingredients list) but can’t tell if it’s helped control my oil in the long-term – I still have to blot my face as the day goes on – but I like the idea that I’m able to cleanse while doing a little something extra towards purifying my pores.
I would give this a higher rating if this had a pump, so I could control the amount I dispense. It is fragrance free and non-irritating. I feel that my skin is not too tight afterwards. This does...
About reviewer (16 reviews)
Age36-43
SkinSensitive, Fair
HairBlack
EyesOther
It's an okay cleanser. It was great at first and helped to keep my skin clear but then after a while I started breaking out a little bit. As soon as I switched this cleanser to another my skin got...
About reviewer (20 reviews)
Age19-24
SkinCombination, Fair-Medium, Neutral
HairBrunette, Other, Medium
EyesBlue
I have combination acne-prone skin and I've been using this cleanser for a month. At first it felt like my skin was really cleansed and it did helped to control breakouts, but now my skin is also...
About reviewer (1 reviews)
Age19-24
SkinAcne-prone, Fair-Medium
HairBrown
EyesBrown
PROS & CONS BELOW: PROS: * really cleanses the skin and removes all dirt/makeup etc * this product really helped me clear my skin out * not scented, so perfect for sensitive skin etc *...
About reviewer (16 reviews)
Age25-29
SkinAcne-prone, Fair-Medium, Neutral
HairBrunette, Wavy, Fine
EyesBrown
Excellent cleanser! i have quite oily, acne prone skin. Within 2 days of using this cleanser i noticed a significant difference in my complexion, it toned down the redness of my existing spots. I...
About reviewer (2 reviews)
AgeUnder 18
SkinAcne-prone, Fair
HairBrown
EyesBlue
MAJOR disappointment alert. After Eucerin took my favourite sensitive skin cleanser off the market in South Africa, they replaced it with this. Did you know that one of the ingredients is pool...
About reviewer (9 reviews)
Age19-24
SkinOily, Fair, Cool
HairBlond, Wavy, Fine
EyesBlue
It's not working for adult acne and with insignificant result. People trying to cure adult acnes for them ot at all advisable
About reviewer (1 reviews)
Age30-35
SkinAcne-prone, Medium
HairBlack
EyesBlack
This was brand I was totally unaware of, it's not really big in the U.K. But after a day in boots, there was a lady from Eucerin who had a device to measure your skin, and they tell you what's...
About reviewer (4 reviews)
Age19-24
SkinCombination, Fair, Warm
HairBrunette, Straight, Medium
EyesGreen
I used this when i was 17/18/19 and had Acne Prone Skin. It helped very well back then so I bought it again but it's a little to drying for me now and it leaves my skin feeling tight (but also very...
About reviewer (3 reviews)
Age19-24
SkinCombination, Olive, Not Sure
HairBrunette, Straight, Fine
EyesBrown
This was simply too drying for me. I suffer from adult acne so despite my age still have to use some acne fighting product but this was simply too harsh. Maybe on a younger skin. Also it contains...
About reviewer (13 reviews)
Age36-43
SkinCombination, Fair, Cool
HairBrown, Straight, Fine
EyesGreen
This review is for the CLEANSER. i bought it along with the cream. when i bought, i havent noticed that salicylic acid was listed as one of the last ingredients in this cleanser, but since my LRP...
About reviewer (154 reviews)
Age30-35
SkinAcne-prone, Fair-Medium, Not Sure
HairBrunette, Straight, Other
EyesBrown
This is a decent cleanser with salicylic acid and no perfume. It has very few ingredients which is great for me as I have super sensitive skin. I'm currently not using it due to my skin being very...
Is Eucerin face wash good for OILY skin?
Product info. Pro Acne Cleansing Foam is suitable for all types of skin, especially combination skin, oily and acne affected skin. The formula contains Bisabolol to cleanse acne-prone skin gently yet effectively.
What does Eucerin DermoPurifyer oil control do?
Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Blemish-Prone Skin Oil Control 50 ml delivers 8 hours of anti-shine effect and works against blemishes and excess sebum helping to regain control over demanding, blemish-prone skin.
Is Eucerin face wash good for acne?
Soap- and fragrance-free, Eucerin DERMOPURE Cleansing Gel is a non-comedogenic daily face wash for blemish- and acne-prone skin.
How do you use Eucerin DermoPure oil control?
Apply both morning and evening. First of all, start by cleansing the skin using the Eucerin dermopure oil control cleansing gel. Then apply fluid to the face. Use approximately one pea of the care to massage over the entire face.