Oskia Perfect Cleanser review

Oskia is a UK skincare brand that uses mostly natural (plant-based) ingredients. The products are free from petrochemicals, artificial chemicals and fragrances, silicones, parabens, sulphates and propylene glycol.  The products are also built around MSM (Methyl Sulphonyl Methane) a form of bio-available ( = the body can use it) sulphur that is more commonly taken as a supplement to help support the connective tissues and joints, and other ingredients that I like to see in skincare like prebiotics and omega oils.

This is a balm cleanser that doesn't contain mineral oil or beeswax (as I've mentioned before, I love bees, but beeswax can be pore-clogging on some skins). Most natural balm cleansers do contain beeswax, so it's good to find one that doesn't. The softer balm texture that results through the use of almond and coconut oils as a base for this product does mean it tends to liquify in warmer temperatures. This doesn't affect the performance of the product, but you do need to be a bit careful not to squirt it out of the tube with too much gusto in warm weather.

It's a very gentle, effective cleanser with a light natural fragrance (slightly citrussy/yuzu-ish). I use this when I feel like my skin needs a deep and thorough clean; on the odd days when I wear foundation, or any day when I've been in London (for dealing with both the extra grubbiness and dryness).

The technique for using this is the same as most other balm cleansers; massage on to a dry face to melt grime and make-up, then you can either emulsify with warm water and rinse or take off with a damp muslin cloth. I don't feel like it removes completely for me with just rinsing - although my skin looks and feels clean I can feel a fine film of oil left behind that I don't get when I remove using a warm cloth, so I prefer to use a muslin. An extremely dry skin may prefer to emulsify and then just rinse with water.

Oskia state that this cleanser is suited for all skin types, but particularly mature, dry or hormonal skin. I'd agree with that, and I do particularly like it on evenings when my skin is feeling drier. This would not be my first recommendation for a cleanser for a younger, oilier skin.

Oskia Perfect Cleanser is £32 for 125ml. There are a number of stockists; it's available at Liberty, Fenwicks and Content Wellbeing in London (and www.beingcontent.com online), and through the company website www.oskiaskincare.com.

Ingredients:

disclosure: PR sample.