Lots of makeup-removing balms have the bad reputation of smudging makeup around the face rather than actually clearing it off. But true to its name, this balm is a legit cleanser and melts off every bit of makeup off your face. Not only does it easily remove layers of waterproof mascara, it does so without drying my skin out.
The titular ingredient — charcoal — is what gives the balm its dark gray color, but I think the sunflower oil is the true star. And though some people with acne run at the word "oil," this one is primed with acne-killing bacteria, according to Dr. Idriss. "It's also non-greasy and is easily absorbed by your skin so it won't clog you up."
Yes, it's marketed as an anti-aging cleanser, but the combination of glycolic and salicylic acids in this gel clear out the oil from pores while gently exfoliating the surface of your skin, and glycolic acid also supports the growth of new skin cells.
I use this in my nightly double-cleansing routine after the Boscia cleanser, as well as in the daytime before I put on other skin-care or makeup products too, because it cleans my skin gently without making it too dry or sensitive. Plus, the acids help exfoliate dead, dry, or flaky skin so the products I put on afterwards can penetrate deeper into my pores and sit smoother on my skin.
Admittedly, $38 may sound like a lot for a cleanser, but the 8.5 oz bottle has lasted me quite a while. I'm only just now getting ready to buy my second bottle and I've been using it for more than a year and a half.
This is the same formula as the cult-favorite Thayers Witch Hazel Toner, but in mist form. "Witch hazel is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to help soothe inflamed skin," says Dr. Idriss.
I'm Indian, so rose water was often used in my grandmother's all-natural remedies and this one brings back a lot of memories.
I've definitely seen a difference in my skin after using this, and like the Peter Thomas Roth cleanser, I also use this during the day. If I'm going out for a morning workout, I'll just spray this on my face before heading out and come back to do my entire morning routine later.
The combination of witch hazel, aloe leaf juice, and rose water are perfect for calming down my inflamed, red acne. I've also noticed that it helps decrease puffiness under the eyes. I spray this very generously all over my face, because the smell alone is heavenly.
Unlike previous products in my nighttime routine, this one really is strictly for p.m. use due to its high retinol percentage, which makes skin sensitive to sun.
When my acne was at its worst, I remember waking up in fear to a whole new set of pimples scattered across my face. Once I started using this product, the amount that happened went down significantly — almost immediately.
I had heard a lot about the magic of retinoids, but this was the first one I used that didn't irritate my skin, likely due to the gentle lactic acid. Retinoids help increase skin cell turnover, so not only was my skin feeling more plump in general, but the new skin that was being produced was clear of acne. Plus, the scarring I had from previous breakouts wasn't nearly as severe as it used to be before I began using this.
After my acne cleared up, I continued using this to clear up the pigmentation on my skin and it worked really well.
This gel used to be available only by prescription because it's that powerful, but it's available at beauty aisles now without one. My doctor first prescribed it to me when I was 13 but I promptly stopped using it when my skin became flaky and red almost overnight. I picked it back up at a drugstore a couple of years ago, armed with the knowledge I have now to balance out its drying ingredients.
The Peter Thomas Roth cleanser got rid of a lot of the acne I had on my cheeks and the smaller pimples I had on my chin and jawline, but incorporating this gel afterward is when I saw the biggest decrease in the large, painful, cystic acne that I had on my jawline.
According to Dr. Idriss, the Rx-strength retinol in this, known as adapalene, unclogs pores and prevents breakouts, but it's really strong, so be careful not to use it if you're trying to get pregnant.
It was extremely effective with the worst kind of acne, but I personally had to pair it with a very thick, moisturizing night cream — which acts as the perfect segue to my next point.
Every product before this was designed to penetrate the deepest layers of my pores, clean them out, and then generate new skin cells. So as not to irritate my skin, I knew I needed something to counterbalance with extra-soothing ingredients.
Most of the items in this nutrient-packed moisturizer from Goop are recognizable to me, like aloe leaf juice, shea butter, olive and avocado oils, and hyaluronic acid. The cream is designed to soothe and nourish skin, and worked its magic on mine.
Anyone with acne knows it isn't just about the painful pimples — it's irritated skin and redness too. When I started using this, I woke up to no redness whatsoever, and makeup and concealer were easier to apply and more effective during the day.
The price tag is a lot, but I've used this for a year and haven't come close to running out. I've also yet to find another nourishing night cream on the market with such recognizable ingredients and powerful results.
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