In what could be considered a very narcissistic move, I'm going to reference my own analogy (
heard here on the podcast) in relation to the importance of a good cleanser:
You should think of your cleanser and your SPF as the bookends of any good skincare routine. If you haven't got a good cleanser or a daily SPF product, all the other stuff in between (e.g your expensive serums and moisturiser) can't be as effective, because a) you aren't effectively cleaning your skin, and b) aren't protecting it from further damage.
So, now that we've established the importance of your cleanser, how do you actually find the right one for you? Well, we've been fighting over samples of this new one in our office, so Dermalist's Ultra Hydrating Lactic Cleanser might be a good place to start.
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Don't worry, I haven't ditched my asap gentle cleansing gel (which, as many of you will know is my holy grail). I have instead added the Dermalist Ultra Hydrating Lactic Cleanser into a double cleanse routine. I remove the bulk of makeup, dirt and grime with my asap, and follow it up with Dermalist. But what's the point in doing that, you ask?
Well, this AHA-based formula will remove any remnants of makeup, dirt and grime your first cleanser has left behind, while offering a gentle exfoliating action. Your skin is left softer, smoother and feeling hydrated and comfortable (yes, even sensitive skin like mine).

Everything Else You Need To Know About This Lactic Cleanser:
The milky-gel formula has a very slight refined granular texture
Again, it has a gentle resurfacing action thanks to chemical exfoliant ingredients
Deeply cleanses away impurities without stripping the skin’s natural lipid barrier
It can also helps other products penetrate the skin better
It's packed with antioxidants and calming Australian native ingredients and natural extracts
Cruelty-free and vegan friendly, this formula is also free from SLS, parabens & synthetic fragrance
What's In It?
Lactic and Mandelic Acids, combined with Mango, Papaya and Pineapple fruit extracts act as gentle exfoliating ingredients, suited particularly to those with dry, normal or sensitive skins who struggle with other forms of exfoliants. The formula also contains Australian Finger Lime (which is super rich in vitamin C) to brighten and provide antioxidant support, Green Tea to further protect against free radical damage, and Chamomile and Niacinamide to calm redness and reduce inflammation.

What's Everyone's Verdict?
Best cleanser ever
Honestly the best cleanser I have ever used. I love the milky consistency. Skin feels squeaky clean but never stripped or dry! Smells great too!
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Leaves my skin feeling really soft.
This cleanser doesn’t foam and feels totally different to any other cleanser I’ve used. It beautifully cleans and perfectly preps my skin for shaving by leaving it feeling soft and comfortable instead or dry and tight like other cleansers have done in the past. In fact I forgot to moisturise the other day and didn’t even notice as my skin was so co...
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The cleanser that made me sit up and take notice
Cleansers, amiright? Never exciting, never really move the needle on your skincare regimen. Until I tried this baby!! Never has my skin felt smoother, cleaner and yet hydrated. Products I put on afterwards suddenly became extra effective. Birds sang.
I was supposed to try a sample overnight and ended up hoarding it for two weeks and refusing to pa...
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