Product Review - Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

   Achieving and maintaining good healthy skin certainly takes efforts and help of quality skincare products, and cleansers form the most basic group for the same. I've been trying out the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser since the last couple of months on myself. Below is an in depth, detailed review of the same.

   Product Claims: This mild cleanser is specially formulated with a sugar-derived glycoside foaming agent to thoroughly cleanse skin and remove makeup, without over-drying or stripping skin of its natural oils. With effective emollients Squalene, Apricot Kernel Oil, Vitamin E, and Avocado Oil, our gentle formula dissolves excess oil, dirt and debris. pH- balanced to maintain skin's natural balance. Tested for safety and gentleness.

   Price: Rs. 895/-
   Volume: 75 ml.

   Shelf Life: 36 months.

   Directions: Apply a small amount to clean fingertips and gently massage into damp facial areas in upward, circular motions, avoiding the immediate eye area. Rinse thoroughly or assure removal of cleanser residue with a damp wash cloth.
   Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Acrylates Copolymer, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Chloride, Pentylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Distearyl Ether, Behenyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Laureth-2, Propylparaben, Sodium Methylparaben, Squalene, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil/Sweet Almond Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil/Apricot Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Persea Gratissima Oil/Avocado Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid Fmla 685386/25 Code F.I.L.: D31958/1.

 

   The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser comes packaged as a collapsible white tube provided with a flip cap. The packaging is simple, compact, leak proof and sturdy. It is printed with the name of the brand and product on its front side along with the product claims, net volume provided and a few manufacturing details. Details about suitability according skin type and directions for use have been mentioned in English on the front side, whereas the same has been mentioned in various other languages along with the list of ingredients on the tube's backside. It also comes stuck with multiple (3) information stickers printed with net content, price, month of manufacturing and import, shelf life, contact details for consumer complaints and queries, batch number and more.

   The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleaner has a thick, gel like consistency and is hazy whitish in color. Though I am not able to put a finger on exact substance that the gel smells like, it somehow reminds me of being underwater or in pools. It isn't the most likeable of the fragrances, but being very faint and mild, is something that I can easily ignore. A small drop of the face wash is more than enough to cleanse the face well, lathering sufficiently and easily getting rid of dirt, oiliness and makeup from the facial skin. It leaves a oily residue on the skin which takes a few extra seconds to get rid of, but a single wash ensures skin which feels fresh. The cleanser is mild, and does not strip the skin's natural oils but at times leaves tiny patches of skin dry, especially in winter. It keeps skin oil free for couple of hours, makes skin soft and keeps eruption of acne in check with continued use. Another downside is the fact that the cleanser contains sulphates and parabens amongst its chief ingredients.

   The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser is easily available across the nation for purchase, through their stores, select chemists and also through online retail sites though, at Rs. 895/- for a 75 ml tube, it is definitely priced much more than I or most other people would ever consider paying for a facial cleanser.

 

   Pros:
- Simple, sturdy and travel friendly packaging.
- Formula has a thick, gel like consistency.
- Small quantity is enough for thorough cleansing.
- Lathers well.
- Cleanses oiliness, dirt and makeup off the face well.
- Leaves the skin feeling refreshed with a subtle glow.
- Does not strip the skin off its natural oils.
- Keeps skin oil free for good couple of hours.
- Helps in keeping skin soft and acne free with continued use.
- Easily available across all Kiehl's outlets, a few select chemists and online retail sites.

   Cons:
- Smells similar to chlorinated pool water.
- Takes time to rinse off the oily residue the cleanser leaves on the skin.
- A bit drying on my combination type skin.
- Contains sulphates, parabens and many more chemical additives.
- Costs a bomb when compared to other cleansers in the market.

   Verdict: 4/5. Despite its high price, the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser cleanses the skin thoroughly, keeps oiliness away and acne in check, making it worth a try or two!

Product Review - Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser

   One of the organic, cruelty free 'Make In India' brands that I had been meaning to try since long was Kama Ayurveda. Having heard great positive reviews from many sources, I recently bought a few of their products for myself. Below is the detailed review of the Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser. Do give it a read to know if it stays true to its brand's reputation and product claims.

   Product Claims: A perfect hydrating face wash filled with natural ingredients, which gently and thoroughly clean skin and remove light makeup. Aloe Vera leaf juice heals and smoothens skin, Vetiver root and Black Cumin seeds are antibacterial, Jojoba seed oil softens and rejuvenates skin, minimizing fine lines and promoting skin suppleness. The pure essential oil of Rose has excellent emollient and hydrating properties keeping the skin soft, young and moisturized while the pure essential oil of Jasmine is an effective toner and helps reduce skin marks and scarring.

    Price: Rs. 375/-
   Volume: 50 ml.
   Shelf Life: 24 months.
   Directions: Use appropriate amount on damp skin, light massage and rinse well with lukewarm water & pat dry.

   Ingredients: Vetiver Root Extract,Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Jojoba Seed Oil, Salicylic Acid, Rose & Jasmine Essential Oil Blend, Potassium Sorbate, Holy Basil Leaf Extract, Guar Gum, Liquorice Root Extract, Glycerin, Cumin Seed Extract, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract, Aqua, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice.

   The Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser comes packed as an amber colored compact, simple, attractive and sturdy container bottle provided with a black pump dispenser and a transparent cap for protection against product leakage. It comes labelled with the brand and product name, product claims, directions for use, ingredients, caution warnings, price, volume provided, shelf life, manufacturing and customer care details.
   The face cleanser solution is clear in color, possesses a strong rose scent and is a bit runny in consistency. Just two pumps of the solution are enough to cleanse the face, though the lather it creates isn't a lot due to absence of artificial sulphates. It does not form a creamy layer on the skin and is easy to rinse off. The cleanser gets rid of oil, dirt and traces of light makeup from the skin, providing it with a fresh, radiant look. It does not strip the skin of its natural oils and keeps it well moisturized. Also, it helps in keeping skin soft, supple and oil free. Over time it helps in keeping the eruption of acne in check. It does not contain artificial colors/fragrance or petrochemicals, parabens, urea, propylene glycol or sulphates. It is a 100 % vegetarian product and is cruelty free as well.
   The Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser's price is on the higher side of the spectrum compared to many other face washes in the market, though they are easily available through their stores and website in India and internationally as well.

   Pros:
- Simple, compact, attractive packaging.

- Possesses a natural smelling rose scent.
- Just a small amount is enough to cleanse the face.
- Lathers sufficiently.

- Easy to rinse off.
- Does not form a creamy layer on skin.
- Cleanses oil, light makeup and dirt off the face.

- Gives a fresh look/feel to the skin.

- Does not strip the skin of its natural oils.

- Does not cause drying of skin.
- Leaves skin soft, supple and radiant.
- Keeps skin oil free for hours.

- Keeps acne in check.
- 100 % vegetarian product.
- Cruelty free product.
- Easily available across the nation.

    Cons:
- The solution is a bit runny in consistency.
- Price is on higher side of the spectrum.
 

   Verdict: 4.25/5. Though a bit costly in price, the Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser is a great smelling, thorough yet mild face wash, suitable for all skin types.
 

Product Review - Oriflame Pure Skin Scrub Face Wash

   Skincare is the basis of a healthy and radiant complexion, something that all of us desire. We often end up trying loads of products, to find the ones which would fit perfectly into our daily skincare regimen to help us achieve the same. The search for my ideal skincare products recently brought me knocking on doors of Oriflame, a Sweden based company with almost 50 years of experience in field of manufacturing and selling personal care, accessories and nutritional products. Have been using the Oriflame Pure Skin Scrub Face Wash since a long time and reviewing the same here today.

   Product Claims: A deep-acting, exfoliating cleanser which targets spots and blackheads by penetrating pores with powerful anti-bacterial ingredients. Continues to work long after you’ve washed your face. Use daily.

 
   Price: Rs. 499/-
   Volume: 150 ml.
   Shelf Life: 36 months.
   Directions: Massage over wet face, and rinse. Avoid direct contact with eyes. 

   Ingredients:Aqua, Glycerin, Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Cccamidopropy Betaine, Polyethylene, Decyl Glucoside, Salicylic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Parfum, Oryza Sativa Cera, Methylparaben, Menthol, Undecylenoyl Glycine, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Aluminium Hydroxide, CI 42090.

   The Oriflame Pure Skin Scrub Face Wash comes packaged in form of a tall translucent see-through container with a bluish tinge and is provided with a pump dispenser. It has the name of the product, its actions and volume provided mentioned on its front side while its product claims, directions for use, ingredients and manufacturing details are printed on the back. The packaging of the product is sturdy, simple, attractive and travel friendly with the pump dispenser having a lock mechanism which prevents leakage of the product while in transit.
   The Oriflame Pure Skin Scrub Face Wash consists of a semi solid light bluish solution with dark blue exfoliating micro beads interspersed in it. The face wash is mildly scented and only a small amount of it is required to cleanse the face. It produces sufficient amount of lather when mixed with water to cleanse the skin and get rid of dirt, oil and makeup while providing it with a cooling sensation at the same time. The face wash takes a bit extra time rinse off properly due to its creaminess, but despite that leaves patches of my combination type skin dry, especially around my mouth. Its exfoliating microbeads scrubs away the dead skin cells and are gentle on the skin. It provides skin with a fresh feeling, giving instant radiance and glowing complexion. The face wash helps to keep the face oil free for couple of hours, making it ideal for people with oily skin. Also, daily use helps to reduce the eruption of acne. On the downside, it contains many harmful substances like parabens and sulphates.
   The Oriflame Pure Skin Scrub Face Wash can be purchased easily through any Oriflame consultant and also via online retail sites though it would be more prudent to do so during periods of sales and offers as it is priced at the higher side of the spectrum.

   Pros:
- Simple, attractive and travel friendly packaging.
- Mildly scented.
- Has a decent, semi solid consistency.
- Small quantity produces desired results.
- Produces sufficient lather.
- Gives a cooling sensation to the skin.
- Cleanses facial skin well.
- Gets rid of pollution, grime and light makeup with ease.
- Exfoliating microbeads help in getting rid of the dead skin cells.
- Gives an instant fresh feeling to the face. 
- Helps to provide a radiant and glowing complexion.
- Helps skin to stay oil free for hours.
- Keeps eruption of acne in check.
- Available relatively easily across the nation.

   Cons:
- Takes a little extra time to rinse as it forms a creamy layer on the skin.
- Leaves patches of dry skin on face.
- Price is a bit on the higher side of the spectrum.
- Contains parabens and sulphates.
 

 
   Verdict: 4/5. Though a bit on the pricier side, this face wash's thorough cleansing property and preventive action against oil build up is bound to make people with oily skin its loyal customers.
 

Product Review - Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash

   Clean & Clear is a brand which needs no introduction. Their range of face washes are amongst the most commonly used skincare products across the nation. I have seen many of my immediate family members use their products on a daily basis, but somehow never got around to using the same on my skin. So when I was contacted by one of their reps for collaborating for a review, I said why not!

    Ready Face:
   We all know that our teen years are probably the most difficult years of our lives - A roller coaster of sorts - Physically, emotionally as well as mentally. Hormones are at an all time high, stress levels at peak - And the result of this is seen on our facial skin in form of hyperactive sebaceous glands leading to oiliness, acne and blemishes. These marks add to the stress and often lower one's confidence - Which is where the Clean & Clear foaming face wash enters as the savior of the day - It prevent pimples, oily shine and blackheads; thoroughly removing oil and dust without over-drying skin, promising to control oil for up to 8 hours, leaving skin feeling clean, clear and radiant which leads to a better looking you - And as we all know - When we look good, we feel good and more confident, ready to face the world head on. Thus, the Clean & Clear foaming face wash helps us to Take back the mirror with a Ready Face.

 

   Product Claims: The Clean & Clear foaming face wash is specially designed for young skin - To remove excess oil, while its special ingredients help prevent pimples. Its liquid formula cleans deep without causing dryness, and is gentle enough to use every day, for clean and clear skin that glows.

    Price: Rs. 99/-
   Volume: 100 ml.
   Shelf Life: 36 months.
   Directions to use: Apply a small amount on wet palm and work into rich lather. Gently massage onto face, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off thoroughly. Use twice daily for skin that's beautiful, clean and clear! Follow with Clean & Clear Oil Free Moisturizer for best results.
   Ingredients: Water, Triethanolamine, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Phosphate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Fragrance, Pentasodium Triphosphate, O-Cymen-5-ol, Benzophenone-4, Butylated Hydroxy Toluene.

    The Clean & Clear foaming face wash comes packaged in a see through plastic bottle with a purple colored flip cap. The packaging is compact, sturdy, attractive and travel friendly. The bottle has the name of the product printed on its front side, while the product claims, directions of use, ingredients, manufacturing details, price, volume provided, and manufacturing date on its back side.
   The Clean & Clear foaming face wash is manufactured specially with those who have an oily skin type - Its formula is oil free, which prevents clogging of pores.
   The face wash formulation is clear in color, has a pleasant scent and is pretty thin in consistency. A very small amount is required for usage, and addition of water to it provides it with abundant lather. It cleanses the facial skin well, getting rid of oiliness, dirt and makeup in the process. It easily gets washed off, leaving no creamy/sticky residue behind. It gives a feeling of freshness to the skin, giving it a radiant glow after use. Occasionally, it leaves the skin around the corners of my mouth and cheeks feeling stretched, dry and flaky, mandating the use of a moisturizer in conjunction with the face wash. That being said, it does a wonderful job of keeping my skin oil free for hours on end and thus reduces the incidence of occurrence of acne.
   Pricing of the Clean & Clear foaming face wash is right on the money and it is also easily available across the nation. 

    Pros:
- Comes packaged in a sturdy, attractive and travel friendly bottle.
- Has a mild, pleasant scent.
- A small quantity gives optimal result.
- Lathers abundantly.
- Easy to rinse off.
- Doesn't leave a creamy residue on skin after rinsing.
- Cleanses the face well.
- Gets rid of oiliness, dirt and makeup.
- Refreshes the skin.
- Gives a radiant, even complexion.
- Reduces incidence of acne eruptions.
- Keeps face oil free for hours.
- Price is easy on the pocket.
- Easily available across the nation.

   Cons:
- Thinner in consistency than what I prefer.
- Occasionally makes skin look dry and patchy.

   Verdict: 4.25/5. A very cost effective, must have product for those with oily skin type which rightly delivers what it promises - Clean and clear skin that glows!
 

Product Review - Za True White Cleansing Foam

 

   Za, a brand from the house of Shiseido, was introduced in India around a year and a half back, and has made quite a big impact and gained a loyal customer base in this small time period. Its products are made keeping the needs of the metropolitan women in mind, and include skincare as well as cosmetic products. Reviewing a product from their first launched skincare range in India, the Za True White Cleansing Foam below. Do have a read to know about my experience of using the same.

   Product Claims: This whitening cleansing foam removes melanin contained excess surface skin cells and imparts moisturized translucent skin.
   Actions - 

• Cleansing granules roll gently over skin to remove excess surface skin cells and impurities around pores - Vitamin C granules. 
•  Moisturizes skin and imparts smooth and translucent skin - SPA ingredients (Natural spring water in Tuscany, Italy, loaded with a variety of minerals).
• Removes light makeup.

   Results - Leaves the skin feeling refreshed. Imparts luminous, translucent and moisturized skin.
   Product texture - Rich foam gently covers the skin.
 

   Price: Rs. 199/-
   Volume: 50 g.
   Shelf Life: Not mentioned.
   Directions: Squeeze a small amount onto palm and work into lather using cool or lukewarm water. Gently massage over face in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly.
   Ingredients: 

   Also available in a 100 g tube for Rs. 349/-

   The Za True White Cleansing Foam comes as a collapsible white colored tube with a screw cap. It is pretty to look at, compact and travel friendly. Its screw cap is sturdy and prevents leakage of the product. The tube is printed in pink with the name of the product on its front and the product claims, directions of usage, ingredients and more on the back.
   The foam has a good thick consistency, and is white in color. It has tiny colored Vitamin C granules interspersed in its formulation. The foam has a pleasant scent to it, although a very mild one. A small quantity of the foam when mixed with water gives rise to abundant amount of lather, helping perfectly cleanse the face of accumulated oil, dirt and light makeup. It is easy to rinse off and does not leave a creamy residue on the face after doing so. It works pretty well on my combination type skin, but sometimes leaves dry patches of skin over my cheeks and around my mouth, making the use of a moisturizer mandatory after its usage for better hydration and protection. It also keeps my skin oil free for hours and reduces the occurrence of acne eruptions. It makes the facial skin feel fresh and provides it with an instant glow, and over a period of time makes the complexion more uniform.
   It is available through many online as well as offline portals. Though it is costlier than many face washes available in the market (Something which might prevent a few from trying this product), a single tube lasts for quite long as only a small quantity of the foam is sufficient for usage, making the Za True White Cleansing Foam a good buy.
 

   Pros:
- Attractive, compact and travel friendly packaging.
- A pleasant, mild fragrance.
- Thick, foamy consistency.
- Small quantity gives desired results.
- Lathers abundantly.
- Easy to rinse off.
- Does not leave a creamy residue on skin.
- Cleanses the face well.
- Gets rid of oil, dirt and makeup.
- Gives a fresh feel to the skin.
- Over time, helps in giving a glowing, radiant complexion..
- Keeps face oil free for hours.
- Prevents appearance of acne.
- Ease of availability.

   Cons:
- Not moisturizing enough, specially for those with dry skin. 
- Few may find the price a bit high.
 

   Verdict: 4.25/5. A must try face wash for those looking for oil free, radiant and glowing skin, especially suited for those with oily to combination skin type.

Product Review - Garnier White Complete Fairness Face Wash

   Face washes are an intrinsic and one of the most basic part of any skincare regimen and go a long way in affecting the appearance of the skin. Hence I am always on the lookout for different face washes in search of the ones which suit my skin perfectly. Reviewing the Garnier White Complete Fairness Face Wash with reference to its product claims, price, pros, cons and more. Do have a read to find out how it worked out for me.

   Product Claims: Exposure to sun, pollution and harsh environmental conditions makes skin appear dull & dark. Garnier White Complete Fairness Face Wash is an effective daily face wash that helps you discover clear, radiant, and even complexion. Enriched with exfoliating pure lemon essence, its formula cleanses and clarifies the skin thoroughly and removes impurities that make skin dull. You get one tone fairer in one wash!

   Price: Rs. 145/-
   Volume: 100 g.
   Shelf Life: 36 months.
   Directions: Apply on wet face. Gently massage in with fingertips avoiding the eye contour. Rinse thoroughly. Use twice daily. Follow up with White Complete Multi Action Fairness Cream.
   Ingredients:

   The Garnier White Complete Fairness Face Wash comes packed in a pretty, collapsible white colored tube with a sturdy flip cap which resists leakage. It is provided with a foil seal on mouth of the tube for an additional protection from leakage. It is slender and compact in packaging making it very travel friendly. It is imprinted with the logo of the brand and the name of the product on its front side while the product claims, directions for use, ingredients, price, shelf life, etc. are printed on the back.
   The face wash is nice and thick in consistency, not runny at all. It has a mild scent which disappears soon after the face is washed and does not linger. A small amount creates sufficient lather to cleanse the facial skin and get rid of all the dirt, grime and traces of light makeup. It is easy to rinse off and does not leave a creamy residue on the skin. It works well for people with oily skin type while for those with dry skin, it may cause dryness/flakiness which will have to be overcome with the use of a moisturizer. It refreshes the skin and makes it look radiant, clearer and a tad bit fairer, even though for a brief period of time. It helps in keeping my face oil free for hours on end and in the long run keeps the eruption of acne in check.
   Also, it is pretty cost effective and is easy available across the nation.

   Pros:
- Comes packed in a slender, travel friendly and sturdy tube.
- Good thick consistency of the face wash.
- A mild pleasant fragrance.
- A tiny amount is enough to cleanse the skin.
- Lathers well.
- Easily gets rid of oiliness, dirt and light makeup.
- Does not leave a creamy residue on the face.
- Does not strip the skin of it's natural moisture.
- Refreshes the skin.
- Makes skin look clearer and radiant.
- Reduces eruption of acne.
- Keeps face oil free for quite a few hours.
- Easy availability across India.
- Price is easy on the pocket.

   Cons:
- Causes dryness/flakiness when used on dry skin which mandates the use of a moisturizer in conjunction.
- Contains parabens and sulphates.

   Verdict: 4.25/5. A good budget buy from Garnier for everyday use to cleanse the facial skin, making it look clear and radiant, especially for those with an oily skin type.

Product Review - Garnier Pure Active Neem + Tulsi High Foaming Face Wash

   Garnier is launching a new product in their PureActive range, the Garnier Pure Active Neem + Tulsi High Foaming Face Wash, and I along with a handful of other bloggers got to use it well in advance before it gets available in the market. Sharing a detailed review of the same below. Let's see how it fares.

   Product Information:
- Product contains the goodness of 2 natural ingredients - Neem and Tulsi.
- High Foaming Face Wash that fights Oil and Removes  99.9% Pimple Germs.
- Gentle formula for daily use.
- Available in an unique bottle format with a Flip Top cap.

   Price: Rs. 105/-
   Volume: 100 g.
   Shelf Life: 36 months.
   Directions for use: Gently massage on damp face using your fingertips carefully avoiding the eye contour area. Rinse thoroughly.
   Ingredients:

      Also available in a 50 g pack for Rs. 60/-

   The Garnier Pure Active Neem + Tulsi High Foaming Face Wash comes in a see through, tall and thin bottle and is provided with a green colored sturdy flip cap. It is leak proof and very travel friendly. It is provided with all the important information about the product printed on the front and the back labels. It's back label can be peeled from the side to reveal the usage instructions and ingredients.
   The face wash is light green in color and is a bit on the runnier side in consistency. It has a pleasant scent to it which somehow reminds me that of Dettol. A tiny drop of the product is enough to produce enormous amount of lather to cleanse the face well and get rid of dirt, oil and traces of light makeup, all while providing a nice cooling sensation. The face wash does not leave a creamy residue and is easy to rinse off. Though it does not strip the skin of it's natural moisture, it is not hydrating enough to be used without supplementation of a moisturizer and may cause dryness/flakiness, especially for those with combination to dry skin types. That being said, it does the job of keeping my skin from getting oily for hours on end and has reduced the number and severity of acne breakouts since I've started using this product.
   A great price for money and easy availability across the nation is a big plus!
 

   Pros:
- Available in a slender, sleek and travel friendly see through bottle with a sturdy flip cap.
- Has a mild, pleasant fragrance.
- A really small amount is enough to cleanse the face.
- Exuberantly foaming formula.
- Provides a subtle cooling sensation on application.
- Cleanses the face off dirt, grime and light makeup well.
- Easy to rinse off.
- Does not form a creamy layer on the skin.
- Does not strip skin of its natural moisture.
- Keeps face oil free for hours on end.
- Reduces acne breakouts.
- Easily available across the country.
- Optimally priced.

   Cons:
- Thinner in consistency than what I usually prefer.
- People with combination to dry skin type might experience dryness or flakiness and will have to supplement the face wash's usage with that of a moisturizer.

   Verdict: 4.25/5. A great budget buy to cleanse the skin and keep it oil free for hours, especially suited for people with oily to combination skin type.

   For more information, visit www.nopimplesnomarks.com.

Product Review - Garnier Pure Active Real Neem Face Wash

   Ask people what their biggest skincare problem is and the commonest answer you would get would be acne or pimples - as they are known in layman language. These pesky little buggers are commonly seen once a person hits their pubertal phase of life due to the increase in hormonal levels of testosterone. In addition to hormones, bacterial infections, certain medicines, stress, excessive oiliness of skin, clogged pores and unhealthy eating habits are some other causes of acne.
   Though I have never myself suffered from a full blown acne breakout on my face, I suffer from tiny papules and occasional white pustular acne which always seems to erupt on days when I need to look and feel the best or when I have to click pictures for the blog!
   These zits apart from looking absolutely horrendous often lower one's self confidence and can be a big turnoff for both the parties - the person with the acne as well as those around, as acne is many a times perceived to be a sign of poor hygiene and can contaminate others as well. If that is not enough embarrassment, acne can burst to release blood tinged pus at most crucial of times - Imagine being on a dream first date with the college stud you had a crush on since the very first day you saw him until the bubble bursts (pun intended) and you find goopy pus dripping from your face or worse you being made aware of the same by your date!! That is definitely not going to end well and would be a sure shot deal breaker! And the wrath of acne still does not end here - Acne soon begin to disappear but not without leaving behind dark pigmentation spots (Reminds me of Angrez chale gaye, Angrezi chod gaye!) These dark spots require more time, are tougher and way more costlier to treat.

   Thus the old adage "Prevention is better than cure" fits perfectly when it comes to acne which made me try out the Garnier Pure Active Real Neem Face Wash in a bid to get a clear, glowing skin free from acne and dark spots.

   Product Claims: Every day your skin braves pollution, germs and excess oil. The result could be pimples and impurities.
Purify your skin with Garnier Pure Active Real Neem face wash, enriched with Real Neem Leaf Extract and Tea Tree Oil. Skin feels clean, fresh and looks clearer.
How does it work?
The soap-free formula, enriched with Real Neem Leaf Extract and Tea Tree Oil, helps prevent pimples through three purifying actions:

1. Fights germs: Washes away problem causing germs to help prevent pimples.
2. Fights Pollution: Deep cleans pores to remove impurities caused by pollution.
3. Removes Oil: It washes away excess oil which can attract dirt and germs.

   Price: Rs. 90/-
   Volume: 100 g
   Shelf Life: 36 months.
   Usage: Gently massage on damp face using your fingertips carefully avoiding the eye contour area. Rinse thoroughly. For best results, use twice a day. Not to be used by children under 3 years of age.
   Ingredients:

   The Garnier Pure Active Real Neem face wash comes as white tube with an image of neem leaves, the Garnier Skin Naturals logo and the product name and tagline against a white and green background and is provided with a sturdy white flip cap. It has a foil seal on the mouth of the tube which prevents leakage of the face wash during stocking and transit. It is translucent green in color, a bit runny in consistency and has a mild neem fragrance which disappears as soon as face is rinsed with water. It lathers abundantly and gives a cooling sensation when applied. It cleanses the skin removing all dirt, oiliness and evidence of light makeup quite well but leaves behind a creamy residue on the skin which takes time to rinse off. Though it does not dry the skin it is not hydrating enough to keep my combination type skin from flaking around the corners of my mouth and small portions of my cheek. It makes my skin feel refreshed and keeps it oil free for around 6 hours. It works very well on acne prone skin and reduces the number of acne eruptions considerably! It is easily available across the country and costing just Rs. 90/- for a 100 g tube makes it quite cost effective as well.

   Pros:
- Comes packaged in a travel friendly white plastic tube with a sturdy flip cap.
- Has a seal on mouth of the tube which prevents leakage of contents.
- Has a mild neem fragrance which disappears quickly.
- Give a nice cooling sensation when applied.
- Lathers abundantly.
- Cleanses the skin well getting rid of dirt, greasiness and light makeup.
- Does not cause drying out of the skin.
- Refreshes the skin. 
- Keeps skin oil free for hours.
- Effectively works on reducing the number of acne eruptions.
- Pocket friendly.
- Easily available across India.

   Cons:
- A bit runny in consistency.
- Forms a creamy layer on skin which takes time to rinse off.
- Not hydrating enough to prevent drying of skin for people with dry skin who would have to supplement the use of this face wash with a moisturizer.
- Contains sulphates.

   Verdict: 4.25/5. A product which delivers what it claims!! A cost effective face wash which cleanses skin and reduces occurrence of acne ideal for people with oily to combination type skin.

   For more information about the Garnier Pure Active Real Neem Face Wash check here and here.