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Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser

*Est. $20 for 8 oz.

Reviewed

January 2013

by ConsumerSearch

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser

Pros

Removes all traces of makeup
A little goes a long way
Smells good

Cons

Contains several irritating ingredients

Where to Buy

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Our Analysis
Specs

Bottom Line

Manufacturers say Philosophy Purity Made Simple One Step-Facial Cleanser can cleanse, tone and remove eye and face makeup in just one step. Reviewers say it does a good job of cleaning skin, but it contains several plant oils that could cause irritation. Experts say Philosophy Purity Made Simple is less expensive than many department-store brands, but cheaper alternatives such as Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash (*Est. $5.50 for 6 oz.) are just as effective.

Performance

Cleans thoroughly but may cause irritation. Reviewers are impressed with Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser's ability to thoroughly cleanse skin. Users at MakeupAlley.com, TotalBeauty.com and Drugstore.com say it removes even the most stubborn eye makeup without leaving skin overly tight or dry. Paula Begoun, skin-care expert and author of "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," cautions against the cleanser, however. She says it contains several fragrant oils -- namely rosewood, geranium and cinnamon oils -- that are irritating. She warns that users may not see or feel the irritation but "most of the irritation is taking place under the skin, where collagen is being damaged and free-radical damage is being generated." A few users say the cleanser dried out their skin over time, but most say it is gentle but effective.

Feel and Smell

Refreshing scent. Reviewers say Purity Made Simple has a light, refreshing fragrance and foams up nicely. Most say that it leaves skin feeling soft and clean, without stripping natural oils.

Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash, 6-Ounce Pump Bottle

from Amazon.com

New: $10.00 $4.48

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser, 8 Ounce

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Our Sources

1. PaulasChoice.com

Review Credibility: Excellent Paula Begoun gives Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser a poor rating because of its inclusion of irritating fragrant oils, including rosewood and geranium, as well as black pepper extract. She implores those who are using this cleanser to "consider switching to a truly gentle water-soluble cleanser" since the ingredients in this cleanser may be causing damage that is "taking place under the skin, where collagen is being damaged and free-radical damage is being generated."

Review: Purity Made Simple, One-Step Facial Cleanser, Paula Begoun, Jan. 30, 2013

2. TotalBeauty.com

Review Credibility: Good For their annual beauty awards, TotalBeauty.com editors test new-to-market beauty products and list the best as Rising Star Editors' Picks. Readers also weigh in with their favorites to choose the Readers' Choice winners. Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser makes the list of Readers' Choice winners for the third consecutive year. Readers say it gets their skin "squeaky clean" and lasts a long time. In the reviews section of the website, this cleanser earns an overall rating of 8.9 out of 10 stars from more than 500 users.

Review: 2012 TotalBeauty.com Awards: Face & Body, Editors of TotalBeauty.com, As of February 2013

3. MakeupAlley.com

Review Credibility: Good More than 2,220 consumers at MakeupAlley.com give above-average ratings to Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser, saying that it does a wonderful job of removing makeup and doesn't strip the skin of natural moisture. Some say it is a bit pricey. However, the most telling stat is that 64 percent would buy this product again.

Review: Philosophy Purity Made Simple (Real Purity Cleanser), Contributors to MakeupAlley.com, As of February 2013

4. Drugstore.com

Review Credibility: Good Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser is one of the highest-rated cleansers at Drugstore.com. Users say it's a gentle but effective cleanser that improves the texture of their skin.

Review: Philosophy Purity Made Simple, One-Step Facial Cleanser, Contributors to Drugstore.com, As of February 2013

5. About.com

Review Credibility: Fair Julyne Derrick, beauty guide for About.com, lists Philosophy Purity Made Simple as the best overall cleanser for all skin types. She says it is extremely popular with users because it is simple but effective. It removes "every speck" of dirt and makeup.

Review: Best Cleansers for Every Skin Type, Julyne Derrick, Not dated

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