Low-strength PHA & BHA? Low pH? Soap-free? SLS free? Essential oil-free? Sign me up, please!
One of the key methods to achieve clear skin is through regular but gentle exfoliation. Keyword: gentle! The first time the thought of incorporating an exfoliating cleanser occurred to me was when I came across one of my fave aesthetician’s skincare routine. He mentioned a cleanser with 5% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid. I knew there was NO WAY I’d use that every day (I doubt my skin barrier will survive it). Not like he recommended to but, the issue is I couldn’t afford a gentle cleanser in addition to that one. Sooo I went hunting, and then came the birth of Wishtrend Acid-Duo 2% Mild Gel Cleanser in my skincare routine.
I’ve been using the Wishtrend Acid-Duo 2% Mild Gel Cleanser since the beginning of July (6+ weeks), and here is my detailed review of the product.
Packaging: A transparent, hard plastic bottle with a pink dispensing pump that can be twisted to lock when not in use. Appreciate that!
Texture & Application: As you could already tell from the title, it is a gel-based cleanser. It’s a thicc gel and requires you to lather it up between your palms before going in on a damp face. It foams up nicely (not too much) and cleanses my skin thoroughly without feeling dry or tight afterward. I use this twice daily (AM & PM) for at least 40-60 seconds. In the PM routine, I use this as a second cleanse (after removing makeup & sunscreen).
Wishtrend Acid-Duo Cleanser Ingredients (as listed on the packaging):
Water, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauramide DEA, Diglycerin, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sodium Chloride, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Gluconolactone, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Panthenol, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, **Sodium Citrate, Beta-Glucan, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract, **Melissa Officinalis Extract, Jasminum Officinalis (Jasmine) Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, **Cymbopogon Citratus Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Cyanocobalamin, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, 1,2-Hexanediol
** – not listed on the website INCI list
More Info on the Cleanser:
A little bit about the key ingredients before we proceed. Gluconolactone is a chemical exfoliant that belongs to the class of Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs). PHAs are similar to Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) but have a larger molecule size than AHAs. This limits their penetration into the skin and as a result, reducing the risk of irritation.
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid aka Lipo Hydroxy Acid (LHA) is a lipophilized version of the multitasking, acne-prone skin hero– Salicylic Acid (SA). SA is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that is known for its exfoliating properties, ability to unclog pores and reduce acne inflammation. SA is already lipophilic (oil-soluble) anyway. Capryloyl SA, however, has a larger molecule size and penetrates slower into the skin, making it more gentle.
For a rinse-off product with 1% each of these gentle acids, I didn’t expect much in terms of exfoliation. Just enough to keep my acne-prone skin in check for long-term benefits. With this, I was able to reduce the frequency of leave-on exfoliants in my skincare routine without worrying about my pores being congested. The whole aim of gentle, regular exfoliation.
This review will not be complete if I don’t comment on the choice of surfactants used in the Wishtrend Acid-Duo 2% Mild Gel cleanser formulation. I made a post recently on the importance of choosing a cleanser/face wash with gentle surfactants. You can read more about it here. Some of the surfactants used include Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate.
Value: 150ml for $29.5 (NGN 11,500) *shipping included. Should last about 12+ weeks (I’m halfway through the bottle at week 7)
Pros:
The ingredient list is amazing! A blend of gentle surfactants, plant extracts, and moisturizing agents. Ingredients are listed on the bottle. I appreciate it when brands don’t limit the INCI list to the box. Transparent bottle (you can see how much product you have left).
Cruelty-free. Free of Fragrance. Free of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Free of Essential oils (EOs). EOs can be irritating to the skin. Korean skincare brands like to put it in almost everything *rolls eyes*, so I appreciate it when a K-beauty product doesn’t contain it.
Gentle. Low pH. Great for acne-prone skin! Suitable for all skin types.
Cons:
None really. The only downside for me is that it doesn’t smell pleasant. Yeah, that’s what you get when you choose ‘fragrance-free’ lol… not like I was looking out for that anyway. I wish I could describe the scent but it’s just meh.
Oh, another thing is; don’t let it get into your eyes by mistake cause it will sting! This is not one of those cleansers you work in the foam with your eyes wide open. You might learn the hard way. How I manage this? Shut my eyes tight, wash the eye area last, and rinse off immediately.
Verdict: I’ll rate it a good 4/5. Will I repurchase this cleanser? YES!
Where to Shop? wishtrend.com; Nigeria: Eve Beautique