Why clay may become your new favourite cleansing ingredient

The product

Clay has built itself quite a reputation when it comes to skin care and masking, but what about as an ingredient in cleansers? Known for its detoxifying benefits, L’Oréal Paris has formulated three cleansers based on the clay ingredient to suit different skin types and concerns – Pure Clay Charcoal Detoxifying Gel Wash to brighten dry or dull skin; Pure Clay Eucalyptus Purifying Cream Wash to purify and mattify oily and shiny skin; and Pure Clay Red Algae Exfoliating Scrub, an exfoliating and cleansing scrub that helps smooth rough and uneven skin.

The panel

Beauty Crew sent the L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Cleansers to a panel of women and, on this occasion, some of our own in-house team members, aged between 30 and 35 with a variety of skin types. Each woman received the cleanser best suited to her skin.

The lowdown

Here’s what the Review Crew® loved about the L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Cleanser range: 

How bright the Charcoal cleanser left skin: Members testing the Pure Clay Charcoal Detoxifying Gel Wash loved how the gel formulation foamed into a gentle cleanser that left skin clean and smooth, with some noticing that their skin was brighter after a couple of weeks of use. While the cleanser isn’t particularly drying, some did find they needed to add some extra moisturisation to their routine after cleansing. 

How the Eucalyptus cleanser mattified skin: Members with oily skin found that the Pure Clay Eucalyptus Purifying Cream Wash worked well to mattify and control shine without leaving skin feeling dry and tight. Some testers also commented that they enjoyed the cleanser’s eucalyptus and mint scent. 

How well the Red Algae cleanser dealt with congestion: Those who tested the Pure Clay Red Algae Exfoliating Scrub found the formulation to be gentle yet effective when it came to treating bumpiness and congestion. Some reviewers found an improvement in congestion around the jawline, while others commented on the deep clean feel the exfoliator gave. 

This may not be for you if: You prefer unscented cleansers. While our panel of testers were quick to complement the fragrance of the cleanser they trialled, it is worth noting that the face washes do contain fragrances. 

The verdict

Have you tried any of these clay-based cleansers? Please share with us in the comments section below. 

The products for this Review Crew® trial have been provided by L’Oréal Paris to Pacific Magazines’ BEAUTYcrew for the purpose of trial and review by BEAUTYcrew members, and on this occasion, some in-house members.