Skinbetter Science is a dermatological brand. I haven't ventured into the world of dermatological skincare too much in the past. I feel like this is the year for it. As I quickly approach forty this year I feel the need to try more effective brands and things beyond the basic commercial skincare realm. I have a few new serums to test by Skinbetter Science but they need to be fit into an open spot in my routine which I don't have right now. I am a self proclaimed cleanser addict so I dived right into my new Refresh Oxygen Infusion Face Wash the day I received it in the mail. Details per Skinbetter:
Multi-tasking cleanser featuring slow releasing alpha hydroxy acids and an infusion of oxygen that instantly purifies and refreshes skin for a youthful, glowing appearance. Instantly infuses a burst of skin-energizing oxygen for brighter-looking skin. This multi-tasking cleanser featuring slow releasing alpha hydroxy acids and an infusion of oxygen that instantly purifies and refreshes skin for a youthful, glowing appearance. Removes makeup, oil build up and dead surface skin cells.
Directions For the face and neck. Apply a dime size amount to damp skin. Massage gently with fingertips. Rinse with warm water. Use of a sunscreen during the day is recommended. For Normal to Oily Skin & AM/PM use.
Dermatological brands are never housed in stunning artistic packaging as it's usually functional. This white plastic airless pump is very functional and quite honestly perfect for the product. You get a large 5 fl oz bottle for $38 that's not bad for a higher end cleanser. You don't need very much product either. The product is clear & has a lighter weight gel texture. I notice no scent.
When rubbed onto dry skin you can see it foams slightly like this:
I have used this on both dry and wet skin. You can do either really. Applied on dry skin it foams slightly as above then add water to lather and rinse. Or apply on damp or wet skin for instant lather then rinse. Results are the same for me. I like this as a single morning cleanse or as a second cleanse at night. I wouldn't trust this to remove all my makeup and SPF at night. It does feel like it really gets into my pores with it's oxygenating foaming action. My face feels a touch tingly and the cleanser feels very active on the face.
This feels like a detox cleanser. Not in a mud or clay sense but it really seems to get into the pores and help clear out my skin. My skin feels very clean after using this. While this isn't a drying cleanser by any means it isn't really hydrating either. This contains glycolic, lactic, salicylic & malic acid for a light alpha hydroxy acid exfoliation. Methyl Perfluorobutyl Ether & Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl Ether are the oxygenating ingredients. Oxygen is dissolved in these perfluorocarbon or carbon based compounds. Oxygen isn't as stable dissolved in water. The thickness of the cleanser holds the oxygen in the compound until you start rubbing it onto the skin. The oxygen is released and you have an oxygenating cleanser or face mask.
Oxygen feels like one of the newer rages in skincare. Supposedly the amount of oxygen in your skin diminishes with age. Pretty much like collagen and everything else right? Your body uses oxygen to produce collagen. It also helps with wound healing and has the potential to zap acne causing bacteria. As with any cleanser the actives like this get washed off fairly quickly so can they really do that much benefit wise? Probably not. It does give a fun bubbling tingly feel to the cleanser and who knows maybe the bubbling helps get rid of some extra grime during cleansing. I would still like to get more into oxygen containing serums as that's a realm I think worth exploring. The oxygen would sit on the skin long enough to actually do something.
Overall I did really like this cleanser. It does a good job. It's powerful enough but not stripping of natural oils. I love it as a wake up in the morning or as a deeper cleanse following an oil or balm at night. If you feel like trying something different in the cleansing world I would check it out. It cannot be bought online. You either have to see a Dermatologist or use a dermatological company. I get my Skinbetter Science from texasbeautycompany.com. Simply send them an email and they'll get it out to you. They have fast shipping and great customer service.
Ingredients
Aqua/Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Methyl Perfluorobutyl Ether, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl Ether, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Malic Acid, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Ethyl Macadamiate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Xanthan Gum, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Decylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate.