Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash

I have used this 2 weeks now, after using Glossier cleanser concentrate for about a month—also aha based. I have combination skin with mostly flakes and blackheads in my T Zone and brow area. I used this daily with a weekly mask and there was just such a significant difference in the clarity and reduction of flakes on my skin. I LOVE that a little goes a long way!! The scent is refreshing and great for morning wake-ups. I would absolutely buy this again, as I haven’t personally used a daily wash that I like better. It’s been gentle, and the reason I don’t give 5 stars is because I have used more intense washes labeled “exfoliating” so I know this may not be strong enough for other consumers.

This wasn't for me and my sensitive skin, but it did an effective job at cleaning my face and it was exfoliating, so it did what it was supposed to. Here are some of its pros: - This lathers really well and feels satisfying to apply. - It makes my skin feel effectively clean after use. - It makes my skin feel smoother due to the AHA. My skin was sensitive for this product, but it might be a better fit for people with more oily, resilient skin, and for people without rosacea. Here are some cons: - It has too much fragrance for my sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. - It over-exfoliated my skin, causing my rosacea to flare up and increasing my oil production in turn causing and acne flare up. - It stung my super sensitive, rosacea-prone skin.

Amazing results after one use!

I have used the Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, which is great, so I decided to try the cleanser while it was on sale.I'm a skincare junkie fighting large pores, redness, uneven texture, hormonal acne,, and light creases. I've tried dozens of cleansers and currently have 10 different cleansers in my shower. They may all be heading for the trash now.I used this for the first time last night, followed by a good scrub with the exfoliator. Absolutely amazed at the results. Large pores completely shrunk, texture 100% improved, redness reduced. This morning, my face still looks and feels smooth, pores greatly reduced.I followed directions by scrubbing for 30+ seconds and followed with ExfoliKate exfoliant. It obviously cleared my pores which usually takes much acid ... MoreI have used the Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, which is great, so I decided to try the cleanser while it was on sale.I'm a skincare junkie fighting large pores, redness, uneven texture, hormonal acne,, and light creases. I've tried dozens of cleansers and currently have 10 different cleansers in my shower. They may all be heading for the trash now.I used this for the first time last night, followed by a good scrub with the exfoliator. Absolutely amazed at the results. Large pores completely shrunk, texture 100% improved, redness reduced. This morning, my face still looks and feels smooth, pores greatly reduced.I followed directions by scrubbing for 30+ seconds and followed with ExfoliKate exfoliant. It obviously cleared my pores which usually takes much acid for me to achieve. Can't wait to see the results after longer use. this is definitely my new holy grail!! Don't hesitate. You won't regret this purchase!

Deep deep clean; heavily fragranced

I actually really enjoy this cleanser. It is very heavily fragranced which I normally don't love- but remember fragrance in a rinse off product isn't as big of a deal as a leave on product. I actually must admit I find fragrance in cleansers a nice occasional treat. The scent is very herbal and citrusy and is quite intense.This is a VERY deeply cleansing and high high foam cleanser. A little bit of this stuff goes a long way. A tiny pea size amount generates a ton of foam and is enough for the entire face. This product doesn't sting or burn my face at all. I find some PHA/glycolic acid cleansers can make my face a little red afterwards; this one doesn't do that at all. This one is gentle enough for nightly use- unless of course your'e using other exfoliants or ... MoreI actually really enjoy this cleanser. It is very heavily fragranced which I normally don't love- but remember fragrance in a rinse off product isn't as big of a deal as a leave on product. I actually must admit I find fragrance in cleansers a nice occasional treat. The scent is very herbal and citrusy and is quite intense.This is a VERY deeply cleansing and high high foam cleanser. A little bit of this stuff goes a long way. A tiny pea size amount generates a ton of foam and is enough for the entire face. This product doesn't sting or burn my face at all. I find some PHA/glycolic acid cleansers can make my face a little red afterwards; this one doesn't do that at all. This one is gentle enough for nightly use- unless of course your'e using other exfoliants or plan to use other exfoliants in the following routine. Also wouldn't use if your'e dealing with Tret or retinoid irritation obviously.Overall I like this product but don't usually recommend spending big bucks on cleansers. ALWAYS put your money toward treatments and serums. The cleansing step is where you should absolutely save your money. If you'd like an affordable glycolic acid cleanser get the Loreal Revitalift Derm Intensives 3.5% glycolic acid cleanser. It's phenomal!

Everyday cleanser

I was a little hesitant about this cleanser because it has exfolikate in the name but this is not really an exfoliating product.It's a gentle everyday cleanser that works well to clean the skin and leave it feeling comfortable.It's a thick cream, I massage it onto my dry skin then use water to emulsify it. It washes off cleanly using just water, I don't need to use a face cloth, and it doesn't leave a residue.I haven't used this to remove makeup, I prefer a more heavy duty dedicated makeup remover like an oil or balm, but this makes a great second cleanser or morning cleanser.The tube is large and I only need a small amount so this will last me a awhile. Although the product is quite thick it's easy to squeeze out.

Like washing your face with perfume!

Its like washing your face with a bottle of perfume. I mean that in terms of the strong smell and skin irritation. My skin doesn't even feel clean afterwards because there's a layer of perfume left behind that I can feel and smell. I have to do a mild cleanser afterwards to feel clean. I had been using this product for a over a month and couldn't figure out why I had such a bad rash all over my face and then I stopped using it and the rash went away. Then I used it again to confirm that this cleanser is causing the irritation. I've never had sensitive skin or allergies, or sensitivities to smells before, so I'm not sure why this one triggers it. All I can think it could be is the heavy perfume in it. I hope they come out with an unscented version because I like that ... MoreIts like washing your face with a bottle of perfume. I mean that in terms of the strong smell and skin irritation. My skin doesn't even feel clean afterwards because there's a layer of perfume left behind that I can feel and smell. I have to do a mild cleanser afterwards to feel clean. I had been using this product for a over a month and couldn't figure out why I had such a bad rash all over my face and then I stopped using it and the rash went away. Then I used it again to confirm that this cleanser is causing the irritation. I've never had sensitive skin or allergies, or sensitivities to smells before, so I'm not sure why this one triggers it. All I can think it could be is the heavy perfume in it. I hope they come out with an unscented version because I like that this brand is Peta approved and I like how soft it is when it lathers. I just can't rub perfume on my face apparently.

Love this exfoliating cleanser

I got a sample of this cleanser with clever ‘Exfolikate’ marketing.I have previously tried another product from the range but not liked it as it was too harsh for my skin, so had been put off trying any other of these products (also thought expensive and a marketing ploy). However, really pleasantly surprised by this product. It’s really hard to try to find a good exfoliating cleanser - those I’ve come across in the past have either been too harsh on the skin (Caudalie), or too greasy and beady (Clarins). In the meantime brands seem to have been shunning exfoliating products with granular feel, instead putting ingredients in serums and moisturising products that were supposed to do the job but don’t feel like they are.I really enjoyed the texture of this product ... MoreI got a sample of this cleanser with clever ‘Exfolikate’ marketing.I have previously tried another product from the range but not liked it as it was too harsh for my skin, so had been put off trying any other of these products (also thought expensive and a marketing ploy). However, really pleasantly surprised by this product. It’s really hard to try to find a good exfoliating cleanser - those I’ve come across in the past have either been too harsh on the skin (Caudalie), or too greasy and beady (Clarins). In the meantime brands seem to have been shunning exfoliating products with granular feel, instead putting ingredients in serums and moisturising products that were supposed to do the job but don’t feel like they are.I really enjoyed the texture of this product and the return to a proper exfoliator. It foamed up really nicely, wasn’t too harsh or too fine, really left my skin feeling as if it had had a good clean and exfoliation - nice and smooth. Exactly what it should do. Will buy again, exfoliator of choice now.

Lovely morning ritual

I’d tried a sample size this before and was unimpressed. However, now that I have the full size - and enough to use it properly - I’m hooked. It leaves my face soft and glowing. It’s become a morning ritual, and I’m actually taking the time to use a generous amount and massage it into my skin for 30 seconds. I love how silky it feels, and it lathers well. It’s not difficult to rinse off and doesn’t leave a tacky residue like some cleansers. I didn’t used to think cleansers mattered, as it’s just something washed down the drain, but I can definitely see the difference between this and less expensive products.

Quite drying/ heavily fragranced. Still enjoy it

I actually kind of enjoy this cleanser but it's not something I use super often. I honestly use this as an occasional "treat" since it is super heavily fragranced. It is quite intense; it has a citrusy and herbal scent to it.As far as cleansing ability this is a SUPER deep cleanse in my opinion. Definitely leaves your skin feeling dry. It generates a TON of foam. A tiny pea sized amount goes a long way so this product will last you a long time. I know a lot of people probably think this is drying, and I would agree, so if you use this I definitely recommend applying a hydrating serum+moisturizer on immediately after washing your face while your skin is still damp. That's my protocol regardless of what cleanser I use though.In general I find this brand to be ... MoreI actually kind of enjoy this cleanser but it's not something I use super often. I honestly use this as an occasional "treat" since it is super heavily fragranced. It is quite intense; it has a citrusy and herbal scent to it.As far as cleansing ability this is a SUPER deep cleanse in my opinion. Definitely leaves your skin feeling dry. It generates a TON of foam. A tiny pea sized amount goes a long way so this product will last you a long time. I know a lot of people probably think this is drying, and I would agree, so if you use this I definitely recommend applying a hydrating serum+moisturizer on immediately after washing your face while your skin is still damp. That's my protocol regardless of what cleanser I use though.In general I find this brand to be quite overpriced and heavily scented. I do enjoy this cleanser though but I won't repurchase simply because I don't like spending money in a cleansing step. I would much rather put more money in the treatment and serum step where I'm actually feeding my skin.If you'd like a more affordable option I highly recommend the Loreal Revitalift Derm Intensives 3.5% glycolic acid cleanser. It is absolutely phenomenal. It leaves your face really soft and almost hydrated afterward. It's exceptional and is only $12.99. Save your money.

not for sensitive skin

I hate to give this product a low number of stars because I have sensitive skin but I'm writing this review as more of a warning for anybody who has even remotely sensitive skin to stay away from this product. I got a sample of this with my last Sephora order and used it as directed and then used my normal retinol cream and all of my normal nighttime routine items. The next morning when I went to put on my normal toner and moisturizer, which are very mild, I broke out in a terrible red rash all over my face. I'm going on 24 hours now and I think it's worse than it was yesterday. if anybody else has been through this feel free to message me with anything that helped your discomfort or healing in a terrible red rash and breakout after using this product.