Those searching for an uncomplicated cleanser with spotless credentials need search no further: Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser is as straightforward and effective as they come. I’ve been using it for a few months and it has gradually become the face cleanser I grab after i can’t be bothered to consider which face cleanser to seize. When I don’t have the brain space to decide whether my skin is feeling dry and stressed, or bumpy and angsty. When I’m too rushed to do a mind-altering massage with a scented balm (Darphin, guilty pleasure) or too tired to find different creams and oils to get rid of my various bits of makeup. The Flawless Cleanser does it all yet keeps things simple; no fragrance, no unnecessary ingredients as well as an easy-to-use formula that can be splashed or flanneled off.
I’ve long been a fan of Dr Sam Bunting; she’s a top dermatologist who gives expert skincare advice that’s easy to understand. You can find her Youtube channel here (it’s a treasure chest of useful information) but she also appears all over the place in magazines, TV shows along with other Youtube channels and blogs.
And and so i was seriously pleased to discover that Dr Sam had developed a cleanser. One that suits pretty much everyone, that removes all makeup and dirt, that fits into any skincare routine and that isn’t prohibitively expensive. Actually I’d say it’s rather a bargain, really, considering its credentials – lb16 for 200ml. To put that price in perspective, it’s half the cost of Liz Earle’s Hot Cloth Cleanser, a quarter of the price of OSKIA’s Renaissance Cleanser and only a smidgen dearer than the cleansing gels from La Roche-Posay.
If you’re wondering whether a gel may be too lightweight for you – perhaps you’re used to a thick, melty balm or a robust cream cleanser – then let me put your mind at ease. This really is no flimsy face wash; the Flawless Cleanser has got the same sort of thickness and unctuousness as a balm, it just feels fresher and smoother. You still get that gorgeous spreadability, the ability to really massage and work the merchandise into the skin, but with no of the oiliness.
Don’t get me wrong; I love the oiliness of a melted-down balm. I adore a thick cream cleanser. But there’s room within the beauty world for all types of textures and the Flawless Cleanser gel is a welcome one. If you’ve ever tried the (gorgeous but pricey) Renaissance Cleanser from OSKIA then you’ll be familiar with the silkiness of a good gel; it feels revitalising and perky but at the same time – miraculously – nourishing and comfortable. Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser is no different. It removes every speck of makeup, slides easily over the eye area and leaves skin absolutely spotless without drying it out.
It’s also a sensible, no-frills formula. No added fragrance, no added colour and nothing fancy in the way of exfoliants or other bits and bobs that has to surely get washed lower the sink. I like it a lot (demonstrated by my enthusiastic usage) and i believe it’s especially a great one for those who have breakouts, adult acne, hormonal skin and sensitive oily skin who would like the feel of something fresh and deep-cleansing however the effects of something non-stripping and gentle.
You can find Flawless Cleanser on Dr Sam’s website here – it’s lb16. Hopefully some of the big retailers will buy it soon so that you can buy it with your other beauty shopping! As well as for those of you wondering what else might be added to Dr Sam’s skincare range, I pestered her for many additional info…
Me (via email, around 2am): Is Flawless Cleanser the start of a larger range of products? (I hope so!)
Dr Sam: 100%. The cleanser may be the first in a complete system of affordable, cosmeceutical products that parallel my results-orientated clinic practising style. I want to help grown-up women tackle blemish-prone skin whilst addressing the first signs of ageing. This is by far the commonest scenario I see within my clinic – with my skincare range, I wish to reach a much larger audience of women, given that at least 40% of those over 25 still struggle with breakouts, blocked pores and bumpy, unhappy skin. You can expect products which are formulated to layer with one another beautifully, with textures that are a pleasure to use. I want to guide users to achievement by eliminating the guesswork with video tutorials that leave no detail spared. And that i hope to deliver products that look chic, eliminating the shame factor often associated with products targeting problem skin.
Me: Which skin types will most benefit from your Flawless Cleanser?
Dr Sam: I honestly think that the vast majority of people can use a light, non-clogging unfragranced 'universal cleanser', like this one, and I find that many people enjoy the 'clean feel' you get with a wash-off gel cleanser format. This is the approach I use in my clinic with patients suffering from a whole variety of concerns and delay pills work well. The exception is those whom are incredibly sensitive and suffer from frequent product reactions – within this group, I recommend Avene Tolerance Extreme Cleanser or La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo-cleanser, as both are also preservative-free.
Me (selfish question, because I don’t always do a proper morning cleanse!): Is really a full morning cleanse a must even if you’ve cleansed thoroughly the night time before?
Dr Sam: I think this will depend on your skin-type – combination and oily skin may benefit from a morning cleanse, as excess oil will stop leave-on products penetrating the skin and cosmetics won't layer well. I think in normal/dry skin-types it's optional – should you choose like the fresh feeling of a morning cleanse (as many do), the main thing is to use something that doesn't degrade the skin's barrier function, especially as we move into winter. Flawless Cleanser was designed to be kind in this regard!
More reading:
Q&A with Dr Sam Bunting on Pregnancy-Safe Skincare
Cleanser reviews
