For someone that went through adolescence before googling personal traits became the norm, trying to find a name or label for what you are could be a challenge. You see, these days I open my browser, type a few keyword and can take a test to tell me if I am intro-, extro- or ambivert.
My 14 year old self had to figure that out all alone. Is being around people invigorating or draining? Would I prefer to stay in or go out? You had to find out on your own.
Which wasn´t a problem. You didn´t really need to have a label anyway, you simply did what felt right.
I kind of picked up on the whole topic again when I read the Instytutum Cleansing Milk (*PR-Sample) press release, as they are quite specific to who this product is designed for: “For those who cherish the tranquility of single footprints in the sand, who revel in the serenity of a glittering lake high in the mountains and who find peace amidst the energy of a bustling city.”
I admit, after a busy day at work and the afternoon spend with two lively (let´s keep things positive here) children that was exactly what I was craving.
What Instytutum claims
This unique, luxurious transforming cleanser is the perfect fusion of skincare science and nature, and offers an unparalleled sensorial experience. The soft formula contains anti-aging and botanical extracts to visibly replenish and smooth the skin. It gently and effectively lifts away all traces of make-up and pollution. Upon contact with water, this lightweight balm transforms into a beautiful, milky soft emulsion, leaving skin clean and nourished, immediately softening it while providing a radiant velvety sensation.
Facts
Prize and size
One tube contains 120 ml and retails for 49 $ on the website here. A little goes a long way, so my tube lasted me for around four months now and is still going strong.
Texture and smell
Despite the description this does not feel like your usual balm cleanser, it is much more of a cream that melts away when in contact with water. The scent is floral and quite noticeable, which probably caters to the mentioned sensorial experience but simply is not to my personal taste.
Application and effects
Lightweight yet effective in removing makeup (with the exception of waterproof) this cleanser is a pleasure to massage in and not stripping in the slightest. My skin feels gently cleansed and hydrated without a residue. I use it as morning cleanse or second cleanse in the evening.
Favorable ingredients
- Caprylic Triglyceride: Moisturizing
- Glycerin: Moisturizing
- Propanediol: Hydrating, improves penetration of ingredients
- Everything listed below has less than 1%
- Panthenol: Antiinflammatory
- Allantoin: Soothing
- Tocopherol: Vitamin E, antioxidant
- Bisabolol: Moisturizing
- Sodium Hyaluronate: Hydrating
- Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract: Soothing
- Ascorbyl Palmitate: Vitamin C ester, antioxidant, stimulates collagen production
- Cyperus Rotundus Roote Extract: Brightening (very limited research, mainly based on ayurvedic claims)
- Honeysuckle flower extract: Antiseptic, soothing
- Xanthium Sibiricum Fruit Extract: Soothing
- Sunflower Seed Oil: Rich in linoleic acid and Vitamin E, anti-inflammatory
Filler ingredients
- Sucrose Stearate: Thickening (sometimes used as emollient)
- Octyldodecanol: Prevents separation
- Isononyl Isonoanoate: Emollient
- Microcrystalline Cellulose: Stabilizing
- Ethylhexylglycerin: Preservative
- Chlorphenesin: Preservative
- Cellulose Gum: Thickening
- Xanthan Gum: Improves viscosity
- PEG-8: Emulsifying, should not be used on broken skin
- BHT: Preservative
Unfavorable Ingredients
- Fragrance (below 1%)
Does it live up to its claims?
Yes.
It is a gentle and effective cleanser that respects the skin and contains a blend of nice botanical and man made moisturizing and anti-ageing ingredients. Using it at night feels posh.
Would I repurchase?
Maybe.
I really enjoy using it, it is the one that I reach for before retinol or after a day spend outdoors to soothe and gently cleanse my skin. If it weren´t for the scent, the answer would be yes. But I don´t really get along with floral and as superficial as that sounds, that could be the reason not to get it again.
Who do I recommend it to?
People with dry or irritated skin.
People that love floral scents.
People for whom cleansing in the evenings is more than just the process of removing dirt.
And, judging by the press release, introverts.
Which brings me back to topic: Are you? An introvert? And what do you think I am?