We purchased Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser so our writer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.
Editor’s Note: We reviewed this article on September 22, 2023. As per our editorial policy, we are constantly updating our content, to make sure it reflects the best of the best when it comes to beauty, wellness, and fashion. We want to assure our readers that we still stand by our recommendations, which we do.
Finding the right face wash for my reactive, sensitive skin has been an ongoing challenge. In my teen years, I wasn't trying nearly as many new products as I am now, and thanks to genetics, I had zero breakouts until I hit my mid-twenties (hello, hormonal acne). Given this development, I was trying new products weekly, if not daily, to get rid of the breakouts that were making me want to hide. I always started by switching my face wash, but several of the ones I tried contained harsh chemicals like benzoyl peroxide—which ultimately left my skin dry, scaly, and more irritated.
When it comes to choosing a cleanser, it's advised that you take into account your own skin sensitivities and allergies, and, of course, this differs from person to person. "Most cleansers on the market are actually very safe, but people who have sensitive skin should avoid those with lots of surfactant or foaming," according to Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a board-certified dermatologist. "This tends to strip too much of our natural hydrators and can make skin too dry."
Rachel Nazarian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She specializes in cosmetic treatments, skin cancer, and dermatologic surgery.
So when I heard about Glossier's bestselling Milky Jelly Cleanser, I was intrigued, to say the least. One of the brand's buzziest launches, beauty editors and influencers alike swear by its ability to cleanse the skin and remove makeup without irritating the skin. But did it really live up to the hype? Read on to find out.
Best for: All skin types
Uses: Cleansing, removing facial makeup
Active ingredients: Poloxamer, rose water, comfrey root extract, aquaxyl, pro-vitamin B5
Cruelty-free?: Yes
Price: $18
About the Brand: Glossier is known for its millennial-friendly skincare and cosmetic products that give you an effortless, no-makeup look.
About My Skin: Hormonal acne, reactive, and combination
I've already talked a little about my skin's hormonal breakouts, but one other issue I have is that my skin tends to react to new products. (As I write this, I'm having an adverse reaction to a facial oil I added to my routine.)
Since you have a snapshot of my skincare habits, you know, I had to add a new cleanser to the mix. I do know that with a face wash, I should always be on the lookout for these terms: pH-balanced, non-comedogenic, and soothing—and Glossier's cleanser checks all those boxes.
Ingredients: Packed with skin-soothers
Poloxamer: The hero ingredient of this formula is poloxamer, which is a gentle cleansing agent usually found in contact lens solution. Translation: It's safe for the eye area (and the formula is ophthalmologist-tested, too).
Allantoin: This ingredient is naturally found in the body but can be extracted from comfrey (which is Glossier's source) and is used topically to soothe dry, irritated skin.
Pro-Vitamin B5: If you see pantothenic acid on the ingredients list, be prepared to absorb the benefits—pun intended. "Pantothenic is simply a form of Vitamin B5," according to Dr. Nazarian. She explains that, when used topically, it can offset some of the drying effects by cleansers and help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier.
Rose water: Rose water has been a beauty staple in cultures around the world for centuries. The benefits include balancing and hydrating the skin; it's also soothing, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Aquaxyl: Simply put, aquaxyl, which you might also see listed as xylitylglucoside, is an ingredient that is commonly used in moisturizers. The Milky Jelly Cleanser is formulated with this water-friendly ingredient to ensure skin doesn't get dehydrated.
