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Created especially for sensitive and acne-prone skin, PUREFORET’s hypoallergenic, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly formulas feature naturally derived ingredients and exclude 26 known allergens and 20 harmful chemicals, including parabens, mineral oils, synthetic surfactants, artificial fragrances and colorants. My bacne has been flaring up again due to the recent rise in temperature and humidity, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on PUREFORET’s Centella Cica Cleansing Oil, Centella Multi Balm and Centella Cica Body Wash. What’s better than a three-piece set fit for both your face and body?
Centella Cica Cleansing Oil
The cleansing oil is formulated with centella asiatica extract to maintain elasticity and soothe irritation, madecassic acid to suppress bacteria and improve acne-prone skin, tea tree leaf oil to tighten pores, sunflower seed oil to refine skin texture and offer moisture, and jojoba oil to melt away impurities from clogged pores. Its mild, hypoallergenic formula is suitable for dry, sensitive, combination and oily skin types, as well as those who suffer from acne, blackheads and excess sebum.
I typically use a gel cleanser or exfoliating face wash, so I was reluctant to try this cleansing oil as I wasn’t sure how it would fare on my combination skin. However, I was quickly wooed by its light and refreshing herbal scent. PUREFORET describes it as the “fragrance of fresh plants,” and I agree.
To use the product, I start by massaging it with dry hands on my dry face for a minute. Then, I add a little water to my hands and massage again to create more of a lather. I first trialed it in the morning and loved how the slow, relaxing massaging process helped wake me up. The cleansing oil felt very smooth but was initially a little hard to spread across skin. I found that adding water helped, as it became a fine white foam.
At first, I felt that my skin wasn’t as squeaky clean and refined after use compared to when I used my normal gel cleanser. However, it made my skin feel deeply hydrated. It took me a while to become accustomed to the different finish that the oil cleanser left. Once I got used to it, I loved that it made my skin feel nourished, healthy and appropriately cleansed without being tight or stripped of moisture.
Centella Multi Balm
The multifunctional balm is formulated with patented centella-asiatica-infused jojoba oil, which offers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and moisturizing benefits to improve acne-prone skin while maintaining elasticity. It’s further enriched with tea tree oil to tighten pores and soothe sensitive skin, as well as salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells. The balm melts quickly into skin for a non-greasy finish, and can be applied on reddened, troubled areas including dry spots, elbows, heels and nail cuticles. It can also be used when you need to calm pimples urgently. Like the cleansing oil, it’s highly moisturizing and nourishing.
The balm comes in a waxy consistency much like Vaseline, and shares a similar fragrance to the cleansing oil. It’s housed in a red circular tin adorned with a tiger print (which reminds me of the iconic Tiger Balm) and also comes with a smaller tin. Although I’ve yet to utilize the extra empty case, I imagine it will be useful when I want to bring the balm out with me for touch-ups during the day.
I don’t suffer from eczema or reddened skin, but I found this balm a savior for a wide variety of skin concerns. I’ve been using a targeted acne gel lately, which leaves extremely dry and flakey spots, making makeup application difficult. To remedy that, I put the balm on after cleansing my face, and it immediately smoothed and softened skin. I also used it to soothe itchy mosquito bites, and for broader application on dry skin after going on a swim.
I found the formula extremely long-lasting and gentle on skin, but it left a slightly oily finish. In the future, I’ll be sure to use it for its other recommended purposes as well, such as on elbows, heels and nail cuticles!
Centella Cica Body Wash
The body wash is formulated with centella asiatica extract to improve acne-prone skin, salicylic acid to refine skin texture and even out the complexion, hyaluronic acid to moisturize and soften skin, madecassic acid to strengthen damaged and sensitive skin, and tea tree leaf oil to tighten pores. It also contains dermatologically tested, naturally derived surfactants obtained from fatty acids of coconut oil. Its mildly acidic, pH 5.5 formula cleanses impurities without irritating skin, making it suitable for those with sensitive, dry, itchy and troubled skin, as well as those with excess sebum and atopic dermatitis.
The scent of the body wash is slightly sweeter than the cleansing oil, with a more floral twist. PUREFORET explains that its unique scent was blended specially by aromatherapists, mixing mint top notes, white floral middle notes and sweet spa base notes. The rich, well-balanced fragrance makes me feel like I’m indulging in an extravagant spa treatment, and it lingers to keep me relaxed long after showering.
The body wash comes in a similar consistency as the cleansing oil. PUREFORET recommends using it with a loofah to create a lather, and massaging it over the entire body before washing off with lukewarm water. I was reluctant to switch up my shower routine, since I don’t usually use a loofah, and was worried it would be troublesome. Thankfully, it proved to be a quick, easy and efficacious process. The body wash provided a very thorough cleanse with a gentle exfoliating effect, and left my skin feeling smooth and nourished. Furthermore, it helped soothe my irritation and bacne.
Overall Thoughts
I was surprised by how much I adored all three products. The scents are my cup of tea, while the consistencies – which I initially feared would be too oily for my skin – were not as greasy as expected, and actually helped my skin feel stronger, healthier and more hydrated. In addition, my acne-prone skin has been unusually calm since I started using these products, which is a testament to the trio’s anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. I’ll gladly continue using these products to maintain the state of my current skin, and I’m also hoping to see improvements in skin elasticity, pore tightness and complexion!