Apricot Cleanser & Hydrating Serums

[landmouse]

If we use oil moisturizer to hold in the hydration of the serums (water difficult to pass through oil?), then does using the apricot cleansing oil lessen the effectiveness of the water-based serums? i.e. Does using an oil-based product 1st and last in my routine trap all that lovely hydration away from my skin like this:

_________________________ <-- Moisturizing Oil

*********************************** <-- Water-based Serum
_________________________ <-- Apricot Cleansing Oil
----------------------------------- <-- Skin

I realize that I rinse off the apricot oil when it's gotten all the gunk off my face, but I'm pretty sure there is residue because my skin feels so very different after using the cleansing oil versus the KISS cleanser.

This idea struck me at 5am this morning--before coffee--so my logic circuits are probably faulty...thanks in advance for the clarification! I've been trying out various samples and am trying to nail down a good routine so I can order FULL SIZES, yay!

[Cupcake]

In short, yes. Any oil left as residue on the skin, or applied to clean skin beneath a layer of water based product, will be a barrier.

I remember having this conversation with the global training manager for a French spa brand that specialise in facial oils. They also have a unique product that is water based and delivers a specific collagen boosting ingredient deep into the skin's layers. Their staff were on television (a shopping channel) recommending mixing the oil and the water product, assuming it could simply be mixed. She was not pleased at having to correct that info on air so customers don't waste the product. (looked unprofessional giving unsound advice)

If you look at the viscosity of the products you're using, you'll see a clear order in which to use them. Water does not pass through oil, so putting a layer of oil on your skin and then adding a water (serum) based product on top will, in effect, prevent most if not all the serum penetrating the oil and into the skin. The serum simply evaporates away.

I do find that when I used the Cleansing Oil, I had to wash it off afterwards as it does not rinse away entirely and I didn't want a layer of grime-filled oil still remaining on my skin. I love the cleansing oil as it does an effective job of deep cleansing safely and gently, but it does - in my experience - take another wash with something like KISS foaming wash to remove it thoroughly.

[landmouse]

Thanks, Cupcake!

(Wow, that sounded like a line straight out of a Janet Evanovich book, sorry!)

[JenW]

Our Apricot Cleansing Oil does have a mild rinsing agent in it, so it is not quite like leaving a layer of oil on your skin and then proceeding with the rest of your routine. It rinses much better than oil alone. But, like Cupcake, I also feel it does not rinse completely off my skin (combination), but for someone with very dry skin it can actually be ideal. Some drier skin types can't cope with KISS cleanser as it just dries their skin out more. It all is dependent on your skintype for now. And I say 'for now' because it can change seasonally or as we age.

[Cupcake]

I'm going to respectfully disagree with Jen on this one. Leaving the oil on the skin from the Cleansing Oil is not a good idea. It contains that which you were trying to clean away - all the grime, dead skin cells, makeup residue. You shouldn't want that rubbed back into the skin, it's asking for congestion acne. If the skin needs a facial oil, best to apply fresh oil on to fully clean skin.

[JenW]

You are definitely allowed to disagree with me! It is what makes this work so well, because there is wisdom in a multitude of opinions. If the method put forth by the formulator does not work for you, find one that does.

I still think for those with dry skin, the Cleansing Oil as it is formulated is much better than skipping a cleanser altogether. Some can't use KISS Cleanser, or any foaming type cleanser. I would have to use the two cleansers together for my skintype.

[Autumn]

I have purchased the Apricot cleansing oil many times. My skin is still oily (at 50+) and break out prone. If this product left a residue on my face, I would be aware of it. You can use this as a pre-cleanse but I don't feel the need for a second cleanse.

If you look at the ingredients:
Apricot Kernel Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Cromollient SCE. The last ingredient is an emulsifier that allows this to just rinse off.

I am also a huge fan of water based serums. I have the vitamin c serum from SN as well as Awesome sauce and these work well with using the Apricot cleansing oil as a cleanser.

The other thing I will mention is you really need a small amount of product. I also massage gently and then after a splash of water, massage gently again. (You can see it emulsifying and looking kind of "milky") I rinse well and sometimes use a soft washcloth for gentle exfoliate.

I really like this cleanser as I tend to have sensitive, reactive skin. Sometimes cleansers can leave me feeling dry (I am not!), tight and worse of all red and blotchy looking. (Even "gentle" cleansers such as Aveeno Ulta-Calming Foaming Cleanser can do this.) I really did not think changing cleansers would have such a positive influence on my skin.

[landmouse]

Thank you all for the replies! To sum up then, the Apricot Cleanser *shouldn't* keep the water-based serums from hydrating the skin, although it's possible if I use too much or don't rinse well enough. That being said, I can always use my KISS cleanser after the apricot if I need extra assurance.

I LOVE all of the options! (My bank account might not, though!)

Also, out of curiosity, did the product Awesome Sauce get it's name inspiration from this post?

• Eye Lash Conditioning gel - because I just can't resist the rave reviews on the boards
  Smooth & Full Black Label Lip treatment - more irresistible awsomesauce

When I told my hubby about the most recent samples I purchased, he did a double-take at that name since it's a word I use often.

[JenW]

Awesome Sauce was named by the gals in the shop. Probably Susan (that would be my guess), or a combination of Susan and Karen. They started calling it that from the very beginning of formulation and they decided not to change it to a more usual name for our line. I know it went on site for sale shortly after your post, but skincare formulation is usually a process of many, many months.

[landmouse]

Darn, and I was hoping to snag a free sample...
Thank you for all of your help, Jen!