Zelens Z Detox Clarifying Foaming Cleanser is the coolest cleanser I’ve ever tried.
And this from someone who doesn’t usually get excited about cleansers. What makes this special? Let’s find out:
What’s In Zelens Z Detox Clarifying Foaming Cleanser?
SURFACTANTS TO CLEANSE SKIN
Surfactants are a family of ingredients that cleanses skin by helping water mix with oils and dirt, so they can be rinsed away.
This cleansers uses Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine, two of the gentlest members of the surfactants family. They’re both derived from coconut.
Both are way gentler than more common surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. That means that it takes them a bit more effort to get all the makeup off your face but, when they’re done, there’s no hint of dryness anywhere.
AHAS TO EXFOLIATE SKIN (OR NOT?)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are a family of exfoliants that work by dissolving the glue that holds skin cells together, so they can reveal the brighter and smoother skin underneath.
Glycolic acid and Lactic acid are the most famous members of this family. But Zelens Z Detox Clarifying Foaming Cleanser doesn’t use them. Instead, it opted for Tartaric Acid and Citric Acid. I have two problems with this choice:
- They’re less powerful than Glycolic and Lactic acids and barely provide any exfoliation when used in leave-on products.
- They need to stay on top of the skin to work. How can they exfoliate skin if you rinse them down the drain?
This cleanser is good at cleansing skin, but don’t rely on it for exfoliation.
Related: The Truth About Exfoliating Cleansers: Do They Really Work?
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Texture
A foamy cloud. So. Cool.
Fragrance
Clean and subtle.
How To Use It
It’s the first step of your skincare routine at night.
Performance & Personal Opinion
Z Detox Clarifying Foaming Cleanser is the coolest foaming cleanser I’ve ever come across.
You know how you need to mix the cleanser with water to make it foam? Not this. Z Detox comes out of the bottle in a cloud of foam. It’s the action of the bottle dispenser that turns it into a lather (or so I’m told).
In case you’re wondering, yep, it works just as well as any other foaming cleanser. It easily removes dirt, grime and most makeup from the skin without leaving it feeling tight and dry.
I don’t use it to remove my makeup. I prefer to use it it in the morning, when there’s not much to remove in the first place, and as the second step of double cleansing at night. It always leaves my skin clean, bright and soft.
Who Is This For?
Oily and sensitive skin.
Who Is This NOT For?
Dry skin.
Packaging
An unassuming see-through bottle with a pump dispenser. It does the job but, for the price, I expected something fancier.
Does Zelens Z Detox Clarifying Foaming Cleanser Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIMS | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| A clarifying foaming cleanser formulated to effectively remove environmental pollutants, surface impurities, excess oil and all traces of makeup while respecting skin’s moisture balance. | True. |
| This gentle exfoliating cleanser enhances skin renewal and smoothes skin’s surface. | This is a fancy way to say it exfoliates skin. It does, but the effects are minimal. Frankly, you’re better off with a separate AHAs or BHA exfoliant. |
| Leaves skin clean, revived, supple and radiant. | It does leaves skin clean and fresher. |
Price & Availability
£48.00 at Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, and Revolve
Do You Need It?
It’s not a necessity. But, if you’re curious to try it, I think you’ll like it.
Dupes & Alternatives
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Grape Fruit, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Bran, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Glycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Parfum (Fragrance).
