Clinique NEW Charcoal Face Wash, Not Just for Men!

By: Marlen Elliot Harrison

SUMMARY: From American cosmetics company Clinique, their new (2015), non-drying, fragrance-free and allergy-tested Charcoal Face Wash helps draw impurities away from the skin due to charcoal's ultra-porous surface resulting in a fresh, comfortable feeling. Although men and women have different skin types, some products are good enough for both sexes!

BeautyAlmanac product page: https://www.beautyalmanac.com/clinique-for-men-charcoal-face-wash/15248

THE BRAND: Clinique is a manufacturer of skincare, cosmetics, toiletries and fragrances, owned by the Estée Lauder Corporation. Founded on the philosophy that Great Skin Can Be Created, Clinique pioneered the dermatologist-developed cosmetics brand.

BeautyAlmanac Clinique brand page: https://www.beautyalmanac.com/brand/clinique/13

USE: "Use twice a day, morning and night. Lather between palms with tepid water. Massage all over damp skin to remove dirt and oil, and soften beard. Rinse well and towel dry. Mornings, shave as usual. " Clinique.com

I tried out a small sample of Clinique Charcoal Face Wash that I received as part of a Birchbox set. The first thing I noticed was the surprising black color of the gel. No matter, it didn't affect use or application in any way. A small amount of the product easily foamed (though not like many of the other face washes I've been trying) and covered face, neck and scalp. It easily washed off with no residue but did leave a slightly dry feeling on forehead and cheeks.

AROMA & TEXTURE: Clinique Charcoal Face Wash has no perceivable aroma (fragrance). The gel is translucent black and produces a conservative foam when applied and blended with water.

INGREDIENTS: (via CosDNA.com) Water, Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, Coco-betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium chloride, Disodium cocoyl glutamate, Glycerin, Caffeine, Fragrance, Sodium cocoyl glutamate, Monosodium citrate, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Charcoal powder, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides

PROS & CONS: Some have reported no change in their skin after regular use while others are already swearing by its powers. For department store/designer brand cosmetics, Clinique is rather affordable. No aroma and no parabens and Clinique touts its products as allergy-tested and dermatologist-developed. Though designed for the unique pH of a man's skin, many women have adopted this product as their own; see the testimonials below.

2-3 times the price of major supermarket brands; slightly drying; may not lather/foam as desired.

Via Clinique.com: "My daughter and I have been using this for about 4 weeks now and our skin is clearer, brighter, & softer. The charcoal wash has cleared up stubborn clogged pores (from trying a product not made by Clinique! That's what I get for straying!!!) on my face I thought were there for good! I've been using Clinique for about 40 years now, and to me, this is one of their most outstanding products."

Via Sephora.com: "The charcoal face wash is amazing. Although marketed towards men, the saleswoman suggested I use it instead of the regular face wash as it controls oil and helps remove toxins & blackheads. It has a perfect lather that leaves my face super clean -- even takes off all my make-up! It is slightly drying, but it is a non-issue as I follow up with toner and the moisturizing gel."

WHERE CAN I BUY IT? Check Clinique.com and Sephora.com as well as major department stores. ~$20 USD for 6.7 ozs.

Products mentioned in article

Clinique For Men Charcoal Face Wash

Marlen Elliot Harrison

Dr. Marlen Elliot Harrison’s journalism in the fragrance industry has appeared in international print and online publications such as Playboy...(more)