Powder Exfoliators
I love a good powder exfoliator. Powder exfoliators are nothing but a powder that you mix with a bit of water. It often bubbles into a bit of foam ( much like the way mousse does). It contains some actives so acts much the same way as any physical /Chemical exfoliator. It is often slightly gritty in texture, but the active component is a combination of the two: Physical ( from the grains) and Chemical ( Powdered Acids ). They are a no fuss, no spill alternative to Exfoliating creams and Liquid Exfoliators. They are great to keep in the travel bag. ( They don’t count in your liquids allowance!)
Why I love them
Exactly what i mentioned above. They are no spill. So its an amazing alternative to chemical exfoliators, and less harsh physically on the skin when compared to scrubs.
The powdery texture makes them a doddle to travel with
These are a halfway house between a physical scrub and a chemical scrub, though in my opinion, they are book they are a category of their own. I use them all the time when im on my travels, and I definitely notice a change in my skin, less texture, more even colour, scars appear diminished. I’ve got three in my collection, and ive also noticed that with the sudden upsurge of acid toners , these seem to have retreated from the public eye. 😦
The Holy Grail
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. This brand has been around for eons. It seems to a brand that all skincare gurus have used one or the other point in their lives. Dermatologists used to recommened this all the time. It is almost the backbone of most people’s skincare at some point or the other. They are the grandaddies of skincare.
My favourite (which also happens to be a Cult favorite ) is the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.
It claims:
- To remove dulling surface debris and even skin tone.
- To reveal brighter, smoother skin.
- to be Gentle enough for daily use.
One only needs less ½ than a teaspoon, with a touch of water and let the powder work its magic. ( it can tingle for some, but on the whole it is feels quite comfortable)
It is vegan, cruelty free, no artificial fragrance and to those whom this is important- paraben free too. It has Rice-based powder which activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that polishes skin to perfection.
Microfoliant contains – a Skin Brightening Complex of Phytic Acid from Rice Bran, White Tea and Licorice. This helps balance uneven skin tone whilst a super-soothing blend of Colloidal Oatmeal and Allantoin calms skin.
The company website states that it is gentle enough for daily use, I use it once a week.
Ingredients
Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Oxide, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Colloidal Oatmeal, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Allantoin, Papain, Salicylic Acid, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, PCA, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Cyclodextrin, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Limonene, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citric Acid, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) , Hexylene Glycol.
One of my biggest problems with the microfoliant its price! It’s nearly £50!
😦
Runner ups. (Sadly discontinued )
Indeed Labs Facial Powdered Exfoliator:
Now Discontinued. This comes very close INCI to the original Dermalogica Microfoliant. Not to mention ½ the price. It’s a shame they discontinued it. Bugger boo 😦
Using a unique combination of enzymatic exfoliating actives – including bamboo extract, rice bran protein, pineapple enzymes and Okinawa red algae – our powdered exfoliator works to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and promote cell renewal as it cleans. The results? Just add water for an instantly glowing, refreshed, polished complexion and skin that feels deeply cleaned and soothed.
- Gently polishes off dead skin to instantly renew and refresh the complexion
- Instantly makes skin softer and smoother
- Helps skin cell turnover
- Stimulates collagen production
- Helps serums and creams absorb and perform better
- Intensity of exfoliation can be customized with the amount of water added.
This exfoliator is a real dupe of the above cult classic, its really sad that its been discontinued. It used to retail at £28, always on offer in Boots.
Peter Thomas Roth Vitamin C Brightening Cleansing Powder:
Product Details
A gentle, water-activated daily cleansing powder that transforms into a rich, creamy facial cleanser to effectively clear away dirt, oil, and impurities. This calming, water-activated daily cleansing powder is for anyone seeking fresher, softer, more radiant, and healthier-looking skin. Only available in liquid or powder form, the Amazonian camu camu berry provides 30 times more vitamin C per ounce than an average orange. This highly concentrated vitamin C helps brighten, smooth, firm, and improve the appearance of uneven skintone, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Small round granules of the intelligent gem, Baltic amber, work to exfoliate, energize, and polish the skin, opening up clogged pores. Bamboo and rice power provide gentle cleansing, exfoliating, and delicate brightening. It is formulated Without: – Parabens- Sulfates – Phthalates Use less water to create a thick, deep-cleaning exfoliating paste and more water to create a mild lathering cleanser.
I really love the brightening effect of this cleanser. It was easy to travel with, and a full bottle doesn’t break TSA regulations.
Both these are quite lovely with my Sonic cleanser or my cleansing device with the brush head.
To be honest these are almost out of favour with the beauty world. No idea why, don’t get me wrong, I love a melty balm cleanser, jelly cleanser. But Old is gold, and these powder cleansers do hold a place in my heart.
To summarise
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Powder exfoliators are easy to take on your holidays.
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They are usually slightly less abrasive than traditional chemical scrubs.
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They are less likely to spoil if stored properly. There is no liquid- water or oil in the mix, which in turn is less likely to turn bad, so these have a longer storage life.
Have you tried any of these cleansers? Do you have any others you recommend? I’d love to hear from you.~~ Love Elle xx
(I’ve spotted that Clinique do a Powder Exfoliator in the Men’s Range)
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