Virga Botanicals Gentle Creamy Cleanser

I have always been weary of cream cleansers growing up. Perhaps this is because, some cream cleansers left residue on my skin, while others left my skin overly moisturized and on the verge of acne attack.

When you first glance at the ingredients of this cleanser, you may initially think this product will be oily or leave a residue on your skin. However, I am happy to report quite the contrary.

Virga Botanicals Creamy Cleanser is indeed a creamy, luxurious liquid. To cleanse, I first lightly shake the bottle and squeeze a nickel sized amount (about 7-8 drops) to massage my face. Sweet subtle scents of almond, coconut and lavender greet me as I gently wash. For those skeptics who discount “gentle” cleansers, this one is brilliantly robust enough to remove my liquid foundation, blush and eye shadow. I really like the balance of the ingredients so my face doesn’t feel dry at all. I am a big fan because it doesn't contain any sulfates and the polysorbate 20 has been certified to be free of 1,4 dioxane.

Lessons I learned:

• A cleanser needn’t have foam or lather to cleanse effectively.
• Not all cream cleansers will result in acne break out.

I admit feeling worried about my skin erupting in acne spots, but after 5 weeks of using this cleanser, my skin was 100% acne free. The marketing label is true and on point.

Key ingredients which make me happy:

Almond Oil: perfect emollient for softening and conditioning skin

Organic Castile Soap: a natural soap base perfect for gently cleansing skin

Coconut Oil: good for moisturizing and softening skin

Organic Lavender Oil: provides antiseptic and antibacterial qualities as well as soothing and relaxing effects

Good Qi: who doesn’t appreciate good energy!

Marketing label: This cleanser is super-mild but very effective; rinses so nice and clean while the gentle creaminess leaves skin healthy and soft, not tight and stripped.

Overall, this cleanser is effective, gentle and perfect for adding into any combination or normal to dry skin regimen.

RAVE FACTOR 3.5 RAVES

**This product was provided to me by Kirsten Jacob of Virga Botanicals. This product review is based on my own use of this product twice daily for 5 weeks (in March + April 2014). Please keep in mind everyone’s skin is unique and that you may a different experience when using this product. The skin type I have is combination skin.