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If there is one good thing about all the Valentines Day stuff that was rubbed in my face over the last few weeks, it is that the constant presence of roses reminded me that I still owe you a review of the Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel.
I´m a Valentine’s Day Grinch – as much as I appreciate chocolate anytime throughout the year, I refuse to buy into the consumerism regarding February 14th. The way to my heart is not with some overpriced red roses – in fact, you’d be better off buying me a rosewater cleanser like this one if you want to impress me.
But why rosewater? And is the Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel enough to make me fall in love?
Let´s see!
The benefits of rosewater in skincare
First, let’s talk about the rosewater – after all you can´t open up Pinterest without a ton of DIY recipes popping up. According to the internet – not scientific journals! – rosewater is an astringent, meaning it makes the pores look smaller, is antibacterial, hydrating, full of antioxidants and smells nice. I am not going to debate the last one, but for the rest… It would not be my first pick to treat skin conditions, if you get what I mean.
What the Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel claims
Meet your new daily cleanser for comfortably clean skin. Infused with antioxidant-rich rosewater, this pH-balanced gel face wash soothes and balances all skin types. Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel gently purifies skin of dirt, oil, and makeup without disrupting its natural moisture balance.
Facts about the Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel
Price and size
The cleanser comes in a glass bottle – Good Molecules specifically uses glass here to reduce plastic pollution, has a pump and contains 120 ml. One bottle retails for 12 $ on the website here. You don´t need much, so the bottle will last you at least three monts with regular use.
Texture and smell
If you were hoping to get a rose colored product, I have to disappoint you. The Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel is clear, maybe slightly yellow and does not smell of roses either. In fact, is has absolutely no scent, feels cooling when applied and only lathers very lightly when in contact with water.
How to use the Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel
Depending on your skin and preferences, this cleanser can be used both morning and night. While it claims to “purify the skin of dirt, oil and makeup” it is not recommended to be used around the eye area, so should you use it in the evenings, a separate eye makeup remover or first cleanse will be needed.
Ingredients of the Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel
Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
When we look at the ingredient list, the first thing we might notice is that the name giving rosewater is present at 1%. If we now take into account that rose water is basically already a diluted version of the rose essential oil, fact is that we probably do not get enough of the Pinterest-claimed benefits to really make a difference in the skin.
But does that matter? I´d say no. A cleanser needs to gently cleanse and hydrate my skin, and for that it contains Glycerin at 5 % for hydration and Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, often used in baby products for its mildness, as the main cleansing agent. Oh, and the Pineapple Fruit Extract? Given that it is at 0.1% I am simply going to ignore it.
Does it live up to its claims?
Now if you buy this for the rosewater content, you will most likely be disappointed, but to be honest I don´t think even 80% rosewater would have an effect on your skin. If you are looking for a gentle gel cleanser to get rid of sweat and oil without stripping your skin on the other hand, this might be just what you need.
How does it compare to…
the Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Cleanser
Well, first of all the Good Molecules offer is half the price, something that should be considered for a product designed to go down the drain. The texture of the two is similar, both are cooling gels that only lather lightly, and both contain extra antioxidants – rosewater for Good Molecules, Vitamin C for Murad – that probably aren’t necessary in concentration and for that type of product.
The only difference I find is that the Murad Gel feels more thorough, makes my face feel cleaner after using it, but at the same time less hydrated.
Given the gel texture I think the Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel is more aimed at normal to oily skin types, but even if your skin is dry it will work due to its gentle and hydrating nature.
Read my full review of the Murad Environmental Shield Essential C Cleanser here.
Whom do I recommend it to?
Due to its gel texture I think it is more suited to normal or oily skin types, as dry skins tend to prefer a balm or milk. Preferences aside though I think it will work for all skin types.
Will I repurchase?
As you can see I am already halfway through my bottle, which is good for a cleanser hoarder like myself. I reach for it fairly often when I feel like doing a second cleanse in the evenings or as my only night time cleanse on no makeup days.
As for the question whether or not I will repurchase… I am still undecided. It is a really nice cleanser that gets the job done, but hasn’t quite made me fall in love. But as that often goes: “It’s not you – it´s me!”