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If you can only bring one cleanser on a trip, what would it need to do? The PURITO Defence Barrier pH Cleanser is the one Purito picked to put in their Weekend Getaway Kit, claiming to provide you with a full routine for a short trip that would work for all skin types. But is that even possible? Can one cleanser meet all the needs for all skin types? (More info: How to determine your skin type and How to pick the best cleanser for your skin type)
The answer is yes, it is possible. But while the Defence Barrier Cleanser ticks most boxes, I don’t think it is ideal for that purpose, and I am going to tell you why.
Which cleanser would you pack for an upcoming short trip?
Here is my opinion on the other products in the kit:
What the PURITO Defence Barrier pH Cleanser claims
Protect your skin barrier using a mildly acidic pH 5.5 cleanser. This refreshing gel cleanser transforms into a rich foam that gently cleanses the skin. This cleanser is formulated with Centella extract to hydrate, calm and strengthen skin. It is a gentle cleanser suitable for sensitive and dry skin. It will not strip the skin of its natural moisture and will leave the skin hydrated.
Facts about the PURITO Defence Barrier pH Cleanser
Prize and size
The full size (in my picture you see the travel size included in the kit) contains 150 ml and is available for 12 $ on the website here. It is vegan and has a pH of 5.5, which is similar to the skins average pH.
Texture and smell
The cleanser comes as a clear gel with average firmness that foams up nicely when it comes in contact with water. There is a slight herbal scent to it, not strong, but noticeable when washing your face. It probably comes from the added Tea Tree Oil.
How to use the PURITO Defence Barrier pH Cleanser
Like all gel cleansers this one needs to be foamed up by either applying it to wet skin as a second cleanse or by adding water in the palm of your hands and foaming it up there. The foam you get is nice, but there isn’t too much of it – no bubble bath for your face.
As it is the only cleanser added to the Weekend Getaway Kit, I tried it for removing makeup, but admit it struggles here – very light makeup is no problem, but the full on eye with eyeshadow, liner and mascara I wear on a daily basis is a struggle despite not being waterproof. So while I personally think it is great as morning or second cleanse or for those that don’t really wear much makeup, it would not be enough for me to take on a short trip in the city for example. I wear eye makeup every day and need something that is able to take it off. (More info: Do you always need to Double Cleanse?)
Despite the foam it isn’t stripping, but not overly hydrating either, after using it my skin feels pretty much the same as it did before, just clean.
Ingredients of the PURITO Defence Barrier pH Cleanser
Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
Looking at the ingredient list, you will find mild surfactants, Betaine, Arginine and Allantoin for soothing and hydration and then Centella Asiatica Extract and Tea Tree Leaf Oil. (More info: The benefits of Centella Asiatica Extract in skincare explained)
The Tea Tree Oil and the Lauric Acid you can also find are said to be antiinflammatory and antibacterial, making this a cleanser that will probably work well on those prone to breakouts.
Does it live up to its claims?
Yes.
It is gentle, non-stripping and suitable even for sensitive skins (unless you are sensitive to Centella Asiatica Extract or Tea Tree Leaf Oil of course).
How does it compare to…
The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
The two cleansers are fairly similar in how they work, but The Ordinary has no added Tea Tree Leaf Oil, meaning it could be a great alternative for those that don’t tolerate it. Both are nice and gentle, are able to remove very light makeup without stinging the eyes, but aren’t enough to remove what I wear on a daily basis.
As they are also pretty similar in price, you could easily pick the one that is best available weher you live.
You can read my full review of The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser here.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
I admit I haven’t finished writing my review for the blog on The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser yet (it only needs editing, but so much to do and so little time…), but I still felt like it is worth mentioning here in comparison as it is one that many people love taking with them as holiday cleanser to do it all.
It is much better at removing makeup than the offer from Purito, but still struggles with waterproof things (which I don’t usually wear, but you might) and leaves my eyes a little foggy after rinsing, something that I don’t really want to deal with.
As it is equally affordable, gentle on the skin and otherwise really nice though, I would rather take this one than the one from Purito with me on holiday.
Geek and Gorgeous Mighty Melt Cleansing Balm
While at first glance the two of them aren’t really comparable, this is the cleanser I usually take with me for weekend trips. Using a cleansing balm for that purpose might sound counterintuitive, this one gets rid of all my makeup with ease and rinses completely clean, no need for a wash cloth or similar. You can just as good use it in the mornings if you feel the need to cleanse then. This is not available in a travel size sadly, but I don’t find it too bulky to bring along.
You can read my full review of the Geek and Gorgeous Mighty Melt Cleansing Balm here.
Would I repurchase and which skin types do I recommend it to?
While I am personally am not too excited, overall it is a nice morning or second cleanse that I suppose will work for all skin types.
Shop PURITO skincare here
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