Cleansing Without Oil or Soap

This was a tall order. A woman struggling with a very unusual skin problem inspired me to create a face cleanser that was not only oil and soap free but could also effectively function as a moisturizer. Talk about demanding criteria!

This ladys only option for cleansing her face was plain old water, which (understandably) left her skin feeling dry. A prescribed neutral creme was her only moisturizer. Almost everything she tried caused breakouts, rash and all sorts of discomfort. The more I learned about her predicament, the more I discovered how little information there was to be had about the condition she struggled with.

I couldn't stop thinking about her problem. It wasn't long before I was trying to formulate a product that might be of use to people in a similar situation. A few weeks later this cleansing gel came about.

What's inside the bottle

The ingredients list is pretty short: aloe vera, a mix of hydrosols, cranberry, glycerine, and konjac glucomannan.

The initial testing is looking surprisingly promising. Not only does the Cranberry Facial Gel cleanse effectively, it even removes make-up. It also doubles as a moisture-giving mask that leaves skin feeling hydrated and smooth. So far, I am the sole test person and will probably continue to be for another batch or 2.

Because this cleansing gel contains cranberry (which has a fab, but unstable color), it is being monitored to see how the color holds up over a period of time.

Updates shall be forthcoming!


Boony said…
it looks beautiful, and sounds wonderful. I'll be happy to test too, if you want a second opinion. :) (and am happy to keep track of color-changes as well).
Lise M Andersen said…
Thanks Boony. I promise to let you know when it is ready to 'leave the lab' :)
Rikke said…
Lyder som en interessant opfindelse. Jeg er spændt på at høre, om den "virker" på kunden.

Kh Rikke
Anonymous said…
Looks so beautiful! Will be interested in the results.
Lise M Andersen said…
@Rikke - ja , vi må se hvad der sker!

@JNC- Thanks! i promise to update soon!
Lola Zabeth said…
Ohemgee, Lise this looks so awesome! I can't wait to hear how it turns out. On the cranberry, what inspired it? Love the color.
Lise M Andersen said…
Hey there Lola, Thanks! The inspiration for using cranberry here is a bit twofold: One, the obvious fab color, and the other is cranberry's antibacterial and cleansing properties (that may or may not be effective when used on skin). There's a post on cranberry here
Anna said…
Hvor spændende og sikke en udfordring :)
Elsker farven!
Lise M Andersen said…
tak Anna - Jeg er også helt vild med farven :)
Jen said…
I know this is an old thread but maybe my own experience can help someone. I have extremely sensitive skin as well. I can't use oils, soaps, surfactants, and ESPECIALLY no chemicals! Years ago, discovered that the only cleansing ingredients I can use are plant saponins. So I've been making my own cleansers ever since. And not only do I not have break outs or get a reaction from my saponin cleansers, but I also have the best skin of my life now! Its perfect! All of the "typical" skin issues, like oiliness, dryness, large pores, uneven tone,ECT, have disappeared. I don't even have to wear makeup anymore. I'm almost 40 and my fine lines have even gone away. So if you're reading this and you're a "water only" person (or have any skin issues that you want gone), please look into plant saponins. They've been a life-changer for me and for all the people I've made cleansers for!
Lise Andersen said…
HI Jen,

Thanks for sharing! Yes, this is an old post but I am notified of all comments made - regardless of the age of the post. Wishing you continued fabulous skin :)