Have you ever questioned if there is a mild face wash for dry skin that works? I may have finally stumbled upon one after testing out the First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser.
If you’re like me and you have dry, sensitive skin that freaks out at every product, finding the right cleanser for dry skin can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. So, I was interested in trying the First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser, which is advertised as a way to cleanse your skin without stripping it.
First Aid Beauty (FAB) is known for good, non-irritating skincare, and its products are made without the most common irritants, including fragrance, alcohol, and harsh cleansing agents. Their Pure Skin Face Cleanser is one of their flagship products, and this is frequently recommended by dermatologists for those with sensitive skin.
In this review, I’ll be sharing my own experience with this cleanser after having used it for more than three months, as well as thoughts and opinions from others who have used it, an ingredients analysis, and how it compares to similar products on the market. Whether you have dry skin, sensitive skin, or are just looking for a no-fuss cleanser that will get the job done, this review will help you to determine if it may be a good choice for you.
Did You Know?
The lipid barrier or moisture barrier of our skin is important to keep our skin stay hydrated and prevent irritant from being absorbed to the skin. And while you and I have to find our skincare routines, anything with stripping ingredients can screw with that barrier, causing dryness, sensitivity, or breakouts. So when you wash, you want something that won’t strip the skin of this protective barrier such as FAB Pure Skin.
Also Read: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser Review: Is It Gentle for Dry Skin?
At a Glance: What You Need to Know
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | First Aid Beauty |
| Product Name | Pure Skin Face Cleanser |
| Best For | Dry, sensitive, reactive, and eczema-prone skin |
| Key Benefits | Gentle cleansing, maintains moisture barrier, fragrance-free |
| Fragrance-Free | Yes |
| Cruelty-Free | Yes |
| Texture | Creamy gel that transforms into a light lather |
A Closer Look: First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
The First Aid Beauty (FAB) Pure Skin Face Cleanser is a commonly used and highly praised face wash, especially for people with sensitive skin. Here’s what it has to offer:
- Buttery, creamy cleaner: This has a whipped, creamy texture that foams up well when it makes contact with water.
- Fragrance-free: A huge positive for those with sensitive skin, as fragrances can often be a source of irritation.
- pH-balanced: It’s designed to be close to the skin’s natural pH (about 5.5), so it helps preserve the skin’s natural acidity and protective barrier.
- Non-drying: Cleans without stripping the skin.
- Gently removes makeup, dirt, and impurities: Many people claim is good at taking off light makeup, even eye makeup.
Key Ingredients and Their Functions
Let us see what is hidden in the First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser:
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: soothing and hydrating; excellent on a dry, irritated face.
- Glycerin: a humectant that draws moisture to your skin; perfect for anybody experiencing any dry patches.
- Colloidal Oatmeal: softens redness and inflammation, and is perfect for somebody with similarly red, eczema-prone skin; proven clinically.
- Allantoin: Potentially softens the skin and promotes healing in it.
- Licorice Root: It also contains Licorice Root to brighten and even out skin tone.
- No Alcohol, No Fragrance, No Sulfates: finally and truly makes it a gentle face wash for dry skin. Let it dry.
First Look: My Thoughts on the Packaging
The packaging is a no-brainer white tube with green detailing that falls right in line with the brand’s clinical, yet non-intimidating, vibe. The tube is squeezable plastic with a flip-top cap that stays tightly shut (it’s ideal for travel, too).
The standard size, at 5 ounces, is generous and should last about 3-4 months with daily use. I love that you can easily moderate how much product is dispensed — I need about a pea size for my whole face.
The packaging is not very sexy or Instagrammable, but it’s practical and functional. The product detail or screen printed onto the tube lists the full ingredients.
Who Should Try This Cleanser?
If this is your skin concern, this gentle skin cleanser is designed for:
- Dry skin types: Those who want moisture when they cleanse.
- Sensitive or reactive skin: One that tends to get red and irritated
- Skin with eczema: The gentle formula doesn’t cause flare-ups
- Those with rosacea: Since it lacks common triggers
- Those who need fragrance-free facial care: Pregnant women are included.
How I Use It for Best Results
How to use the FAB Pure Skin Face Cleanser:
- Drench your face with tepid water.
- apply a pea-sized amount on the fingers
- Massage ever so slightly into wet skin using circular motions for 30-60 seconds
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
- Pat dry with a fresh towel, no rubbing!
- Follow with toner and moisturizer to prevent drying of the skin.
- Use morning and night. If you’re wearing makeup, you might want to first do an initial cleanse with micellar water or an oil cleanser.
Pair It With
For best results, pair it with First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream with FAB Ultra Repair Cream or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer for extra hydration.
User Reviews: What People Are Saying
There are thousands of reviews across Sephora, Nykaa, and Amazon that all say the same thing: This cleanser does the job. It’s a favorite of those with rosacea, eczema, and chronically dry skin.
Some also said it served as a good segue out of harsh foaming cleansers. Others reported that their skin felt so soft after a week of use.
I’ve noticed less redness and fewer dry patches after only 10 days of daily use.
Editor’s Note: My Skin Type & Experience
I didn’t experience any tingling, redness, or tightness from the First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser. It was a cross between a face wash and a hydrating cream. My skin was just left feeling soft and balanced, not squeaky-clean or dehydrated, after cleansing.
How It Stacks Up Against Other Cleansers
So there are dozens of choices claiming to be the best cleanser for sensitive skin on the market. Let’s put this one to the test alongside several other best-selling selections.
| Feature | First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser | Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser | La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Dry, Sensitive, Normal | Sensitive, Oily, Acne-Prone | Dry, Normal, Sensitive |
| Texture | Creamy, Non-Foaming | Gel-like, Low Lather | Milky, Lotion-like |
| Fragrance-Free | Yes | Yes | Gentle face wash for dry skin, redness, and eczema |
| Key Ingredients | Aloe, Glycerin, Colloidal Oatmeal | Glycerin, Purified Water | Ceramide-3, Niacinamide, Glycerin |
| Best For | Gentle face wash for dry skin, redness, eczema | Best cleanser for sensitive skin, minimalists | Face cleanser for dry skin with barrier support |
| Removes Makeup | Light Makeup | No | Light Makeup |
| Dermatologist Recommended | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free From | Fragrance, Sulfates, Alcohol, Parabens | Fragrance, Dyes, Parabens, Sulfates | Fragrance, Sulfates, Alcohol |
| Cruelty-Free | Yes | No | No |
Mini Cleanser Face-Off
The First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser is perfect for those with dry and sensitive skin who want to soothe and reduce dryness. The Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is a cost-effective pick for sensitive skin and the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser is all about barrier repair and hydration, so it’s good for dry skin. Each has its unique advantage for a variety of skin types.
Want deeper insights? You can read the full reviews of Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser for a more detailed comparison to First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser in actual use.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very mild for tender skin
- Free of fragrance and pH balanced
- It does not make the skin feel tight when cleansing the face.
- Gentle for Eczema and Rosacea sufferers
- Comes in travel to full size.
Cons
- It isn’t very effective on waterproof makeup
- The texture might be a bit mild for oily or acne-prone skin
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Adding to Your Routine?
I’ve spent the past three months trying out the First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser, and I can say that it’s the gentlest cleanser I’ve come across for my dry, sensitive skin. It’s not perfect, but its ability to cleanse but not strip meant I was willing to splash out for a pricier cleanser over drugstore options.
It’s what my skin feels like after using that I appreciate most- how it doesn’t feel tight or red, just clean and balanced. Anyone experiencing dry, sensitive, or reactive skin, or a skin condition like eczema or rosacea, should try this cleanser.
It’s very gentle on skin as it features a fragrance-free formula which suits even the most sensitive skin, and is also pH balanced for your skin to prevent stripping of the natural protective barrier. There are more affordable picks out there, but not many that deliver this kind of gentleness and efficacy.
FAQs
Is First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser good for acne-prone skin?
Although it’s noncomedogenic and not going to break out most acne-prone skin, it’s also not designed for curing acne. Those with acne may prefer a cleanser with salicylic acid to exfoliate. But if you have dry, sensitive skin that’s prone to breakouts, this can be a good option as it won’t overdry your skin.
Is it okay to use this cleanser if I have oily skin?
It can be suitable for normal or slightly oily skin, but touch-and-go for very oily skin types who may not feel this product is deep cleansing enough. For combination skin like mine, you may want to use it in drier areas or only as needed during colder weather, when the skin requires extra hydration.
Does this remove makeup?
It does a good job of breaking down light makeup, but can’t hold its own against waterproof ones. For extra removal of makeup, consider double cleansing use an oil-based cleanser or micellar water first, followed by the FAB cleanser.
