Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser

Several weeks ago, I reviewed the new face mist from the Ultra Calming line from Dermalogica. I finished up using the face cleanser (that was sent to me from a PR company) about a week ago so it is now time for me to fully talk about this product. So far (of the two products in this line that I have reviewed) this cleanser is my favorite in the line. The Ultra Calming line of face care is targeted toward sensitive skin and works to treat and manage the causes that lay behind the redness reaction.

The International Dermal Institute has determined that sensitized skin responses may stem from both a "compromised epidermal barrier and inflammatory responses". Two major types of inflammatory responses have already been identified. The first is immunogenic inflammation - "when skin is under assault, localized skin cells are alerted and activated to fight off the invader. This allergic reaction in skin triggers redness, soreness, and itchiness". The second is neurogenic inflammation - "whereas immunogenic inflammation is triggered by the immune system, neurogenic inflammation is triggered by the nervous system. When an irritant chemical activates nerve sensors, it results in the release of substances that also trigger the inflammatory cascade, resulting in redness, soreness, and itchiness".

"All five UltraCalming products feature the highly-effective, proprietary UltraCalming complex. This multi-benefit complex includes active ingredients that mediate immunogenic and neurogenic inflammatory triggers for immediate and long-term relief of inflamed, sensitized skin. It also includes botanicals and peptides that help mimic skin's natural protection barrier, helping to strengthen skin cell structure against water loss and defend against dehydration-induced sensitization."

This cleanser is described as "A soothing, pH-balanced gel/cream that glides easily over face and eyes to cleanse without stripping skin's protective barrier. Helps calm and cool the redness, heat and discomfort of rosacea, sensitized, or highly reactive skin. Easily rinses away or wipes off, making it ideal for skin so sensitized it cannot tolerate water. Contains no artifical fragrance or color." This cleanser has a smooth, creamy texture and does not foam at all on application. This cleanser did not strip or dry out my skin, leaving it soft and smooth. I have never tried to use this product to take my eye makeup off so I can't comment on how well it works in this application but I can state that it works very well to get my facial makeup off.

This product contains many ingredients to treat sensitive skin. The UltraCalming Complex helps to reduce sensitivity, redness, irritation, and inflammation. Raspberry Fruit Extract is a soothing extract that helps calm sensitive skin and aggravation. Lavender Fruit Extract is a naturally antiseptic extract and helps soothe and purify the skin. Coneflower helps to calm skin. Cucumber Fruit Extract is an extract with cooling agents that help to soothe and calm irritated skin. Pro-Vitamin B5 aids in skin repair and hydration.

This skin cleanser is up there with many of the high quality B. Kamins products for sensitive, reddened skin. I am looking forward to trying out the other products that I was sent from this line based on how high quality these two have been so far.

photo courtesy of Dermalogica