Is it worth the hype? | Philosophy's Purity Face Wash Review

Photo taken from Sephora Website

Like many beauty bloggers, and YouTube guru's I saw the hype that was spread around Philosophy's Purity, One Step Facial Cleanser. I'd watch HSN (Home Shopping Network) as they would market the gigantic tub of this cleanser. They described Purity as their number one selling cleanser. Sephora as well, has this cleanser as one of their favorites, and directly on the bottle Purity presents a sticker to inform you that it was voted a readers choice award by Allure Magazine. Read article here...

After watching one of my favorite YouTuber's explain how her skin is dry to normal, and also runs a bit sensitive to some products, she too was convinced of Purity's wonder. She states how Purity has been her "go to" face wash for a long time now.

So, after the planets and stars come together for this face wash I finally decided to purchase it. I was so excited to try this amazing face wash, but didn't want to invest in the somewhat pricier 8oz bottle, that retails at Sephora for $23.00 I decided to try out the smaller 3oz bottle for $10.00 first. These are usually found closer to the register. Those little "try me" sizes get me every time.

Arriving home that night, I was so excited to try out my future favorite face wash. I told myself that I was willing to spend the extra cash for a high quality product, as long as it lived up to the hype. Washing my face for the first time, I was iffy about the smell. It was clean smelling, but also a bit strange...old school wrinkle cream was the first thing that came to mind. It didn't bother me, but I was hoping for something more pleasant. Besides the smell, I was thoroughly enjoying it. Purity Facial Cleanser was smooth, and washed away all of my makeup. Waterproof mascara was a bit more difficult to wash away completely, but in comparison to other facial cleansers, it was great. I was so happy I found something that may replace my beloved Neutrogena Makeup Wipes. I even made my mother wash her face right after me. I was a sheep to the beauty industry, and I was okay with it.

After going through the 2oz bottle with my husband, I bought the larger 8oz bottle at Ulta. I was excited to get it in a gift pack with a small version of Philosophy's Miracle Facial Moisturizer. Turning 28 years old this December, makes me wonder if I need to start investing in some wrinkle products. So, for $23.00, this was a pretty good deal. I ended up really enjoying the once funky smell. I started to appreciate the indescribable clean smell haha.

It is now two months later, and I have gone through half of my 8oz bottle (with my husbands help) Unfortunately, I will not be repurchasing the facial cleanser. You might say "What happened Chelsey? You seemed to like it, maybe love it..." And yes, you'd be 100% correct! I DID like it...almost love it. So ,let me tell you why my mind has changed about this holy grail facial wash.

About a month or so ago my skin started acting up. Quick background on my skin...I've always had pretty good skin alhumdulAllah (thank Allah swt). I suffered from your normal teenage breakouts, but it mainly revolved around hormones, menstrual and diet. Once I got into my 20's it was all about menstrual and diet. I very rarely have breakouts now being 27 years old. My skin tends to be normal/dry. I've always tried to take care of my skin. I started moisturizing my face when I was 11 years old. I've never had a reaction to any skin care product that I can remember, and my skin doesn't seem to be sensitive to products in general whether makeup or other. So once my skin started breaking out randomly and forming these smaller red patches and dryness, I was confused and frustrated. I summed it up to postpartum hormones, but my diet has been good, and besides my makeup tutorials, I very rarely wear makeup. My moisturizer has been the same for over a year now. I use Josie Maran Argan Oil  from Sephora. So I knew it wasn't that.

Besides postpartum hormones, I thought it could be the "Miracle" moisturizer I started using that came with my Purity purchase. I started using it as a pre-makeup moisturizer. I thought maybe a wrinkle moisturizer was too heavy mixed with foundation. I really wasn't sure, but I immediately stopped using it. I was noticing that my skin wasn't improving...something was off. I know my skin and something was wrong. I woke up one morning and had a pimple on my cheek, a few dry patches, itchiness around my jawline and red patchiness around my chin. Now although this may sound bad haha, it was mild, but for me it was enough to finally hop onto Google and type in "Philosophy Purity face wash breakout?" Sure enough multiple reviews popped up, along with comments on beauty websites and popular stores like Sephora. I couldn't help but start to think that it may be my new face wash I wanted to love so much. I decided to stop using Purity that day, which was Friday, October 3rd. I did a facial mask with Lush's Magnaminty Face and Body Mask (clickable link). Earlier that day I purchased my old best friend Aveeno's Positivley Radiant Daily Face Scrub I washed my face and moisturized it like normal. The next morning, I already saw improvement.

Today is Monday, October 6th and my skin is completely cleared up, and starting to feel back to normal. I also recently used Philosophy's Miracle Moisturizer again as a pre-makeup moisturizer, and overnight moisturizer. I did not see any negative change in my skin, thankfully. I am afraid to say this experience has made me question whether I will try a Philosophy product again though. I was so excited about Philosophies Purity One Step Facial Cleanser, like I was going to be in some special club after using it, but all it brought me was break outs, irritated skin and frustration. This product may work great for some, but with so many people speaking negatively about this face wash, I am surprised it is so hyped up. Hey, if I look at the bright side, now I can go back to spending $6.00 on my Aveeno face wash that smells delicious, acts as a scrub and wash and leaves my skin feeling beautiful.