Introduction
Glossier – a name that’s become synonymous with millennial pink packaging and a “skin first, makeup second” philosophy. If you haven’t heard of this brand, you might want to peek out from under that rock you’ve been living under. Just kidding, but seriously, Glossier has made quite a splash in the beauty world since its launch.
Enter their Milky Jelly Cleanser, a product that Glossier describes with the enthusiasm of a proud parent. They tout it as a “super gentle cleansing experience” that’s supposedly the Swiss Army knife of face washes – nourishing, pH-balanced, and suitable for all skin types. According to them, it’ll leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, never stripped, whether you’re starting your day or wiping it away.
Released back in 2015, this cleanser quickly became a cult favorite, especially among those battling dull and lifeless skin. It’s particularly praised as a morning cleanser, setting the stage for your makeup routine. But does it live up to the hype?
That’s exactly what I set out to discover. For a full week, I incorporated the Milky Jelly Cleanser into my skincare routine, using it both morning and night. My mission? To put this cleanser through its paces and figure out if it’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. So, let’s dive into my experience and see if this jelly is really worth the squeeze.
Breaking Down The Gel
All hype and marketing aside, a cosmetic product is only as good as its ingredients. For many, a list of hard-to-pronounce components doesn’t mean much, so let’s break down the Milky Jelly Cleanser in terms we can all understand.
The stars of the show here are Rosa Damascena Flower Water, essentially fancy rose water, known for its luxe soothing properties, and Glycerin, a hydration powerhouse that helps your skin retain moisture.
Also in the mix is Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, is another moisture magnet. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, helping to plump up the skin. Panthenol, also known as pro-vitamin B5, acts like a protective shield, helping to soothe and heal the skin.
Finally, we’ve got standouts like Allantoin and Symphytum Officinale Root Extract (comfrey root) that work together as a dynamic duo for calming and healing. They’re like the peacekeepers of your skin, reducing irritation and promoting cell regeneration.
Now, let’s talk texture. True to its name, the Milky Jelly Cleanser has a unique gel-like consistency that’s both creamy and slippery. It glides on smoothly, feeling cool and refreshing against the skin. Despite its milky appearance, it doesn’t leave any residue after you rinse it off.
Using it felt like giving my face a refreshing drink. The gel texture is satisfying to apply, and it rinses clean without any tightness or residue. It’s gentle enough for everyday use, true to Glossier’s claims.
Considering the thoughtful blend of soothing and hydrating ingredients, I’d rate the ingredient profile a solid 8.5/10. The texture earns a 9/10 for its unique and pleasant feel, while the cleansing action gets an 8/10. It effectively cleanses without stripping, though those with very oily skin might prefer something a bit more powerful.
The Results & Effectiveness
Ok, now let’s talk about the results.
In my experience, the Milky Jelly Cleanser lives up to its gentle giant reputation. As part of my morning routine, it provided a refreshing start to the day. It effectively removed the light layer of oils that build up overnight without leaving my skin feeling stripped or tight. Instead, my face felt clean, soft, and ready for the rest of my skincare regimen.
The real test came in the evenings. After a long day of wearing makeup and battling city pollution, I was skeptical about whether this gentle cleanser could cut through the grime (usually I need something with a little more punch). To my surprise, it performed very well. While it didn’t completely remove waterproof mascara (to be fair, few non-oil cleansers do), it did a great job of dissolving most of my makeup and the day’s accumulation of dirt and oil.
In terms of layering with other skincare products, the Milky Jelly Cleanser plays well with others. It leaves no residue, creating a clean canvas for serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens. I noticed that my subsequent skincare products seemed to absorb more effectively after using this cleanser, possibly due to its gentle yet thorough cleansing action.
However, it’s worth noting that while my skin felt clean and comfortable after use, I didn’t notice any dramatic changes in my skin’s appearance. This isn’t necessarily a negative – after all, it’s a cleanser, not a miracle worker. It did its job of cleaning my skin without causing any irritation or dryness, which is exactly what a good cleanser should do.
For those with extremely oily skin or heavy makeup wearers, you might find you need to double cleanse or use a separate makeup remover for stubborn products. But for everyday use and light to medium makeup, it’s more than sufficient.
Considering its performance across various situations and its gentle yet effective cleansing action, I’d rate its effectiveness an 8.5/10. It’s a reliable, versatile cleanser that does what it promises without any fuss.
Who Is Milky Jelly Cleanser For?
So, what type of person do I think this skincare product would be perfect for?
If you’re someone who wakes up, looks in the mirror, and sees skin that looks a bit… well, meh, the Milky Jelly Cleanser might be your new best friend. It seems particularly well-suited for those dealing with dull, lifeless skin who want a gentle pick-me-up to start their day.
This cleanser could be a great fit if you have normal to dry skin and you’re tired of cleansers that leave your face feeling like it’s been through a desert storm. Its hydrating properties make it a potential ally for those battling the occasional dry patch or tightness.
For the sensitive-skinned among us who break out in a rash just thinking about trying a new product, this gentle formula might be worth a shot. Its soothing ingredients could help calm irritation rather than exacerbate it.
If you’re a makeup wearer who doesn’t go full glam every day, this cleanser could be right up your alley. It does a solid job of removing light to medium makeup, though you might want to keep your hardcore makeup remover on hand for those nights when you’ve really gone all out.
The Milky Jelly Cleanser could also be a good option for those new to skincare who are looking for a simple, effective cleanser that won’t overwhelm their routine. Its straightforward application and gentle formula make it a user-friendly choice for skincare novices.
However, if you’re someone with very oily skin or you’re prone to heavy acne, you might find this cleanser a bit too gentle for your needs. While it cleanses effectively, it may not provide the deep clean that oily or acne-prone skin sometimes requires.
Lastly, if you’re the type who appreciates a bit of self-care in your daily routine, the pleasant texture and gentle cleansing experience of this product could add a small but enjoyable ritual to your day.
Should You Buy It?
After spending the week with Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser, I’ve come to appreciate its gentle yet effective approach to cleansing. Personally, I’d rate this product an 8.5 out of 10. This score reflects its excellent performance as a daily cleanser, its versatility in both morning and evening routines, and its skin-friendly ingredient list. However, it falls slightly short of perfection due to its limitations with heavy makeup removal and potentially not being robust enough for very oily or acne-prone skin.
In terms of value, while it’s not the cheapest cleanser on the market, but the price isn’t anything that’s going to bankrupt you – its performance definitely justifies the not-cheap, not-expensive price point. A little goes a long way too, which means the bottle should last you a good while, making it a reasonable investment in your skincare routine.
So, should you buy it? If you’re looking for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that leaves your skin feeling clean but not stripped, then yes, I’d recommend giving the Milky Jelly Cleanser a try. It’s particularly well-suited for those with normal to dry skin, sensitive skin types, or anyone battling dullness and seeking a refreshing start to their day.
However, if you regularly wear heavy, waterproof makeup or have very oily, acne-prone skin, you might want to look for something a bit more heavy-duty or consider using this as part of a double-cleansing routine.
One of the cleanser’s strengths is its versatility – it works well in various situations and integrates seamlessly into most skincare routines. Its gentle formula also makes it a good option for those new to skincare or looking to simplify their routine.
On the flip side, if you’re expecting dramatic skin transformations from a cleanser, you might be disappointed. The Milky Jelly Cleanser does its job well, but it’s important to remember that its primary function is to clean your skin, not to treat specific skin concerns.