Dermalogica Skincare Review

Back in December, I got a lovely box from Influenster/Dermalogica containing a great selection of some of their best selling skincare products including their recently launched Daily Superfoliant. I have never really tried anything from Dermalogica as such except a few samples here and there. I was very delighted to incorporate these Dermalogica products into my skincare because I'd heard so many good things about them. I was kindly sent the following products: Daily Superfoliant*, Skin Smoothing Cream*, Pre-Cleanse Balm*, Special Cleansing Gel* and the Cleansing Mitt*. I have been trying them out since I got them and I wanted to share my thoughts on here because I really enjoyed using them.



Packaging
I think the packaging is simple and aesthetically pleasing. Sticking to monochrome or simple colour schemes always looks great especially when it comes to skincare. They have the kind of lab vibe which I totally don't mind at all. Some of the products are sample sizes so I don't know how the full size looks like but I am guessing they are similar to the minis. I actually love the sample sizes because they contain a good amount of product for you to know if you like the product enough to invest in it. Of course, they will be great for travelling although I have been using them while I am at home. I particularly love that the cleansing balm comes in a tube which I feel is the easiest way to use this product. There is minimal mess and I don't have to dip my fingers into a tub to get some product out.




I have to say the packaging of the Daily Superfoliant was a little tricky for me initially because it had a sticker on top which you have to remove when you use it. The product is a powder so you do have to be careful when you are trying to dispense some powder/product to use as there is a chance that too much product can come out at a time. It happened to me a couple of times until I got the hang of it. I don't know if the sticky adhesive is meant to remain on the bottle but it did look like it should be completely removed (which is what I did). Apart from that, I think everything else is great and practical.



Dermalogica Pre Cleanse Balm // Link // £44 (full size), £8 for 15ml
I absolutely love this product and it is definitely one I will be looking to repurchase. It is described as a deep cleansing balm to oil cleanser which melts away all makeup and impurities from the skin. It's a simple description but it really captures what this product does. I already mentioned I love that it comes in a tube so I can control how much product I need with minimal mess and cross contamination. It applies like a dream across my face and all my makeup (including my eye makeup) come off. I save it for days when I wear heavy makeup especially during the weekend and it does such a great job. It does not feel uncomfortably greasy at all and even if you hate oil or balm cleansers, I think you would love this texture. I take it off with a hand-hot or warm flannel and every single makeup is gone including my eye makeup. I absolutely love it and will highly recommend!


Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel // Link // £10.50 for 50ml,  £32 (for 250ml), £52.50 for 500ml
I am a big fan of cleansing gels in general because I feel that they give my skin a proper cleanse compared to other textures of cleansers (especially as a double cleanse). The Dermalogica Cleansing Gel is described as a soap-free foaming gel cleanses without disturbing the skin's natural moisture balance. It looks like a basic cleanser but it works better than many cleansers I have tried. I love that it has the right amount of lather to take off my makeup without leaving my skin dry. If you have dry skin and shy away from cleansing gels or lathers, I think this one is worth trying. The sample I received is only 50ml but it has lasted me a good while because only the tiniest amount is enough for my face. I sometimes use this as a single cleanse or a double cleanse after the pre-cleanse balm and my skin feels so clean and non-irritated. It is also one of the few cleansers that I have loved using with just my hands or with my FOREO Luna. I never cleanse/wash my face without a beauty device but this cleanser is one of the cleansers that gives me that clean feel without a beauty device. I am contemplating buying the full size but I have two other cleansers I absolutely love and need to finish before I invest it another one. I have really enjoyed using it is as it is fuss free, soap-free and works so well for my skin.


I also tried this cleanser with the Cleansing Mitt that came along with these products and I loved it. It's not one I will reach out for often but if I did not have a FOREO and did not want to use my hands, I would definitely use it. The good thing about this cleansing mitt is that it can get into pretty much any crevices of the skin that you need to clean such as the corners of the nose. I don't think it is sold on its own but it comes as a set with some of the Dermalogical Cleansing products. This one came with the Pre-Cleanse Balm.



Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream* //Link // £36 for 50ml,  £54 for 100ml
Dermalogica describe the Skin Smoothing Cream as a medium weight moisturiser designed to balance combination/dry skin. I personally won't classify my skin as a combination/dry as it is more of combination oily. I still had an open mind when trying this moisturiser out. Some of the ingredients include lecithin, aloe vera, mallow, cucumber, etc which all work together to keep the skin hydrated and moisturised. It does not have any fragrance to it which I know many people do prefer. I am happy either ways. I love that this cream comes in a tube as it is easy to use and travel with. It provides a good amount of moisture and hydration and I prefer to use it more at night. I think for combination skin, it does not feel too greasy but I won't say it is the lightest weight moisturiser I have tried. If you do have dry skin, I feel you would love this moisturiser a lot.



Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant* // Link // £55 (Full size 57g), £17 (for 13g)
Now this is the star of the entire review and it is one product I was very curious about because I have never tried any product like it. Dermalogica describe the Daily Superfoliant as a highly active resurfacer which delivers smoother skin and helps fight the biochemical and environmental triggers known to accelerate skin ageing. Most exfoliants are either in the form of a scrub or toners but a powder exfoliant is not as common and this is why I wanted to try it. I have a love-hate relationship with the packaging. I love that it is lovely size (it's a full size of 57g) and I can get away with travelling easily with it. What I don't like as much is the initial issues I had with the opening at the top of the bottle. I already mentioned there is a high chance of dispensing more product than you need. The great thing is I've now got the hang of getting the right amount of product. I tend to tip a small amount into the cover and then onto my wet/damp hands.


When I first got it, I just thought this will be a faff to use but to my surprise, I have come to love using it almost on a daily basis. I just moisten my hand with some water, pour out a little powder into the lid and onto my wet/damp hands, rub my hands together (it turns to a nice paste) and apply to my skin. It can be used a cleanser, an exfoliator and a mask and I have enjoyed using it in these different ways. When I use it as a cleanser, I apply it a second cleanse after removing my makeup. I love using it as an exfoliator which is what it is designed for and it really keeps my skin very smooth. I absolutely love it. Lastly, I also use it as a mask because let's face it, it does look like a mask. It contains activated binchotan charcoal which is known for purifying the skin and adsorbing toxins/impurities. The Daily Superfoliant also contains niacinamide, red algae and tara fruit extract which are excellent ingredients for the skin.




I feel like everyone will love this product because it is gentle, effective and non-irritant. I do have to mention that there is a note on the website which says it is not recommended for people who use medically prescribed exfoliation products. It's such a great product that can be used everyday which is why I love it as it does not feel abrasive at all. It may seem expensive at £55 but I think it will last a very long time because it is a powder and you need the tiniest amount. The great thing is if you wanted to try it out without splurging, they have a mini size for £17 which you can find here. I will highly recommend trying out this product because it can be used in many ways with visible results.


Where to Buy
Dermalogica products can be purchased from website and they are generous with nice samples. You can also purchase these products from other retailers such as John Lewis, Selfridges, Fenwick, etc. I tend to purchase from any retailers that have the best discounts and those who offer free samples/free deliveries.



Final Thoughts
I am really impressed with Dermalogica as a brand and with all the products I got to try. I did not really know what to expect from using the brand long term but I am so glad and grateful that I had the opportunity to try them out. Now I have some firm favourites and more products on my repurchase list. My absolute favourite products from what I tried include the Pre-Cleanse Balm, the Special Cleansing Gel and the Daily Superfoliant. Massive thanks to Influenster UK for sending me these lovely products.  I hope you enjoyed this post and see you in the next post. Have you tried any product from Dermalogica?
*I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. All opinions are mine. Affiliate links used, read my full disclaimer here.