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Monday, August 6, 2012

Image Skincare Ageless Total Facial Cleanser

The Ageless Total Facial Cleanser surprised the heck out of me, but  not in a good way.  The first time I used it was in the winter, and within a few days my eyelids started peeling.  I can't say that's ever happened before.  This cleanser is billed as a 3-in1 product in that it cleanses, exfoliates, and tones all in one, and I can vouch for the exfoliation first hand.

Here is the description from the Image Skincare site:
A universal foaming cleanser that rinses away makeup and oil. Balances the PH of your skin and eliminates the need for a toner. A gentle Glycolic Acid blend begins the exfoliating process to reveal smoother skin. Ideal for all skin types. 
So, I thought I'd give it a try again in warmer weather, as my already oily skin becomes even more oily.  No go again, as I can get away with using this maybe 3 times before my skin gets flaky.  So, in my experience, this is a harsh cleanser.  Or it's possible my skin is reacting to something in it.

Ingredients:  ammonium glycolate, peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, glycol distearate, phenoxyethanol, ammonium laurylth sulfate, glycerin, menthol, dimethyl lauramin oleate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, glycolic acid, water (aqua), oleifera (greentea) leaf extract, citric acid, cocamidopropyl betaine,

I looked at EWG's Skin Deep Database and see a few potential offenders listed, including:
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a synthetic surfactant; it has been associated with irritation and allergic contact dermatitis, reactions that could be due to the ingredient itself or to impurities present in it, such as 3-dimethylaminopropylamine.
I also wasn't that happy to see a sulfate on the ingredients list as well.  I think I probably just need to cut my losses and toss this one:-(

The Ageless Total Facial Cleanser is supposed to be available only from authorized distributors such as spas, estheticians, and physicians, although I've seen their products on Amazon.  The cleanser retails for about $26.

Disclosure:  I purchased this.

9 comments:

  1. IMAGE Skincare products are pharmaceutical grade products. The ingredients are far more potent than any drugstore skincare. This is why you must purchase it from your Esthetician or Derm. If your skin is sensitive your skincare professional should know that this product is not right for you. However, this particular cleanser contains a pretty high percentage of Glycolic Acid which is a chemical exfoliant. That is why you experienced peeling. As far as the sulfate goes, any product that makes a lather will contain some type of sulfate. The particular one used in this cleanser is very mild. Like everything this cleanser is not for everyone just b/c it says suitable for all skin types. IMAGE has other wonderful products that would be more suited for your skin. I would take a look at the Ormedic line if I were you. Oh, don't throw it away bring it back to your skincare professional & let them know what happened. Surely they will credit you on your next purchase.

    Tiffany Prevost, Esthetician

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    1. I've enjoyed several Image products, and in general, they are very good. I don't think my skin is sensitive, but it definitely didn't react well to this cleanser. Thanks for your comments, I appreciate them!

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  2. Don't worry, you are not alone. This product acted like a chemical peel on my face, and I do NOT have sensitive skin. Have never had this reaction before with ANY facial cleanser. There should be a big warning on the label.

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    1. Good to know it wasn't just me! What surprised me is that this is supposed to be gentle enough to be used as a daily cleanser, and no way could I use it more than a few times in a row.

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  3. Thank you so much! That did the trick, you saved me more endless hours of searching for a fix.



    Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

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  4. Yep I tried this the other day my skin is still burning especially around the eyes. It seems more like a chemical peel than a gentle cleanser. There should be a warning on this, my skin has never reacted before to a product.

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    1. I agree! I have a hard time seeing how this would work for daily use - maybe it should be marketed as a peel instead.

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  5. It is fabulous ! My daughter turned me on to it.She is a licensed cosmetologist and thought it would be good for my aging skin. I am 59.I notice a positive difference already !!
    Been using at night for 2-1/2 weeks.

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