Skincare,  Skincare Ingredient Analysis,  Skincare Reviews

Innovative or overpriced? Review: Lisa Eldridge’s Skin Enhancing Treatment Cleanser

So many beauty products on the market nowadays promise the moon and the stars, but when I dive into the full list of ingredients, I discover ingredients that have contradictory properties compared to the amazingly romantic and optimistic copywriting of the product. Very often, magical sounding claims like ‘regenerates’, ‘soothes’, ‘strengthens skin barrier’ or even ‘suitable for all skin types’ go in opposite directions with perfumes, allergens and harsh surfactants. 

Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge has recently launched a skincare line called Seamless Skincare, part of her brand with the same name. The Skin Enhancing Treatment Cleanser comes in 100 ml and is being sold for £43, attached with some ambitious claims such as thoroughly removing even waterproof makeup, while being gentle, soothing, hydrating, nourishing and strengthening the skin barrier. Moreover, it claims to be suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. 

It is hard to believe that one product can do all these things. How is this even possible? As usual, I analysed each ingredient and did thorough research into checking this product’s claim versus the reality. 



Ingredient Analysis

 

CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE 

Helps avoid moisture loss, moisturises and replenishes skin. It also promotes penetration and does not leave visible traces of oiliness on the skin.

GLYCERIN 

Naturally found in the skin, it is skin-replenishing and skin-restoring, helping to maintain moisture levels. It can also improve the spreading qualities of creams.

It can be comedogenic and irritating to some individuals if used in concentrated solutions.

SQUALANE 

Highly effective emollient and natural antioxidant. It gained popularity recently, as many believe in its hydrating properties. Squalane is a derivative of squalene, which is naturally produced by the body and of which production reduces in time with ageing.


The Squalane in Lisa Eldridge’s Cleanser is sourced from olives (Spain).

AVENA SATIVA KERNEL OIL (OAT KERNEL OIL)

It is an emollient and an antioxidant. 

LIMNANTHES ALBA SEED OIL (MEADOWFOAM SEED OIL)

An emollient non-fragrant plant oil which is derived from a flowering plant called meadowfoam. The oil also contains antioxidant components such as Vitamin E as well as phytosterols. 


The oil is described as being non-greasy and rapidly absorbed. It is believed to be ideal for products where a smooth, soft and silky feel is required. 

AQUA

Water

POLYGLYCERYL-10 MYRISTATE 

Skin conditioning and possibly an emulsifier. Not much information was found about this ingredient. 

OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA SEED OIL (PRICKLY PEAR OIL)

An emollient plant oil coming from the seeds of the cactus commonly called Prickly Pear. The oil is rare and expensive as its sourcing requires a very large quantity of the cacti’s fruit. 


In its composition, there are three main fatty acids which are skin barrier repairing. These are linoleic, oleic and palmitic acid. 


It also contains Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant and it also contains anti-inflammatory sterols. 


It is supposed to have a light, velvety feel, that also absorbs easily into the skin. 

PASSIFLORA EDULIS SEED OIL (PASSION FRUIT SEED OIL)

Another emollient plant oil. This one comes from the passion fruit. It contains linoleic acid oil which should make the skin feel nice and smooth, supporting a healthy skin barrier. 

QUILLAJA SAPONARIA WOOD EXTRACT (SAPONINS)

A plant extract from the Quillaja Tree. It contains saponins, which have cleansing and water-binding properties for skin. 

SAPONARIA OFFICINALIS LEAF/ROOT EXTRACT (SAPONINS)

A plant extract from Soapwart which is credited with cleansing properties given its saponin content. It is also said to be soothing to the skin and to relieve itching. 


In traditional medicine, it was used for acne, psoriasis and eczema. 



How are the product claims proven through its ingredients?

 

Once reading the analysis of each ingredient it is quite easy to realise that each claim of the Treatment Cleanser is achieved. First of all, it contains a multitude of oils which will remove makeup and sunscreen. These oils are also hydrating, skin soothing and have proven claims of repairing the skin barrier and hydrating the skin. 

The list of ingredients is compact, short and each ingredient has its clear role and function within the overall formula of the product. 



How is it suitable for sensitive skin?

 

I am delighted to say that Lisa Eldridge’s Skin Enhancing Treatment Cleanser does not contain fragrance or potential fragrance allergens. Furthermore, it also contains a gentle cleansing agent and hydrating ingredients which will protect the skin during the cleansing process instead of leaving it dry and irritated. 



Is this product vegan and cruelty free?

 

Yes, according to the official website of Lisa Eldridge’s brand, the Skin Enhancing Treatment Cleanser is vegan and cruelty free.



How is Lisa Eldridge’s new Skin Enhancing Treatment Cleanser different from what is already on the market?

 

Eldridge’s Treatment Cleanser is a hybrid skincare product – placing it on the brink of innovation and in the new generation of beauty products. 

First of all, Lisa Eldridge’s new Skin Enhancing Treatment Cleanser is a hybrid skincare product that serves multiple functions. Not only can it be used as a makeup remover and cleanser, but it also serves the function of a hydrating face mask or as a massaging oil. Forget about having three separate items – in my opinion, this is the beginning of the new generation of beauty products. Customers are getting more keen on the ‘less is more’ and endless beauty steps are becoming harder to follow as people’s return to pre-pandemic life – a life with commuting, office jobs and a busy social life. 

One of the best features of this product in my opinion is the multifunctionality of it. Leave the Skin Enhancing Treatment Cleanser on your sink and use one product at the end of the day to remove sunscreen and makeup or simply remove pollutants and dirt off your face. In need of a quick pick me up? Hydrate and soothe your skin with the same item if used as a mask. Keen on a facial massage after a long day? Use the same product. This innovation is fantastic and should serve as an example for many other brands. 

As if the multi-purpose of this product was not enough, forget about a simple cleanser that removes makeup after which you need to quickly apply hydrating serums and creams to ensure you did not harm the skin barrier. Lisa Eldridge’s Skin Enhancing Treatment Cleanser not only removes sunscreen and makeup but also hydrates at the same time and protects the skin barrier. 

Another innovative approach is the usage of a natural cleansing agent – saponins. Lisa Eldridge chose to use a different cleansing agent than the commonly found ones in cleansers. More often than not it is harsh cleansing agents that dry the skin too much so the alternative ones in this product are a welcomed change.

I also noticed the absence of preservatives. Lisa Eldridge’s team replied to my question about this by saying the formula is self preserving, not needing any synthetic preservatives to keep it fresh. 

As if this list of innovations was not long enough, there is one more – according to independent clinical studies this cleanser removes 100% of the makeup and sunscreen on the face after only one cleanse, including waterproof products. This is the beginning of the end of the double cleanse. This results in less product being used and less aggression and rubbing on the skin. 



Is it overpriced?

 

Lisa Eldridge’s new Skin Enhancing Treatment Cleanser costs 43 GBP for 100 ml. While this price for a cleansing product could easily be considered a steep price, I cannot ignore the fact that this product serves multiple purposes. You could easily skip on purchasing a hydrating, skin barrier repairing mask and just use this instead. 

Furthermore, as previously stated, only one application is enough to remove even waterproof and long wearing makeup and sunscreen. This results in less product being used. Lisa Eldridge recommends the use of a blueberry sized blob of product in order to completely remove all makeup and sunscreen off the face. According to the brand, 100 ml would result in about 200 blueberry sized blobs of product. This could mean 200 times of removing your makeup and sunscreen, or perhaps 100 times if used as a hydrating mask and gentle cleanse in the morning as well. It is also worth mentioning that it is safe to be used on the eyes and lips, so you would not need an extra product for that such as micellar water or cotton pads. The validity of the product after opening is twelve months, which is more than enough to get through the product. 

Following the independent clinical study, it was found that most people considered they needed less serum and moisturiser after using this Skin Enhancing Treatment Cleanser. This could also mean you need to purchase your hydrating products less often after using this cleanser. 

The brand is also playing a role in the price. The brand is founded, funded and owned by Lisa Eldridge, and a smaller, start-up brand will always cost more to run than an already giant-brand on the market. An independent clinical study was also done even for the cleanser, resulting in extra costs. You would be surprised how many products on the market are not necessarily put under independent clinical studies. This will increase the price of the product but will also assure you of its quality, efficacy and safety. 

For the quality of the ingredients, the quantity, the multi-purpose and gentle qualities of this product it is my opinion that £43, while expensive, is a well placed price on the market considering Lisa Eldridge is a high-end, leaning towards luxury brand. 

Whether you decide if you are willing to spend £43 on a hybrid cleanser and hydrating mask or not, you can rest assured that the quality of the product is fantastic and that it is innovative and different from other products on the market. 



Is it worth it?

 

After looking at the ingredients, the proven claims and the properties of the product, it is easy to say that Lisa Eldridge’s Skin Enhancing Treatment Cleanser is like no other on the market. First of all, there is no doubt that this is a new generation of innovative and hybrid skincare products. It is a multi-purpose product that protects and hydrates the skin while also being able to remove long wearing and waterproof makeup and sunscreen from only one cleanse.

It can also be used on the eyes and lips, removing even more extra steps from your routine. 

The celebrity makeup artist’s new skincare launch has truly impressed me and proved that hard to believe claims can actually be achieved. This should serve as an excellent example for other brands. 

However, despite the excellency of the concept, the multi-purpose of the product, the quality of the ingredients and the suitability for sensitive skin, I cannot ignore the fact that it is an expensive product, but if you have the budget for it I do think this product is fully worth it. You would be surprised to find out that a high price is not always a testament for quality and that I would not have the same opinion of other expensive skincare items on the market. 

If purchasing it is a financial sacrifice for you, I think it depends on your skin type and needs. If you have a sensitive and reactive skin that reddens easily, that is always too dry and tight after cleansing, and you generally have a tough skin to please, I do think this product is worth it. You might want to give up on more expensive makeup items or other beauty products and choose Eldridge’s cleanser instead for a calmer, happier skin. 

At the end of the day, this is an innovative product and I think the price is justified, but do not forget that there are other gentle cleansers out there and you can always find an affordable hydrating mask to use afterwards. But if you want to give this one a try, then yes, it is absolutely worth it! 



Disclaimer

 

This review was not sponsored by the brand or any other parties and no PR was received. 

The author of this article is not a chemist. This article is for informational purposes only. The description and analysis of ingredients is by no means exhaustive, and it serves more of a basic outline. Always do your own research regarding ingredients in skincare and patch test the product before using. To read full Disclaimers click here.

This article was last edited on 28 April 2023.

 

Sources consulted

 

Antczak, S. and Antczak, G., 2001. Cosmetics Unmasked. London: Thorsons.

Burke, I., 2016. The Nature Of Beauty. London: Ebury Press.

Cosmetics Info, Various Pages, Available here. [Accessed 27 April 2023] 

INCI Decoder, Decode Ingredients – Various Pages, Available here. [Accessed 27 April 2023]

Lisa Eldridge Official Customer Care Team, correspondence from 27 April 2023.

Lisa Eldridge Official Website, Skin Enhancing Treatment Cleanser, Available here. [Accessed 27 April 2023] 

Lisa Eldridge Official YouTube page, Seamless Skincare is Here! Why and How I Created My First Skincare Formulas, 2023, Available here. [Accessed 27 April 2023]

Lisa Eldridge Official YouTube page, How I Use My New Skincare Products, 2023, Available here. [Accessed 27 April 2023]

Michalun, M. and Dinardo, J., 2020, Milady Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary, Fourth Edition. Mexico: Cengage Learning.

Paula’s Choice, Ingredient Dictionary, Available here. [Accessed 27 April 2023]

The European Parliament and the Council of European Union, 2009. REGULATION (EC) No 1223/2009 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products. Official Journal of the European Union, L 342/59. Available here [Accessed 27 April 2023].

US Food and Drug Administration, Allergens in Cosmetics, 2022. Available here. [Accessed 27 April 2023]

 

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