Clean Slate
Clean Slate
What it is
Clean Slate is a gentle, hydrating cream cleanser designed to remove makeup, sunscreen, dirt and daily impurities without stripping the skin. Unlike foaming or gel cleansers that can leave the skin feeling tight, a cream cleanser cleans while depositing softening oils and humectants, so skin feels comfortable and hydrated afterwards.
It is suited to normal, dry, mature and sensitive skin types, and is a good option for anyone whose skin feels tight or dry after washing. It can be used two ways: as a traditional wash, or as a rinse-free cleanser wiped off with a pad or damp cloth.
What it does
How to use
As a wash (everyday use)
As a rinse-free / dry cleanser
Use morning and/or evening. In the evening, a second cleanse is worth doing if you have worn makeup or SPF. Follow with your usual serum, moisturiser, and (in the morning) sunscreen.
What each ingredient does
Ingredients are listed on the pack in order of concentration (highest first), down to about 1%; below that they can appear in any order. The first several ingredients — water, fatty alcohols, glycerin and the plant oils/butters — make up the bulk of the formula and do most of the cleansing and conditioning. The botanical extracts, while highlighted on the front of the pack, sit lower on the list and are present in smaller amounts.
|
Ingredient |
Role |
What it does |
|
Aqua (Water) |
Base / solvent |
The main ingredient that dissolves everything else and gives the cleanser its creamy texture. |
|
Cetearyl Alcohol |
Emollient / thickener |
A fatty alcohol (not drying) that thickens the cream and softens the skin. Helps the cleanser feel rich. |
|
Glycerin |
Humectant |
Draws water into the skin. A well-proven hydrator that leaves skin feeling supple, not tight. |
|
C15-19 Alkane |
Emollient |
A lightweight plant-derived oil that spreads easily, lifts makeup and leaves a smooth finish. |
|
Jojoba Seed Oil (SimmondsiaChinensis) |
Emollient / barrier support |
A skin-friendly oil that closely mimics your own sebum. Conditions and helps balance the skin. |
|
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii) |
Occlusive / emollient |
Rich in fatty acids. Nourishes and helps prevent moisture loss, so skin doesn't feel stripped. |
|
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride |
Emollient |
A silky coconut-derived oil that dissolves makeup and sunscreen while conditioning the skin. |
|
Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
Mild surfactant (cleanser) |
A gentle cleansing agent that lifts away dirt and oil with minimal irritation. |
|
Lauryl Glucoside |
Mild surfactant |
A sugar-derived gentle cleanser, well tolerated by sensitive skin. |
|
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside |
Mild surfactant |
Another gentle sugar-based cleanser that helps the product rinse cleanly. |
|
Blackcurrant Fruit Extract (Ribes Nigrum) |
Antioxidant botanical |
Naturally rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins; provides antioxidant support. A key marketing 'hero' ingredient. |
|
Ceteth-10 Phosphate |
Emulsifier |
Keeps the oil and water phases blended so the cream stays smooth and stable. |
|
Dicetyl Phosphate |
Emulsion stabiliser |
Works with the emulsifier to keep the formula from separating. |
|
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate |
Emollient |
A light, dry-feel oil that improves slip and leaves a non-greasy finish. |
|
Panthenol (Provitamin B5) |
Soothing / hydrating |
Converts to vitamin B5 in the skin. Calms, hydrates and supports the skin barrier. Good evidence for soothing. |
|
Melon Fruit Extract (Cucumis Melo) |
Antioxidant botanical |
Adds antioxidant and hydrating botanical support; present at low levels. |
|
Xanthan Gum |
Thickener |
A natural gum that gives the cleanser its gel-cream body. |
|
Benzoic Acid |
Preservative |
Protects the product from bacteria and mould so it stays safe to use. |
|
Coconut Acid |
Cleansing / emulsifier |
A coconut-derived fatty acid that supports gentle cleansing. |
|
Pantolactone |
Skin conditioning |
A panthenol-related ingredient that supports conditioning. |
|
Sodium Gluconate |
Chelator |
Mops up trace metals that could otherwise spoil the formula, improving stability. |
|
Parfum (Fragrance) |
Fragrance |
Gives the product its scent. The most likely ingredient to cause irritation in very sensitive skin. |
|
Sodium Chloride |
Thickener / viscosity |
Table salt, used to adjust thickness. |
|
Dehydroacetic Acid |
Preservative |
Part of the preservative system that keeps the product fresh. |
|
Phenoxyethanol |
Preservative |
A widely used, well-tolerated preservative that protects against microbial growth. |
|
Potassium Sorbate |
Preservative |
A mild, food-grade preservative. |
|
Sodium Benzoate |
Preservative |
Another gentle, food-grade preservative. |
Good to know