When I was younger (about 5 years ago), I used Avene almost every day. In retrospect, this definitely helped keep acne at bay (which overwhelms my face when I am stressed and overweight).
I will be honest with you at that time, I did not even bother to look at the ingredient label. I was just happy to use a facewash that helped my skin.
***
In deciding whether or not to use a facewash, I apply this quite rudimentary and basic test of my own design:
1) What are the cleansing agents (surfactants) present?
These are: Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (2nd), Zinc Coceth Sulfate (3rd), Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (5th) and Sodium Methyl Isethionate (3rd from the bottom).
Isethionates and Cocoamphoacetates are by their nature much milder surfactants than Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) or even Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (that we see a lot of in Indian facewashes).
In fact, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate is commonly used in baby products.
There are a lot of surfactants – this is common with non-Indian brands. This does not make the facewash more harsh or cause my skin to become drier.
2) Does the product have a good preservative system?
This product does not rely on these dreaded preservatives and therefore has a decent preservative system. The dreaded preservatives I am referring to are:
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone (see Should you avoid products with Methylisothiazolinone?)
- Parabens
- DMDM Hydantoin
- BHT
3) Does the product have glycerin?
No and that’s fine, because this is a face-wash for acne prone skin.
4) Does the product irritate or dry the skin?
No, but it is too drying for me.
What is my view?
I am older now and my skin produces less sebum. This product is for oily and blemish prone skin and it is unthinkable that I would use this everyday. It is simply too drying.
BUT if you have oily skin or mild acne this is a great face wash.
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