Price: 16 ounce – US$32.00
Rating: 
Website: http://www.philosophy.com
Philosophy Purity Made Simple, why didn’t I discover you earlier?? I’ve been using this facial cleanser for a few weeks now and it is without a doubt THE best cleanser I’ve ever used. In fact, I love it so much that I’m really excited that I can finally tell you about it, and sadly it’s going to sound like I work for the company even though I don’t 
Honestly though, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to use anything else ever again. Hmm, maybe I should get a job with Philosophy.
I have dry skin so I’ve always had trouble with cleansers drying my skin out, or making my skin feel tight. This cleanser not only makes my skin feel cleansed, but it also hydrates my skin at the same time. Even better, it removes my makeup, including my waterproof mascara without me having to scrub at it.
Oh, and THE best best – it hasn’t made my skin break out, in fact …my skin has only been improving while I’ve been using it.
Here is a short video I recorded about this product:
Remember to always check a product out on makeupalley.com before you buy it (even if you’re a boy). That’s what I did, I find a great review of this product, so I checked it up on www.makeupalley.com and the awesome reviews from a ton of others that have tried the product was enough to convince me to try it myself.
Thanks for reading my blog 
Fran
44 responses ↓
Good to see you found a cleanser to deal with that fickle face of yours. So have you tried any more of their products?
And you forget to say it wasn’t natural, course there are lots of natural ingredients in it.
Yeah I realized that, it’s not a natural product! They’ve picked that up in YouTube
That’s the one thing that I don’t like about this product, that’s it’s not natural and it contains parabens. So even though I’d love to use it forever, I probably won’t just because of that reason. However, it will be using it until my skin sorts itself out and stops being termperamental.
Course I knew you knew, just you forget to mention it as anytime you recommend a product that is not natural you say so before hand so I figured I say something.
So what made you stop using your other cleanser(s) for this one? I ask because before you were using a Miessence one, and I am thinking about trying out their product line as you have recommended some of their products and I like to go the natural route as well.
Yeah, I’ve got to stop doing videos when I’m tired
Well I damanged my skin really badly from experimenting too much with it. I tried EVERYTHING to try and get rid of my acne, including a ton of different natural products and home remedies. The result was less inflammations, but a face full of clogged pores and a lot of comedonal acne.
So for the next few months I toned down the amount of products I used, and really simplified my routine. My comedonal acne recuded, but it was still there and my pores were SO clogged. This was giving me consistant mild acne. So it was the last 5% of my acne that was definitely the most difficult to clear up.
In the end I decided I needed to go into damage control, and just use products for a while that WILL NOT clog pores or irritate the skin. So I checked the comedogenic rating for the main ingredients before I used the products. I’ve also been using a BHA for the first time in my life, and the combination of products has made significant improvements in my skin. I still am getting little breakouts as the clogged pores purge, but they are small, go away quickly and leave my skin feeling smooth
I am looking foward to getting back to natural products once the condition of my skin is how it was before all of this started! This is why the number one lesson I can give anybody is to not put too much stuff onto their skin. I did and it’s taken me months to fix it.
Are the Miessence products comedogenic then?
That’s actually a complicated question! The ingredients in the cleanser I was using (Purifying cleanser) are hard to look up becuase they’re so natural. The reason why I wanted a break from it was because the main reason I clogged my skin was from the OCM, so I intuitively didn’t want any heavy oils on my skin for a while. The moisturizer for problem skin was also too weak for my dry skin type.
I did love how gentle the cleanser was. It wasn’t good enough to give me a deep clean or get my makeup fully off ..but it’s perfect for those who only want a light cleanse. Once my skin has recovered I’ll be happy to just wash my face with water only. Let my skin do its job on its own. The miessence cleanser is one step up from that becuase it is so beautifully gentle.
Having said that, I still use the purifying blemish gel from miessence every night, and I love it! …I also use their toothpaste.
So basically due to the damage done by experimentation, you in turn had to turn to the much stronger unnatural stuff for the time being as the natural stuff is too gentle for your current needs.
And I will say that moisturizer probably didn’t work as well as you would of liked as it was geared to oily skin, not dry skin. I am sure if you took the one for dry skin, you would of been satisfied.
But either way, I asked as I was gonna go with there product line for when I get everything worked out with the detox and some other things as I wanted to start right from the start really with natural stuff which is also why I am also going organic too. Because after all, what is the use in fixing things up if you let it go back to hell with the same old habits.
Think that is a good idea?
Wow Fran, that’s great! I’m going to purchase a bottle online right now & test it out for myself.
If you like this cleanser, you will love Trilogy’s cleansers and products. You can even check it out on that makeup alley that you suggest. I dont care for Purity or any of their products to be honest. They have changed the ingredients and my skin feels tight and dry after its use. Maybe if you have oil skin it may work…however, I wouldnt use it again. If you look on makeup alley you will see not one negative response about Trilogy’s products. Its wonderful for all skin and made a difference in mine within one week. I enjoy the cream cleanser and the Vital moisturizer. Both products light, heals any skin problem quickly, does not cause any breakouts EVER…I cant say enough about this product. I have tried everything….I have the most conjested, cystic, confused skin you will ever see. This product has literally helped my skin become dewy, soft, WAY less irritated, and clear for the first time in my life. I also do aspirin, stevia consentrate, honey, teatree masks twice a week and found a potassium supplement given by my derm that has really helped with my cystic acne…Spirenilactone. This is what works for me…hope it helps…
Hi J, that sounds great ..I’m going to look into it. And you’re right – awesome reviews in makeupalley.com
Is that the natural brand from New Zealand? I used a shampoo from Trilogy once, it was 100% natural …it was super expensive but just made my hair limp. I’m thinking this is a different brand.
Hi Fran,
What BHA are you using currently? Do you know if BHA also helps with acne scars?
Hi, just found your blog
Trilogy is from New Zealand and i use some of their stuff but i don’t like their hair care, so maybe it was the shampoo you used. Trilogy skincare is great though.
Would you reccomend the Philosophy cleanser for combination acne prone skin?
Is it drying? Oh and where can you buy it online ( I live in NZ)
Thanks
Miss Jen- I’m using Paula’s Choice BHA. Yes, it does help a little with the acne scars that are just reddish or brownish marks …but it doesn’t work miracles on them. For pigmentation scars you’re better off with regular exfoliation (such as using baking-soda in your cleanser) or perhaps using an AHA.
Take a look at this artcile:
http://www.cosmeticscop.com/learn/art.asp?ID=159
Hi Rachael, yeah it was the shampoo and conditioner, I had high hopes for it
I might try the Trilogoy skin care range sometime. It appears that it doens’t break people out.
I have very dry skin and the Philosophy cleanser does not leave my skin dry after I cleanse, and it takes my makeup off REALLY well. I’ve also noticed an improvement in my skin since I’ve been using it, and I have VERY acne prone skin so I know that it doesn’t break me out.
They don’t sell it in Australia either so I had to buy it online. I bought it from an Australian online store: http://www.meccacosmetica.com.au
I have been using this brand for a long time now and it is also GREAT for acne prone and oily skin. I use it to get rid of my make -up then I use the stronger stuff to fight the CRAZY breakouts that I have. My husband who has normal skin, also loves it!
I’ve heard lots of mixed reviews on this product and am wary of it because it’s not natural, but I might try it soon if my current routine doesn’t work out since you’ve praised it so highly!
Also I have to say that like you, yoga has really helped my acne! I’m taking a yoga class this semester and my skin is much better when I do yoga more often. Although before I never really worked out so maybe it is just working out period
I’ve been using this product since you recomended this, and I love it. It’s been working awsome on my face, I’m so glad you tried this and recomended this, or else I would have never even tried it.
I bought the 8oz size for $20 a few days ago. Not much more expensive than the other cleansers sold at Sephora – even cheaper than most.
Anyway, I like it so far. It makes my skin feel truly NORMAL after cleansing, which is ideal. Strangely my skin looks a bit flakey though, even though it feels normal. Almost like this has an AHA sort of effect on my skin. Perhaps it’s the coconut alcohol in it. Hopefully it’s not drying out my skin. Your review inspired me to try it
FRAN! HELP, PLEASE, NOW! I used this product once, (today) and my face is so itchy, but I don’t want to get rid of something I spent 20 bucks on!
Hi Ashlyn, itchy as in rash itchy or just a little itchy? If you’ve got an allergy to an ingredient you’ll need to stop using it. Unfortunately these things just happen. What you could try to do it taking it back to the store you bought it from and explaining what happened (maybe you’ll get your money back), or contacting Philosophy.
Just itchy on my chin, my mom says I’m not allergic to anything, I’ve got my blood sample taken 3 days ago.
HI~!
to Fran: i’ve subscribed to ur acne clearing mails. aht they are great! so something i really like to share with u and others reading about AHA/BHA and related products. ITs VERY important please read if u dont know about this
there are very famous clinics in the country i live in. (i’m from singapore , southeast asia) AHA/BHA differins give fantastic results and can clear up the toughest acne that refuse to go.
HOWever, u really need to know what these are doing to ur skin.
these clear really well. BUT what they do is they destroy/force ur skin cells to regenerate. they really destroy the surface layer of ur skin~ .
Many people who use AHA/BHA or the equivilant long term have commented on burning sensation, skin beign more sensitive, itching (itchig is probably the first signs u get).. many also find that the veins on their facial skin is more obvious!
this is because AHA/bha products slowly strips the surface layer of ur skin! This means ur skin get thinner and thinner with prolonged use. If u use AHA more than 1 year( 2-3years) these sumptoms will be obvious.
Another Note is i noticed most of those i know who goes to the clinics and gets prescribed AHA/BHA always haf to go back. Its like even after their acne cleared, it comes back a while after they stop usage. It’s fine short term but personally i feel its not for prolonged use. Really harms the natural structure of ur skin..
the above info are what i learnt from friends, friend of friends and http://www.flowerpod.com.sg/forums. since AHA/BHA is relaly ocmmonly found in acne treatment products. Please find out more abotu its LONG term side effects and how you want to use them :S
*off topic* Fran would u mind comment more about the banalasta day cream? (etc hwo ir fair durign cold/warm weather) i’m thinking of ordering it online, because i’ve read about the goodness of jojoba oil and that that product really haf some of the best natural ingredients thats good for skin.
HI Vicole,
I agree, using a lot of salicylic acid is really bad for your skin. Your skin will become to rely on it and you will need to use salicylic acid products for the rest of your life!
I am using a salicylic acid product now, but only every now and again when my skin gets a little breakout. When my skin is good, I don’t need to use it. It seems to be okay this way
Hi Fran,
Can you recommend a natural cleansing product? I’d like to use one with baking soda.
Thanks in advance
Just use the cleanser you’re currently using, or read the key articles on the top of the home page about how to source your own ‘acne safe’ products.
You said youve damaged your face from experimenting too much right? And you are still trying outher things
Do you by any chance have an outline of products that are natural and wont mess up your skin and work of course. Because Ive had acne so long and it just kills me. Kills me as in my spirit, cause i am way too embaresed to go out sometimes. And this may sound selfish, but i cancelled a date to the prom because my acne worsened .
So please, help me out with this.
Ineed to find a solution for my acne. With products and routines. Id really appreciate it
Hi David, you’ll find all of that information in my free mini-course (link on the right hand side of the screen). You can also sign up to my acne cure coaching program if you want me to help you work out an acne treatment plan:
http://www.highonhealth.org/coaching/
Hey Fran,
I just ordered this product and am soo excited about it. I just wanted to ask you about parabens though since you said that this cleanser has them. I was just wondering what exactly that means by using this cleanser. Is it really that harmful even though we are using it on our skin? I read that they are known to cause breast cancer. I was just a little confused about it, so I figured I’d ask you what you thought since you are using it. Thanks!!
Samantha- Using skin care that’s not natural is not a good thing to do long term. Our skin is a huge, porous organ that soaks in stuff that we put onto it. You can do an experiment with garlic. Rub it on the soles of your feet, and later you’ll be able to taste it in your mouth!
So of course it’s desirable to use natural everything. But in the meantime if your skin is healing and you can’t find a great one, something like this is really good
hey fran, lately iv been only washing my face with water, but i just ordered some BEEEEEE yummmmy. what do you think about just water then bee yummy to moisturize???
hi Fran!!!
you are awesome.
i think i am going to order the philosophy/purity.
i’m just getting off pro actie and other expensive prescriptions from my dermatologist, that just traumatized my skin. My acne is now severe.
BE VERY CAREFUL WITH YOUR DERMATOLOGIST.
He (they) insisted and insisted that I continue using the different harsh products that they prescribed, even when i would explain to them my skin type and the bad results. and even made me break in parts of my face that i nneeevver experienced a breakout.
I wanted to suggest a good light cleanser to mix with baking soda or to use especially before going in the sun.
it is not natural and there are some ingredients that i don’t recognize but few ingredients in general.
The product is
Johnson and Johnson Gentle Cleansing Wash, Clinically Shown Gentle As Water. This cleanser is soap free hypoallergenic and won’t clog pores..
it is not fragrance free though the oil free hypoallergenic SPF15 Moisturizer is.
I’m 23 my skin type is pretty dry, definitely not oily and i have developed severe acne in the pat year
I want to go all natural with my skin care products but my skin is nowhere near a natural state right now and i’m torne between selecting the Purity or the Trilogy or just going all natural completely.
any suggestions from anyone??
I just ordered Bee Yummy but dont know if its better to buy this product also as cleanser or just water would do? Or is there a better cleanser you recommend?
Steve- This is an individual choice, some people love the water only method, but I personally didn’t feel that it was cleansing enough so love using purity made simple instead. You can have a go with water only and see how you like it
It’s definitely the cheapest way to go, and if you decide you can buy a cleanser later.
Fran,
in the list of “ingredients to avoid”
that i found in one of your links.
Puriy has one ingredient from that list
so does the gentle cleanser i am currently using and so does my scrub and my mask…
Each of them all only having just one ingredient and a different one in all…ironically.
How serious do you take that list and what else have you heard on the accuracies of this list?
Please.
Thank you.
It’s very difficult to find products that contain no ingredients on that list. So the rule is, as long as there are no comedogenic ingredients in the first 8 ingredients listed, then it’s okay to use. The ingredients are listed in order of quantity, so keep that in mind.
[...] My current favorite cleanser is Philosophies Purity Made Simple. [...]
Fran,
I just purchased this cleanser, I thought I would try it, I am currently using cetaphil, I tried your suggestion with the baking soda (added it to my cetaphil) and I like how lightly it exfoliates, very gentle, can you add baking soda to the purity made simple cleanser or do you suggest something different?
Yep, you can add the baking-soda to any cleanser, I’ve tried it with Philosophy and it works well.
Fran,
I’ve been trying to find this cleanser and quess what? its discontinued! and I’m living in Hong Kong. I quess Ill need to find some other alternatives for this cleanser, how unfortunate!
Diana, it’s pretty strange that it’s discontinued being that it’s available online.You could order it online from philosophy’s site.
I don’t know if this has been covered or not – but how does this product work well on all skin types? Or just people with dry skin?
Hi Nicole, it definitely works better for normal-dry skin. I’ll be adding a natural cleanser to my shopping cart this weekend that is very popular for oily skin types, especially asian skin.
Hi Fran,
Have you tried out the enkido line yet (http://www.enkido.com.au/)? Their products are Australian-made natural ingredient mineral make-up, face, body, and baby care. I, too, have sensitive, dry, acne-prone skin, so I’ll let you know how the Cleansing Milk 2 IN 1 works out (2 IN 1 referring to face cleanser and make-up remover). I’m hoping we’ll finally have found our natural skin cleanser with enkido
Cheers!
Anyone tried Suki’s organic exfoliate foaming cleanser. It’s supposed to be great for acne prone skin????
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