I am a huge advocate of double cleansing because it can gently remove makeup, sunscreen, and most especially, dirt that your skin absorbed the whole day. If you double cleanse, it will lessen your need to exfoliate. My favorite is a cleansing oil for every day, and cleansing balm when I travel because it's the solid form of the cleansing oil and so it doesn't leak. But recently, brands are now introducing a serum form. But is there a difference? Read my Biore Cleansing Serum review below to know more.
WHAT IS IT?
Biore Cleansing Serum is a lightweight makeup remover with a serum-like texture. It has a purifying yet nourishing formula that spreads easily onto the skin to effectively remove even waterproof pigments and makeup residue. It also comforts skin to leave it feeling clean and fresh that won't leave a sticky after-feel. Lastly, it has a light aqua floral fragrance.
INGREDIENTS
Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Propylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, PEG-12 Laurate, Alcohol, Tromethamine, Octyldodecanol, Decyl Glucoside, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Myristic Acid, Sodium Lareth-4 Carboxylate, Palmitic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Lauric Acid, Stearic Acid, Fragrance, Isistearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
PERFORMANCE
APPLICATION: As the first step of double-cleansing, apply an appropriate amount of Cleansing Serum onto palm. Massage gently over face to remove all makeup. Rinse thoroughly with water.
SCENT: The scent of this Cleansing Serum is a little perfumy. Reminds me of some mild Jo Malone floral scent, but I can't remember which one.
PACKAGING: Not sure if it is just wrapped in plastic or have cardboard attached to it like its sunscreens UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence and the UV Perfect Face Milk. Because I received this as a PR Gift (pictured above) so it comes in a box with something I call a "skincare headband".
FORMULA & TEXTURE: The formula of this Biore Cleansing Serum is really like a serum but no color, almost like a water, just a little thicker. It reminds of the Kiehl's Dark Spot Solution serum I used before which is light and really thin but quite tacky.
MY THOUGHTS
Its tacky texture actually helps with cleansing, and it doesn't irritate my breakout-prone skin. I also find the aqua floral scent quite soothing while you massage the cleansing serum on your skin trying to remove the makeup.
However, the Biore Cleansing Serum doesn't wash off easily even with lukewarm water. Another thing I wasn't a fan of, it can't wash off thick and waterproof makeup on its own. With a waterproof eyeliner, you will need a cotton pad and swipe it several times to remove it. But with thick makeup like foundations, it's totally hopeless. I suggest just use a cleansing oil or balm.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLEANSING SERUM & CLEANSING OIL
Cleansing oils' formula is thicker than cleansing serums. However, some cleansing oil formulas are not tacky, and some are easy to wash off. While all cleansing serums I tried are lightweight yet quite tacky and hard to wash off with just water.
But the most important question is, which cleanses better? I say its cleansing oils. They can really breakdown makeup even the thicker and waterproof ones. Cleansing serums can also cleanse decently but for lighter makeups only.
VERDICT
PROS: The formula is light and suits my breakout-prone skin. The aqua floral scent also feels soothing. It's a really mild cleanser for everyday use.
CONS: Hard to wash off with water. It can't also wash off thicker and waterproof makeup.
WHERE TO BUY?
You can purchase the Biore Cleansing Serum in and Watsons for Php490.