An intro to cleansing sticks: What are they and what to try

Photo by Project Vanity

Since my company started up its own skincare brand, In Her Element, I have been hyper-aware of skincare trends and formulation–well, much more than usual! It’s amazing how much one learns when talking to cosmetic formulators and manufacturers. One also learns about ingredients, costing, and the headache that comes with pricing. It’s all very fascinating though. It’s especially rewarding whenever people say we’ve got it right!

Anyway, one of the things that’s been on my radar are cleansing sticks. I want to make one, but it’s proving to be challenging although the concept is simple. Basically, cleansing sticks are foaming facial washes that are in balm form, packaged in a twist-up stick. They look like soap but don’t be fooled–they are technically solidified cleansing oils with surfactants. They’re not cleansing balms at all, as these depend on oil and an emulsifier that allow them to be washed off. Cleansing sticks foam. Certainly the foam is not a necessary function but many feel that foaming washes clean better (not always true).

Cleansing sticks have been rocking the Asian beauty world for a couple of years now. They are usually low pH to keep the skin’s moisture barrier intact. Unlike other facial foams, the oil content, acids, and mild surfactants used in the formulation of cleansing sticks are kinder to skin as they make for low pH while foaming nicely while cleansing skin thoroughly. Oh, and you gotta love how travel-friendly it is! You can also just chuck it in your gym bag so you can remove makeup, plus wash your face with just one product.

Yes, these cleansing sticks remove light makeup, even water-resistant types. They stop at waterproof eyeliner, lipstick, and mascara though. Still for a quick cleanse every day, these sticks are pretty effective.

Continue reading at Project Vanity.