I have used a lot of Simple products in my lifetime, so I feel like I’m in a good place to do a Simple face wash review for both the Simple refreshing facial wash gel and the Simple moisturizing facial wash, too!
I’m 28 now, but when I was around 16-21 I used Simple products all the time, and I don’t feel they’ve changed all that much. So in this post I’ll review the Simple brand cleansers, but also share my favourite and least favourite Simple products.
Long story short, I like both cleansers and find they work well for me. Neither of them do anything particularly special, but for a cleanser that’s pretty much exactly what you want! Something that cleans without stripping is perfect.
Disclaimer: some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission if you purchase something via the link, but it doesn’t impact you.
Simple face wash review: Refreshing facial wash gel
Starting with the Simple refreshing facial wash gel, this is a very simple (ignore the pun) foaming cleanser formula that comes out as a gel, then turns into a light foam. It’s clear and doesn’t contain any natural or artificial perfume.
I feel strongly that we should all avoid fragrance, no matter how sensitive our skin, so this is a positive to me. I don’t feel this would aggravate acne prone skin, although of us course we’re all difference.
The Kind to Skin refreshing facial wash gel has only 16 ingredients, so there’s a good chance even the most sensitive skin will benefit from it. However, it does contain phenoxyethanol, which some users might prefer to avoid – although personally I’ve no problem with it.
Personally I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with phenoxyethanol, and preservatives are pretty crucial for product safety.
Positive ingredients
Although it has only 16 ingredients (which is a good thing), it does pack a few skin loving ingredients into a small, simple formula. For me, these are the best types of formulas.
It contains pro-vitamin B 5 which is otherwise known as panthenol, and is a very soothing ingredient. My other favourites in this formula are glycerin and pantolactone, which are both humectants. They work to help your skin remain moisturised by drawing in hydration.
How does the skin feel?
When I use this cleanser my face feels happy 90% of the time. I think it’s an ideal choice if you’re on a budget and looking for a cleanser in a dry skin routine.
The other 10% of the time, if my skin is already feeling a bit dry, I might opt for a cleanser that actually leaves my skin feeling more hydrated than before.
![[Coat]s cleanser](https://i0.wp.com/natalieoneilll.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-07-at-14.55.17.png?resize=838%2C973&ssl=1)
A good example would be the Coats cleanser – this cleanser genuinely feels like it conditions your skin without leaving a film. I’ve never tried anything else like it!
I think this is an ideal cleanser to include in a gym skincare routine, or to use after exercise. In the summer when I play tennis, for example, I’ll do my regular morning skincare and then play tennis at lunch. After lunch I won’t want to do my full night time routine, so I’ll use a basic cleanser to rinse sweat off, then reapply SPF.
I’ve not had a problem with acne breakouts by doing this, but everyone is different.
How to use the Simple refreshing facial wash gel
It’s pretty easy to use, but just in case, here are my simple tips for using this Simple cleanser:
- Use warm water to wet your skin slightly. Make sure not to use hot water or this can dry your skin out.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of gel cleanser to your wet palm, and rub between your hands to create a lather.
- Then apply the cleanser to your wet skin.
- Rub in a circular motion for 45 seconds to 1 minute.
If you prefer, you can apply the face cleanser into your hands and then lather on your face. The point is, you need to use water to create a lather, and don’t apply to dry skin.
Also don’t use too much product, as this can be overly drying.
Simple moisturizing facial wash review
In this Simple face wash review I’ll also review the moisturizing version of the face wash. I have to be honest, I don’t find these to be *too* different in terms of the experience or end result.
Whilst this one may be more suited the dry skin, I still believe they both are compatible with dry skin.The Simple moisturizing facial wash does leave the skin feeling slightly more conditioned, but only slightly (in my experience).
Both are excellent choices for morning cleansers or to go in a summer skincare routine.
Positive ingredients
Overall, this is a nice cleanser with similar ingredients to the refreshing gel facial wash, though there are some differences:
- Both contain panthenol (or pro-vitamin B5)
- The Simple moisturizing facial wash contains bisabolol, whereas the refreshing cleanser does not. Bisabolol is anti inflammatory and soothing.
- There is a higher amount of glycerin in the Simple moisturizing facial wash, which may contribute to it feeling more moisturising.
- They both contain vitamin E (tocopherol acetate), however studies have shown questionable results for whether this variant of vitamin E can actually provide meaningful results. I’d argue that especially in a wash-off product, it might be hard to prove the benefits (in humans, when the study was done on rats).
Considering the point of the product, I think these are both good options for an affordable face wash. I would recommend using the same cleansing method for both face washes.
Simple face wash review: which skin type do the suit?
Personally I think both Simple facial cleanser, moisturising and refreshing, are suitable for all skin types.
Is Simple good for oily skin?
If you have very oily skin it doesn’t immediately mean that you should be using a cleanser with actives like salicylic acid, which I feel is one of the most common myths going around on social.
This is how people end up with damaged skin barrier, because they buy the SA serum, cleanser and moisturiser.
In reality, it’s all about striking the right balance. Personally I feel that the best way to control acne prone or oily skin is to use a gentle cleanser and then use the right actives in a leave-on format.
Is Simple good for dry skin?
If you have dry skin, depending on just how dry it is, it’s possible these simple cleansers might not deliver the feeling you’re looking for.
For example it may not dry out your skin, but it probably won’t leave it feeling more moisturised, which might be what you want.
Simple face wash review: how well do they cleanse?
It’s a fair question to ask how effectively both face washes actually cleanse – we’ve all been scarred before by gentle products that… literally don’t do their job. Hello Cerave hydrating cleanser!
These definitely won’t provide the deep cleansing action of an oil cleanser, but I don’t believe that makes them bad. In fact, I don’t think they’re even comparable, to be honest. Both of these simple kind-to-skin cleansers are great morning cleansing or second cleansers during double cleansing.
I feel that, when used after an a mild cleansing oil, they do a great job of removing the residue of makeup and oil left behind.
Make-up remover tips for cleansing effectively
I would not rely on either of these alone to remove heavy makeup or sunscreen without a first cleanser. Here are some of my best make-up remover tips:
- Use an oil or balm cleanser to double cleanse at night before using this water based cleanser – check out my double cleansing guide for a tutorial.
- Use a separate eye makeup remover if you have sensitive eyes, which I do.
- Consider getting the bulk of your makeup off, first thing, before starting the cleansing process.
Best and worst Simple products for clog prone skin
Finally, I’ll list out my favourite and least favourite products by Simple, not including the cleansers:
Simple Repairing Rich Cream Face Moisturiser with 22% Ceramide Boosters and Pro-Vitamin B5
Such a long, long product name (ha). This is a great new launch by Simple. Since I started on social media my audience have asked me for a rich moisturiser that is unlikely to cause issues, but ALSO doesn’t cost a lot – and this is exactly that.
With ceramides, cica, B5 and a simple formula that’s genuinely rich, it does an excellent job.
Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil
I’m so sorry, Simple, but I didn’t like this at all. Felt like it wasn’t ever full washed off, even with my water based cleanser, and it broke me out within 24 hours – nope!
Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser
This was my go-to moisturiser when I was younger and it caused me no issues. I remember buying it every time I visited the airport, since Boots always have the mini version.
Simple Booster Serum 10% Niacinamide
Can’t go wrong with niacinamide if your skin love it, and it has so many benefits. The only downside is that I found the dropper to stop working well over time, but other than that it’s a decent formula.
