TL;DR
Recommended
No. (Recommendation retracted)
Loved
- Not aggressive but cleans exceptionally well.
- Leaves skin soft and dewy.
- The experience of it turning milky.
- Smell not obtrusive. Evaporates quickly.
Fixes
- Don't go to ICI Paris XL stores if you're sensitive to light or smells.
- Don't use an oil based cleanser if oil causes The Ick.
Images
How to use
You need to rub the oil into your skin for a good 30 to 40 seconds before washing it all away. I don't particularly like rubbing oil on my face though. It's a peculiar experience.
There's an intense smell that evaporates quickly. I don't object to the smell itself; it's a pleasant smell, there's just a lot of it at first.
You may not like the experience of rubbing oil on your face. I don't know if there are samples that you can obtain easily, but that would be my recommendation. If you know someone who uses it, inquire if they'd let you sample it.
What I love
I love it when the oil turns into a milky substance when it comes into contact with water. My skin feels amazing when it's all said and done.
You don't need much of it. The product comes with a handy pump. I use two pumps per wash.
The oil doesn't just clean thoroughly, it leaves the skin dewy and soft. Oil always leaves residue, that's why you should use a water based cleanser after, and maybe some micellar water with a cotton to ensure nothing's left.
Recommended?
No. (Recommendation retracted)
I still believe this is an excellent product. It's just unnecessary. The double-cleanse method has not noticeably improved my skin. I believe the only essential products are: a mild cleanser, a moisturiser, and SPF. If you have ageing concerns, use retinol. Everything else you should only consider if you have specific skin concerns.