I am dedicating my first blog post of the year (I know, it's March already) to my favourite skincare brand, Dermalogica. The start of year 2020 means I have now used Dermalogica products for 15 full years. I can't quite remember how I first discovered the brand in 2004. I have been absolutely hooked since then. I would still go out and try all sorts of different over-hyped products in the market. More often than not I would come back to Dermalogica thinking, why did I cheat on you.
Dermalogica products currently in use!
HG Status
These ones are irreplaceable.
Special Cleansing Gel
What's so special about this cleansing gel? It ticks all the boxes for me: non-drying, does not feel harsh, lathers up very well, rinses off completely clean but does not make skin feel . This is the cleanser I currently use with my Foreo Luna 3 and it works exceptionally well. Great for normal, combination or oily skin.
Pre-cleanse
It's a fancy name for a cleansing oil. Effectively takes off eye and face makeup and sunscreen. Rinses clean without an oily residue. Great for all skin types.
Ultracalming Cleanser
I don't have sensitive skin, but this cleanser is my favourite cream cleanser in the whole world. I use it every morning on dry face, then rinse it off. When I suffered from any skin reaction or irritation, this was the only cleanser I could use. It felt more soothing than water. Great for all skin types.
Skin Prep Scrub
I discovered this very early on. After more than 15 years it is still one of my two favourite scrubs. It has very dense scrubby bits but it doesn't feel scratchy. Baby smooth skin guaranteed every time after use. The oatmeal scent is uniquely soothing. I use it once a week to once a fortnight. One tube lasts forever. Great for all skin types except sensitive.
Multivitamin Thermofoliant
This is my other favourite scrub. Rather new compared to Skin Prep Scrub. Again, very dense scrub but not harsh on skin, with a high oil content which feels really nourishing on skin. At my age (close to 40) I am really loving this scrub. Would have preferred Skin Prep Scrub when I was younger. Great for all skin type except sensitive.
Daily Microfoliant
Arguably the most iconic product from Dermalogica. Fell in love with it upon first use. I get a bit of both physical and chemical exfoliation goes on as the powder never really dissolve completely. I use a minimal amount every few days in the morning on its own (without another cleanser). I don't use it daily as I found it can be a bit drying if I do. Brightens and smooths skin immediately. Suitable for all skin types.
Gentle Cream Exfoliant
I used to use it all over my face for a nice chemical exfoliation to unblock pores. Since I am now using so many other exfoliants, I cut this one back to just T-zone area. It makes a visible difference: I use this before applying a nose strip and I get a lot more gunk coming out of the pores. The exfoliant is the most effective thing to dissolve dead skin cells. One tube lasts many years. Suitable for all skin types.
Daily Resurfacer
Dermalogica really makes the best exfoliants. This is my secret weapon to tackle stubborn skin congestion (particularly jaw line). They are exfoliating pads (physical exfoliation) soaked with alcohol-free acids (chemical exfoliation). Skin condition improves in less than a week. I also like use this for 2 consecutive weeks before special occasions. Suitable for normal, combination and oily skin. See full review here.
Active Moist
A basic but reliable oil-free moisturiser that I come back to over and over again. Easily absorbed with no heavy residue; never pills with all my other serum, sunscreen, primer or makeup. Suitable for normal or combination skin.
Great products
These are the ones that I love, have used and/or will buy them again, but would not say they are irreplaceable:
Multiactive Toner
A spray-on leave-in toner that hydrates my skin really well. I use it before I use any serum to maximise serum absorption. Refreshing scent, but quite expensive for a toner. Suitable for all skin types.
Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
Creamy and nourishing mask as either a 10-minute pick-me-up or overnight mask. Hydrates skin really well, especially before applying makeup. Suitable for all skin types.
Skin Hydrating Booster
This was my introduction to hyaluronic acid. It has changed my skin forever (from oily to normal). Light-weight, non-sticky and easily absorbed, still one of my top choices for hydrating serum. Suitable for all skin types.
Skin Hydrating Masque
I love the light weight gel-cream texture of this mask. It doesn't go dry on skin which means I can leave it on for as long as I like. It's cucumber scent is a pick-me-up. It's just a bit expensive for a basic hydrating mask. Suitable for all skin types.
Biolumin-C Serum
No-fuss, easy to use vitamin c serum. Seemed to reduce some pigmentations although took a long time to see results. Suitable for all skin types. See full review here.
Total Eye Care SPF 15
Very lightweight and refreshing to use. It helps to have in-built SPF as the eye area is often the first to show the first signs of aging. Suitable for all skin types.
Stress Positive Eye Lift
Lightweight and refreshing eye cream. The cooling metal applicator is pleasant to use. Can be used as an overnight eye mask to hydrate and plump. Suitable for all skin types.
Skin Smoothing Cream
Another great basic moisturiser. Slightly thicker than active moist so it is wonderful to use in the evening. Suitable for normal to drier skin types.
Dermal Clay Cleanser
I really enjoyed the slightly minty smell and the unique liquid clay texture of this cleanser. Rinses completely clean with a prolonged fresh feeling afterwards. It is not suitable for my skin anymore but would recommend this to oily to combination skin types.
Average
C-12 Pure Bright Serum
Initially purchased this to fight pregnancy pigmentation. I didn't think it was too effective - although after two bottles my skin tone does seem to look a bit more even. I can never tell whether the serum was working or my pigmentation was fading on its own. The serum has an unpleasant silicone-heavy feel which I don't like. See full review here.
Age Smart Skin Resurfacing Cleanser
I have been using this cleanser for a few months but I still haven't made up my mind about it. It smells like paint stripper and it is exceptionally strong - if I use this cleanser with my Foreo I feel like I have just done a chemical peel. For me it is a salon grade product which needs to be handled with care.
Sound Sleep Cocoon Transformative Night Gel-Cream
I probably need to try this again properly and persist longer, but my first impression is that it has too much silicone in it.
Age Smart Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50
I really like the idea of SPF50 in a moisturiser, but this is too oily for me. It feels like it has a lot of oil content which can make my skin a bit shiny. More suitable for drier skin.
Failures
Charcoal Rescue Masque
This is the only Dermalogica product my skin reacts badly to. The reaction was quick and immediate. After I washed off the mask my face was red and tender like a freshly cooked lobster. The strong sulfur smell was very unpleasant too.
Ultracalming Barrier Repair
The only product I don't understand. It feels like pure silicone and quite suffocating. Designed for sensitive/sensitised skin but I didn't really feel any benefit from using it.
About me
Makeup artist and hair stylist based in Sydney. Founder of the well-known award-winning bridal specialist team Faces Makeup & Hair. Beauty junkie with an obsession for skincare.