Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser is a multitasker that acts as:
- Cleansing milk to melt away makeup
- Eye-makeup remover to get rid of stubborn makeup
- Toner to leave skin feeling toned (whatever that means…)
I admit I don’t care for toners, but I’m always all over cleansers I can use both on my face and eyes. Because, why waste money on two products when the one will do?
But does this cleanser deliver? It’s made for sensitive skin after all, and this skin type can’t tolerate too much cleansing…
Key Ingredients In Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser
Mineral Oil To Cleanse And Moisturize
I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t mineral oil the devil of skincare?” Not really…
People don’t like it because it comes from petroleum (scary, huh?). What everyone ignores is that Cosmetic Grade Mineral Oil (the only type of mineral oil used in skincare products) undergoes a strict purifying process that removes all sorts of toxic impurities from it.
The resulting product is safe. And effective. In Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser, it does double duty:
- Cleanser: It works thanks to the like attracts like principle. Mineral oil attaches to the oils in your makeup and the excess sebum on your skin, melting them away. It’s super effective and can remove even waterproof makeup.
- Moisturizer: It creates a barrier on the skin that slows down water loss, helping to keep your skin hydrated for longer.
One more thing: Mineral oil itself isn’t comedogenic. It causes pimples only when it traps impurities underneath your skin. As long as you remove every last trace of makeup, you shouldn’t experience breakouts.
P.S. Mineral oil is made in a lab, so it doesn’t contain any of the fragrant components that so easily irritate sensitive skin found in most oils (think lemon peel oil and geranium oil).
Related: 5 Myths About Mineral Oil You Need To Stop Believing Right Now
Isopropyl Myristate To Soften Skin
Mineral oil is the star of Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser. It’s what does the bulk of the work, both in the cleansing and toning departments.
Isopropyl Myristate is here just to soften skin and thicken the texture. But I wanted to mention it in case it plays the same nasty trick on your skin: this thing is comedogenic.
High concentrations of Isopropyl Myristate never fail to break me out. This is why I always rinse off the cleanser, instead than leaving it on my skin like Vichy recommends.
I may miss out on the toning benefits, but those are insignificant anyway. A breakout is a worse evil…
P.S. Just because Isopropyl Myristate breaks me out, it doesn’t mean it will give you pimples, too. It’s usually oilier skin types that have a problem with it.
Related: Is Isopropyl Myristate Comedogenic?
Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion
Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser has a milky, non-greasy texture that doesn’t lather.
You need to use a cotton pad with this. At first, I was applying it with bare hands and washing it off with lukewarm water. But when I followed up with exfoliating pads, I realised half of my makeup was still on my skin! Ewwwww!
Since then, I always use a cotton pad. I need at least two for my entire face and an extra one for my eyes. It does a wonderful job at removing everything but the most stubborn of makeup without too much pulling and tugging.
If you’re wearing as much makeup as a Kardashian with a big dollop of waterproof foundation, you’ll better off with an oil cleanser like Squalane oil. It’s a cleanser on steroid but still super gentle.
Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser is more for minimal makeup. You know what I’m talking about… sheer foundation, a dab of blush, non-waterproof makeup. It melts all that away while leaving skin soft and smooth.
If you’ve got sensitive skin and a compromised skincare barrier, a full face of makeup isn’t recommended, anyway. This cleanser will suit you fine.
Unless your skin is oily, you don’t have to wash it off. The cleanser will do a better job at moisturizing your skin if you leave it on.
Me, I need to get it off my skin. If your sebaceous glands pump out a bit too much oil here and there, this cleanser has the potential to break you out.
Overall, it’s a great option for women with sensitive skin who are looking for a gentle cleanser that removes the little makeup they have without pulling, tugging, and irritation.
Other skin types may find it wanting. But then, it’s wasn’t made with them in mind.
Available at: $19.50/£12.00 at Dermstore, Escentuals and Feel Unique
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Have you tried Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser? Share your experience in the comments below.
Ingredients: Water, Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, Potassium Phosphate, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Dipotassium Phosphate, Disodium Edta, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Myrtrimonium Bromide, Butylene Glycol,  Butyrospermum Parkii Seedcake Extract, Fragrance.
Hi! I have very sensitive very dry skin with small bumps across my forehead and chin. I have a dairy intolerance that has contributed to my skin’s sensitivity and redness. I would assume that I can’t use lactic acid on my skin, but I still need to exfoliate. I also don’t wear makeup. Could you recommend a few cleansers/serums I could use to address these problems?
Sofia, try salicylic acid. You can find my fave picks for oily skin here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/3-ways-to-exfoliate-sensitive-skin/