MuLondon: Organic Rose / Lavender Foaming Face Wash Review

Back in November last year, you had read my introductory post on the then newly-launched MuLondon Organic Foaming Face Cleansers. For the past few months, I've been religiously using the two sample bottles that I had received from Boris (of MuLondon) and I think it's time that I shared my thoughts on them.

Before I get on with my review, I should let you know how significant it is that I'm using these MuLondon cleansers. You see, other than having tried little samples of two new facial cleansers from another brand (only 10ml each), I had been a faithful user of the Sebamed Liquid Face & Body Wash. And when I say faithful, I'm talking about a period spanning 11 years. As some of you may already know, I have a bad history with acne. So, this change of facial cleansers is, in my books, major.

My Experience

Patch Test
I didn't switch cleansers from Sebamed to MuLondon overnight. Although I had a lot of confidence in MuLondon products, I still spent two weeks doing patch tests with these cleansers first - I just don't trust my skin. At the risk of sounding like a broken record: Always, always, always do a patch test first with any new skincare product, especially if you have problem/sensitive skin.

Scent
I was very pleased that my skin showed no bad reactions to the MuLondon cleansers. Sebamed gradually became a thing of the past. After using the same green liquid for more than a decade (mundane it may be but the Sebamed Liquid Face & Body Wash will always have a special place in my heart), my early experience with the MuLondon cleansers was like a breath of fresh air. Quite literally. Where it says Organic Rose Foaming Face Wash, it really smells of roses. Where it says Organic Lavender Foaming Face Wash, yes, it smells truly of lavender. Unadulterated. During lathering, I love cupping my hands over my nose for a few seconds just to take in the lovely scent. You should try it yourself.

Contents

150ml

The liquid inside is caramel-coloured but we never get to see the liquid in our palms. The bottle - made of recyclable HDPE plastic, free from phthalates, bisphenol-A and PVC - comes with a foam pump dispenser, so what you pump out will always be fluffy, pre-lathered cleanser. That took some getting used to at first but, as was probably one of the intentions of the inventor of the foam pump dispenser, it's a time-saver. Just pump and slap the foam on your face.

OK, that's over-dramatised. Once in a while, you really should take the time to massage the face and simultaneously enjoy the gorgeous natural fragrance.

Cleansing
The cleansers do a good job of cleaning the face of dirt, grime and makeup, but don't expect it to work for waterproof makeup. That's what you have waterproof makeup removers for. After towelling off, the skin feels soft, fresh and clean.

The MuLondon facial cleansers come in two sizes: 150ml and 50ml. Based on my own experience, the following is all you need to pump out for each cleansing:

150ml bottle: three-quarters of a pump (I find one full pump to be too much)
50ml bottle: one full pump

Warning
I don't actually have anything bad to say about these MuLondon cleansers except this one thing: maaaan, it stings the eyes! To be fair, Boris does offer some advice on the label, which includes a warning:

"Work the foam between hands. Apply to damp skin. Rinse. Avoid contact with eyes."

However, you have to understand that, for 11 years, I had been using a face wash that never irritated the eyes, so out of habit, I often opened my eyes while working the MuLondon lather on my face/eye area. Oops.

Consider yourself warned.

Other Uses
Boris mentions on the website that the cleansers can also be used on the body. I did try it as a body wash once but it took around ten pumps to get the whole body lathered. I think I'll stick to using these cleansers on the face.

Boris also says that it can be used for shaving.

Basics
Just like the MuLondon Natural Organic Moisturisers, the MuLondon Foaming Face Washes are handmade by Boris with just a short list of ingredients. They are based on certified organic castile soap and contain

• no SLS
• no detergents
• no alcohol
• no mineral oils
• no parabens
• no sorbates
• no silicones
• no emulsifiers
• no artificial fragrance
• no man-made chemicals
• no palm oil

Boris vehemently refuses to use palm oil in his products. The reason is explained here.

Here is some basic information about the two cleansers that I've been using (gleaned from the MuLondon website):


Organic Rose Foaming Face Wash

• key ingredients: Jojoba oil, Rose Otto essential oil, Rosehip extract, Rosemary extract
• good for dry, irritated, sensitive skin
• the precious Rose Otto essential oil used is steam-distilled, not solvent-extracted
• goes well with the MuLondon Organic Rose Moisturiser (but of course!)

Ingredients
Water, Saponified Sunflower Oil*, Saponified Coconut Oil*, Glycerin (vegetable, naturally occurring)*, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Citrate (Potassium Salts), Jojoba Oil*, Rose Otto Essential Oil*, Rosehip Extract* , Rosemary Extract*
* certified organic

Price
£15 for 150ml
£7 for 50ml (it's a great travel size)

Updated pricing
£16 for 150ml
£8 for 50ml

Organic Lavender Foaming Face Wash

• key ingredients: Jojoba oil, Rosemary extract, Lavender essential oil
• good for dry, sensitive skin, great for relaxation
• to complete the experience, try pairing it with the MuLondon Organic Lavender Moisturiser

50ml

Ingredients
Water, Saponified Sunflower Oil*, Saponified Coconut Oil*, Glycerin (vegetable, naturally occurring)*, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Citrate (Potassium Salts), Jojoba Oil*, Rosemary Extract*, Lavender Essential Oil*
* certified organic

Price
£12 for 150ml
£5 for 50ml

Updated pricing
£13 for 150ml
£6 for 50ml

Note:
For those who have extremely sensitive skin and/or who are allergic to essential oils, there is the MuLondon Organic Fragrance-free Foaming Face Wash. It retails for the same price as the Organic Lavender version.


Conclusion
Another great range of products by Boris! They smell good, they work well and they contain simple, good ingredients. I consider these MuLondon cleansers good value for your money too. I've used the Organic Rose Foaming Face Wash (150ml) for three months and I've still a third left. I've used the Organic Lavender Foaming Face Wash (50ml) twice a day for four solid weeks and I've got a little under half left in the 50ml bottle.

MuLondon is registered by The Vegan Society and PETA. Its products do not contain animal ingredients and it does not test on our furry friends. If you're looking for another responsible, ethical brand to support, try MuLondon!


Further reading:
Other general information on the MuLondon Organic Foaming Face Cleansers
All my posts on MuLondon (including its Natural Organic Moisturisers): Brand: MuLondon

MuLondon website
It ships internationally and its shipping rates are, in my opinion, very reasonable.