Glossier Cleanser Concentrate: My Honest Review (and Why I'm Obsessed!)

A deep dive into Glossier's newest cleanser – is it worth the hype?

8thDayBeauty8thDayBeautyJan 2025
Glossier Cleanser Concentrate: My Honest Review (and Why I'm Obsessed!)

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Hey everyone, it's Candice! I'm so excited to share my thoughts on Glossier's brand new clarifying cleanser, the Cleanser Concentrate. I’ve been using it for a while now, and I’m completely hooked. So, let’s get into all the details!

Glossier has been a beauty staple since 2014, and I’ve always admired their philosophy of making luxury beauty accessible, intuitive, and uncomplicated. They offer a fantastic range of skincare, makeup, and even fragrances.

You’re probably familiar with their iconic Milky Jelly Cleanser, a classic for a reason. It’s gentle and works for almost everyone, like that sibling who gets along with everyone (which, if you know me, you know that's totally me!). But this new Cleanser Concentrate? This is like Milky Jelly’s older, wiser sister – the one with all the skincare secrets. (Which, let’s be real, is also me! Sometimes I wonder what my siblings do for me... just kidding, guys! Love you all!).

Packaging: Effortlessly Luxurious

Let's talk packaging. I'm a sucker for beautiful packaging, and Glossier never disappoints. The Cleanser Concentrate comes in a sleek, weighty glass bottle that feels incredibly luxe in my hand. It adds a touch of effortless luxury to my skincare routine, which I absolutely adore. I'm always trying to live my best bougie life, and beautiful packaging definitely elevates the experience.

Formulation: A Plant-Powered Deep Clean

So, what makes this clarifying cleanser so special? It's the perfect addition to your routine when your skin needs a deep, yet gentle, clean. The formula is a powerhouse of ingredients:

AHAs and Grape Vermouth Extract: Gentle Exfoliation

The Cleanser Concentrate contains a blend of AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and grape vermouth extract. These work together to gently exfoliate, sweeping away dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin underneath. Don’t worry if you have sensitive skin – these AHAs are gentle and shouldn't cause irritation.

Cleanser Concentrate
Cleanser Concentrate

My Honest Review (and Why I'm Obsessed!)

tl;dr

A gentle, effective clarifying cleanser suitable for all skin types.

Pros
  • Gentle on sensitive skin, dual functionality as a cleanser and exfoliator, luxurious packaging, suitable for daily use.
Cons
  • The glass bottle may not be travel-friendly or ideal for those prone to dropping things.

Soothing and Moisturizing Botanicals: Calendula and Chamomile

To counteract any potential dryness from the AHAs, the cleanser is infused with calendula extract and chamomile flower water. These botanical extracts are known for their soothing and moisturizing properties, helping to calm and hydrate the skin.

Nourishing and Conditioning Passion Fruit Extract

Passion fruit extract, packed with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids, adds another layer of nourishment and conditioning. This helps to keep the skin healthy and balanced.

Niacinamide: Pore Refining and Brightening

Niacinamide, a skincare superstar, is also included in the formula. It helps to decongest pores, minimize their appearance, even out skin tone, and brighten hyperpigmentation.

Amino Acids: The Secret to Lasting Effects

One of the most innovative aspects of this cleanser is the inclusion of amino acids. These create a light, foamy lather that gently cleanses while leaving behind an invisible film on the skin. This film prevents the active ingredients from washing away immediately, allowing them to continue working their magic even after you rinse. It's like a time-release deep clean!

How to Use the Cleanser Concentrate

The beauty of this cleanser is its versatility. You can customize its use based on your skin’s needs:

  • Daily Use: Use it once or twice a day for a consistent, gentle cleanse and exfoliation.
  • Weekly Treatment: Use it once a week as a more intensive deep cleaning and exfoliating treatment.

Important Note: If you’re wearing heavy makeup or sunscreen, you’ll need to use a cleansing balm or oil first. This cleanser is gentle and won't effectively remove those on its own. Also, remember that AHAs can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. So, if you’re not already using sunscreen daily (which you absolutely should be!), make sure to incorporate it into your routine when using this cleanser.

My Personal Routine

My routine with the Cleanser Concentrate is super simple:

  1. I take two or three pumps.
  2. I massage it onto my damp face for a full 60 seconds. (This is key for lifting away impurities and activating the ingredients!)
  3. I rinse with lukewarm water.
  4. I pat my skin dry.

That’s it! My skin feels fresh, clean, and never tight, dry, or uncomfortable.

Why I Love It (and Who It’s For)

I absolutely love how gentle this cleanser is. I have super sensitive, easily dehydrated skin, so I’m always cautious about exfoliating products. Many leave my skin feeling stripped and irritated, but not this one! It’s so gentle that I can use it every day without any negative effects. Finding products that nourish my skin barrier is a top priority, and this cleanser definitely fits the bill.

Because of its gentle formulation, this cleanser is suitable for all skin types. If you struggle with flaky areas, especially around your nose (like I do!), this cleanser will work wonders to keep your skin looking polished, fresh, and healthy.

The dual functionality as both a cleanser and an exfoliator is a huge plus. It’s perfect for anyone who prefers a minimalist skincare routine or for those lazy skincare days (we all have them!). Sometimes, especially mid-week, I just don’t have the energy for my full routine. With this cleanser, I can skip the separate exfoliation step and go straight to my serums or moisturizer.

The (Tiny) Con

If I had to pick one tiny “con,” it would be the glass bottle. While I personally love the luxurious feel and look of the glass, I understand it might not be ideal for everyone. It’s not as travel-friendly as plastic, and if you’re prone to dropping things (like my sister – seriously, she has butterfingers!), a plastic bottle might be more practical. But for me, the luxurious feel outweighs the slight inconvenience.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I'm genuinely obsessed with the Glossier Cleanser Concentrate. It’s gentle, effective, and perfect for anyone looking for a deep yet gentle clean. I highly recommend giving it a try!

Let me know if you have any questions or comments below. And don’t forget to follow my blog for more skincare reviews and tips! You can also find me on Instagram – I’m trying to be more active there!

Stay safe, stay healthy, and I’ll see you in my next post!