Especially for people with acne-prone skin or naturally large pores, a cleanser is essential to achieve that clear, smooth look. As someone whose skin breaks out easily, is prone to blackheads, and is often irritated by skincare ingredients, I’ve always been on the search for a gentle cleanser to get rid of all the gunk in my pores. That’s why I was eager to try the new Gentle Milky Cleanser by Hero Cosmetics—the brand beloved for its Mighty Patch acne dots that sell every three seconds—when I was offered a sample. And it didn’t disappoint; it has given me silkier, smoother skin than any other cleanser. Better yet, Real Simple readers can shop it first before the cleanser officially launches tomorrow. To buy: $15; herocosmetics.com. According to Ju Rhyu, Co-Founder and CEO of Hero Cosmetics, the Gentle Milky Cleanser is “like a milky, creamy cloud serum—light but super creamy and super dreamy” that washes away makeup and any grease while hydrating your skin. “As someone who has the tendency to break out myself, I know that acne prone skin tends to have sensitivities,” she explained in an interview with Real Simple. “That’s why we made [the] Gentle Milky Cleanser. It’s made specifically for people with sensitive skin who also break out. The exfoliation is mild and gentle but effective, and the texture is oh-so-good.” Having tried the cleanser for more than a month, it has really impressed me with how moisturizing it is. People with acne-prone skin have a tendency to reach for cleansers that might feel “clean” only when they strip your skin or make your skin feel dry after washing it, but that’s actually the opposite of what you should do. Over-stripping your skin of necessary hydration will only lead to more breakouts as your skin attempts to compensate for the lack of oil on your face, so a cleanser that cleans without dehydrating your skin is crucial. People with sensitive skin like me will be glad to hear that the Gentle Milky Cleanser is made with colloidal oatmeal, an anti-inflammatory ingredient that draws in and holds onto moisture and is even safe for eczema. It also has jojoba seed oil to add extra doses of hydration, plus ceramides to protect your skin barrier from free radicals that lead to photo-aging. All of this, added with the fact that the cleanser washes away makeup incredibly easily (even my waterproof eyeliner and mascara), makes it my go-to every day for getting my skin prepped for bed. At just $15, the Hero Cosmetics cleanser is undoubtedly going to become a much-loved first step to any skincare routine. Shop it now ahead of the cleanser’s official launch tomorrow.
