The FaceShop Charcoal Cleansing Foam is a part of The FaceShop's Phyto Powder in Cleansing Foam line. It produces a deep-cleansing foam that removes excess sebum (oil secretions) and impurities from the skin.

The product comes out an opaque grey lotion-like consistency, with small balls of charcoal powder that dissolve in water, and works into a light white foam. There is a light (charcoal) powdery smell, though not like baby powder.

From when I first hit puberty to early adulthood I had extremely oily combination skin with severe acne (which progressed to cystic adult acne) that left my face sensitive to touch. I currently have normal-combination skin (normal skin with slightly oily t-zone, and small dry patches mostly around my mouth and nose) and mild adult acne. After trying out a multitude of different cleansers (20+) this cleanser was part of why my skin got better, and it has become a staple product in my daily skin care routine. I use it both in the morning and at night, and it always leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean without feeling dry and tight. It is not the most moisturizing product, so for those with extremely dry skin or are looking for a very moisturizing cleanser, you won't find it with this product. If you're looking for a nice, gentle foaming cleanser that doesn't overly dry out or stimulates the skin, then this is a great product.

The cleanser does list parabens and fragrance in its ingredients.

This product also works great for those who like to double cleanse. I usually use an oil cleanser to break down my makeup first, and then I use this cleanser to wash away any oily residue and left-over makeup. When I started using this cleanser as my second cleanse at night, I noticed that when I wiped my face down with a cotton pad and toner, there was little to no residual makeup. This is very important to me as I am prone to breakouts if my face isn't cleansed properly at night.

I got this cleanser for $9 at my local The FaceShop store, which is on the higher end in price for a basic cleanser, but you get a lot of product, and a little bit goes a long way. You only need a pea size amount to get a nice lather. I have been using this product everyday (2-3 times a day) for the last 8 months and I still have 1/3 of the tube left which should still last me at least another 4 months. Compared to the drugstore cleansers I've used in the past, which can run $4-8 and can last me 6-8 months, this is decently priced.

So to recap.

PROS:
• gentle foaming cleanser (great for sensitive skin)
• deep-cleaning & good to remove residual makeup
• light scent
• decent price (for what you get)
• helped me control my oily, acne-prone skin

CONS:
• parabens and fragrance listed in ingredients