Alba Botanica Acne Dote Deep Pore Face Wash

In the midst of my latest obsession with skincare, I picked this baby up at our local TJ Maxx. This product line is also found in Wegmans Organic Section of the grocery store, and select drug stores as well. My greatest interest in this product was the maximum strength salicylic acid (2%) and willowbark in this oil-free deep pore wash. Oil-free, paraben, phthalate, and synthetic fragrance free, also formulated with 100% vegetarian ingredients was another major plus when I picked up the bottle. So naturally, I had to give this a try. On the back of the bottle it states that 70% of people saw clearer skin in just 7 days of use. I wanted to test that theory. And so for one week, I cleansed throughouly twice a day, everyday and only followed up with a moisturizer. "Apply to wet face and massage into a foamy lather. Rinse throughly. Use twice a day. For best results, follow with Alba Botanica ACNEdote Deep Clean Astringent." I did not use the astringent simply because I only purchased this bottle at the time. This bottle runs anywhere from $6.99-10.95 depending on where you purchase it.

As currently described on the bottle, The Deep Pore Face Wash claims:

"Are your pores yearning to breath free?

Clean them up with this powerful, botanically effective acne wash with max strength 2% salicylic acid. Formulated with zip-zapping Salicylic Acid (naturally derived from Willow Bark Extract), this lathering oil-free cleanser digs deep into pores to unclog the gunk, helping banish existing zits and prevent new ones. Skin will be squeaky clean and ready to go. 70% of testers saw clearer skin in just 7 days. Dermatologist tested. Non-comedogenic."

I wouldn't necessarily say this cleanser is recommended for all skin types. I would advise people who have oily skin to give this a go. This cleanser didn't necessarily "foam" or "lather" simply because the surfacting molecules (sodium lauryl sulfate) which are found in most foaming cleansers is not present in this particular cleanser. So I did find this slightly difficult to apply, as it's very watery. Immediately after gently massaging this into your skin you can feel the salicylic acid and willowbark working. It gives you a very clean, cool and invigorating feel for your skin. It is also slightly on the tingly side so if you have sensitive skin this is not the product for you.

I took a before and after of the 7 days I used the cleansing wash as shown below.

In this before picture, you can see I am a little congested right around the chin area and mouth area.

Noramlly, my t-zone is oily so I made sure to really focus on massaging the cleanser in circular motions where I am broken out the most.

After 7 days of use: I did not feel as oily or congested. I did notice the product due to high amounts of salicylic acid and willowbark, caused some slight dryness in my skin. My breakouts are not as red or irritated, however this cleanser did not completely clear it up. With continued use of this product, I'm sure it would clear up everything on my face. Also, using the astringent after this cleansing routine would probably help speed up the process. I like this acne wash, especially when I'm feeling oily and want squeaky clean skin.

#AlbaBotanica #facewash