A perfect complexion begins with a perfect cleanser. Yes, a true statement I whole heartedly believe. Which is why when it comes to cleansers, I’m always hesitant to try something new. Those of you familiar with my typical cleansing routine (read here) have learned by now that the thing about me and skincare is quite simple: when I find something that works, I stick with it. My skin is too sensitive and too fussy to try all the new products that come out, so I rarely venture out of my comfort zone, especially when it comes to cleansers.
However, if there was one skincare collection that I couldn’t wait to get home and trial, it had to be the much anticipated Kate Somerville Goat Milk range. The collection includes a moisturizing cleanser, a de-puffing eye balm and a reformulation of my beloved Goat Milk moisturizer, (you can find a review of the old formula here). I adore everything about this Goat Milk Cleanser from the texture to the application and I’m going to tell you why.
A Proper Introduction
The Goat Milk Cleanser is a natural, creamy, nourishing cleanser that gently removes impurities, dirt, debris, bacteria and traces of makeup without stripping the skin of essential moisture and without throwing off the skin’s natural barrier. Specifically formulated to clean and condition all at once, the cleanser is enriched with soothing Goat Milk, Natural Milk Polypeptides to nurture sensitive and dry skin, and Manuka honey to provide natural minerals, vitamins and proteins. It cushions and sooths as it cleanses, leaving the skin soft, supple, smooth and healthy-looking. Recommended for all skin types, perfect especially for those with sensitive and dry skin, much like the skin type I have. It does NOT contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil or shea butter and it is not tested on animals, all important requirements in my skincare buying book. For those sensitive to scents, I will caution you that this cleanser has a light, warm, vanilla fragrance.
How To Use
The recommendation is to apply a small amount to wet face and neck and massage for 30 seconds, in the AM and PM. Rinse and pat dry. However, I found this cleanser to work best on dry skin due to it’s slippy texture. It is more of a balm cleanser, with the texture being that of a gel that emulsifies in contact with water and becomes balmy. My preferred way is to apply a small amount onto dry skin and work it in for about 30 seconds. It can be rinsed with a splash of water or removed with a wash cloth (using a warm wash cloth in the PM feels heavenly to the skin).
My Experience
I’ve used the Goat Milk Cleanser for about two months now. I really like this product. I don’t typically wash my face with a cleanser in the morning (read my Morning Skincare Routine here), but I’ve found myself reaching for this. The balm texture is so easy to work with, feels so hydrating on my sensitive complexion and doesn’t leave a film over my skin. It takes my makeup off without irritating my eyes and it makes my skin baby soft, without feeling stripped or dry. The reason why cleansers are sometimes tricky for my sensitive skin is that sometimes, immediately after a cleanse, some redness can be noticed on my cheeks and chin. I have not had any redness with this cleanser. I’m not a fan of the scent, as in my opinion, the fragrance does have some synthetic hints to it. However, the scent doesn’t bother me enough not to use the cleanser. It is not an overpowering fragrance, nor does it linger much longer after application. I still do enjoy the cleanser very much and would repurchase.
Have you tried this cleanser yet? What are some of your favorite cleansers?
UPDATE
It saddens me to post this, but un UPDATE was absolutely mandatory. I first purchased the Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser at the beginning of the year when it first launched. It quickly stole my heart and earned Cleanser of the Year award for all the reasons mentioned in the above review. My skin adored it and I felt the whole world needed to know, thus I dedicated an entire post to this cleanser. However, over time, the oils from the product began to separate and it became harder to get out of the tube. I continued to use it, as it’s never easy to find products that work for my sensitive skin. Then the product became very hard and couldn’t be squeezed out of the tube. I was so disappointed. I called the Kate Somerville Customer Care line and to my surprise, I found out this issue had been a common problem with the cleanser. I was told the brand pulled the product off their website (although Sephora still has it available for sale) and they are currently in the process of reformulating it to be re-launched early in 2017. They immediately offered to send me another one of their cleanser, whichever one I so desired, complimentary, even though I had not purchased the cleanser directly from them (got mine from Sephora). They also asked I sent the damaged product to their Quality Control Team for further investigation.
I am genuinely pleased to see that Kate Somerville have taken feedback from their fans and are working to release a new formula of this beloved cleanser. I also understand that mistakes and product issues come up, but I think it is the way a brand responds to feedback and listens to their customers that makes all the difference. And I have to commend and applaud Kate Somerville for graciously acknowledging a problem with their product, compensating their customers by offering another cleanser of their choice and ultimately working hard to fix the issue by reformulating the product. It is actions such as these that keep customers coming back and I for one, am looking forward to and cannot wait for the re-launch!
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I read this as soon as I got the email this evening! I love Kate Somerville skincare and have had my eyes on the Goat Milk range as well! I have used the Goat Milk moisturizer in the past and really enjoyed it. Will definitely repurchase and will definitely try this cleanser as well. Have you also tried the eye cream? If so, what are your thoughts? Great review as always!
Definitely try the Goat Milk Cleanser if you get a chance. As far as the eye cream, I had a deluxe sample that I tried out for a few days, but felt it wasn’t moisturizing enough for my dry under eyes. Some people really enjoy it though, so definitely get a sample of that as well and see how you like it. ~ Cat L.
Haha..I’m still laughing about the fact that we both decided to review it on the same day. I agree with all points you made here. It checks all the boxes when it comes to your requirement from a cleanser apart from the unnecessary fragrance. Great review as always !
Yes, indeed. Great minds think alike for sure! 🙂 Thank you for your kind comments, Molly! I really enjoy your blog http://www.skinritualdiary.com so your feedback is always appreciated. ~ Cat L.
I love the way you write Cat, and the fact that you are very honest. I had read about this cleanser on Blanche’s blog, thebeautybloss, I don’t think I can find Kate Somerville here in Europe but still I enjoyed the read and I would suggest to always apply cleansers on dry skin, even if they state the opposite. This is the best way to ensure that they work properly and at their best.
xx
Silvia
http://www.theskincabinet.com
Thank you very much, Silvia. I really appreciate it. I enjoy your blog http://www.theskincabinet.com very much so I’m very appreciative of your feedback. As far as Kate Somerville, the brand is supposed to come to the UK next year in 2017. I’m not sure where you’re located, but you might be able to get it elsewhere as well. Thank you again for reading and commenting. ~ Cat L.
This is a great news Cat! Thanks for telling me and for mentioning my blog 🙂
Silvia
Great review! Will have to try this cleanser. I have sensitive skin and I’m currently using the Tatcha one. I really like it and it sounds like I would like this one as well. Beautiful photos!
Thank you so much, Cynthia! I also have the Tatcha cleanser, but haven’t had the chance to try it yet. Definitely try the Goat Milk one if you get a chance. It works really well on sensitive skin, doesn’t cause any dryness or irritation. ~ Cat L.
Great review Cat! I tried this Goat milk range some few years ago but I do love the sound of this cleanser. I love balm type textures and the fact that it has a vanilla scent entices me more as I love vanilla! My skin is alway normal to slight combination but has become more sensitive of late so love comforting products that aren’t too rich. I shall give this one some thought! I love the Elemis sensitive skin wash for the a.m. and the cleansing balm for the p.m. as you know I am on an Elemis high right now lol!! Love your action shots as they are always perfect. kelly xxx
http://www.kellilash.com
Thank you so much, Kelly. I am a big fan of your blog, http://www.kellilash.com so your opinion and feedback are very valuable to me. I am also a fan of the Elemis brand in general and there was a point in time a few years ago, when they dominated my skincare stash. Not sure why I drifted away, too many other options to try I guess, plus they’re not that easy to get in the States. I do however enjoy their line, so I should probably revisit it soon. As far as the Goat Milk cleanser, I think you might really like it. It is balmy, gentle, doesn’t dry up the skin or cause any irritation. The brand is supposed to launch in the UK next year in 2017, so it might be easier to try and sample. If you get a chance to try this product, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. ~ Cat L.
Beautiful Post! With a balm like texture, I think I’ll add this to my list of Summer Skincare must-haves!
Thank you, Regina! I think you might really enjoy this cleanser. The fragrance is a little much and unnecessary in my opinion, but I don’t see it as a detriment. Definitely sample it out if you get a chance. Now off to catch up with your blog, http://www.SkinCareReginaVenti.com , one of my favorites to read! ~ Cat L.
I haven’t even heard of goat cleanser but I have donkey milk as a sleep mask!!!! I like a good cleanser too because I think it is the foundation to making everything else work on your face. I know that most people don’t care bc they think it goes down the drain so they don’t spend much but you don’t need to spend much for a cleanser that works for your skin. Maybe more than $5 if you’re using Neutrogena that literally kills your skin! Adoring your photos of yourself in action using this product- you are perfect!
Kate, thank you, thank you for your kind words. I’m always nervous when I post photos of myself, so your kind comments mean more than you know. The donkey milk mask sounds so interesting! As I always say, you have the best green skincare and always know of the best green products coming out. I think you might really enjoy this Goat Milk Cleanser. It is natural in formulation, minus the fragrance I guess. It does have some synthetic hints to it, but the cleanser is very gentle and effective on my sensitive skin, so I’m willing to overlook that. If you get a chance to try it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Thank you again for reading! I adore your blog, http://www.makeupbrew.com ~ Cat L.
I read this yesterday thought I posted my appreciation for the post and my jealousy that you guys have it easily accessible. Great post Cat I’d thainsinmy second comment forgive me just enjoyed the post too much ?.
Esnath, you’re in luck! Kate Somerville is supposed to launch in the UK next year in 2017 so that should make it accessible and easier to try and sample. Thank you for reading and commenting! Your blog http://www.prettypeachblossom.com is one of my favorites to read so your feedback means a lot to me. ~ Cat L.
I also agree that it’s not that easy to find a good cleanser. I’m using the Tatcha one and I must admit I’ve been very impressed with the Tatcha brand in general. This Kate Somerville Goat Milk cleanser sounds interesting. I will definitely ask for a sample next time I’m in Sephora.
I cannot wait to try the Tatcha cleanser. I’ve only heard great things about it so my excitement levels are high. As far as the Goat Milk Cleanser, I definitely recommend it for all the reasons stated in my review, so I think starting with a sample is the way to go. ~ Cat L.
Such a great review Cat! As I have the moisturizer I might just need to purchase the cleanser after reading your and also Molly’s comments. Kisses from Dubai
Thank you for stopping by, I always enjoy reading your comments. I think the Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleansers is one of the better ones out there and a personal favorite. If you get a chance to try it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. ~ Cat L.
Love love love your review, its already in my cart I just need to finalize some makeup products that I’m doubting if I buy them now or later. Yes, I agree that skincare should always start with a good cleanser/cleansing routine.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! Hope you enjoy this cleanser as much as I have. ~ Cat L.
Loved your feedback and I will definitely need to purchase this cleanser. I as well sometimes experience some redness after washing my face with certain products & the fact that this cleanser doesn’t yield that outcome, makes a big fan from the get-go. Much love
Thank you! This cleanser is mild, yet effective so perfect for sensitive skin. Also, the price point is more reasonable considering the ingredients and the type of cleanser that this is! Hope you get a chance to try it and hope you enjoy this cleanser as much as I have. ~ Cat L.