Hey! I’m Alana, one of Collin’s sidekicks!
I’ve never suffered from severe acne, but some days my face isn’t nice to me. That’s why the new L’Oreal Clay Cleanser is on the top of my review list, and I’ve tried every facial product from X-Out to Proactive to Clean & Clear!
I’m all about trying to keep my skin clear and fresh feeling, but I’m frugal! With that said, there’s a lot of hidden gems in the skincare world of drugstores.
Unlike the other facial clearing products, this is just one item and one step, perfect for this super busy mom! There are three different clay cleansers in this line, each having their own superpowers! I have combination skin, so I decided to buy all three varieties to try out and I actually love them all!
Eeny, Meenie, Miny, Moe!
So which one do you choose? All three are made from clay, but each has a different co-partner. There’s one made with clay and charcoal, it seems to be my go to at the moment. I like to use this one when my skins not doing so hot and I feel a break out coming soon.
Another one is made of clay and eucalyptus. I like to call this one the spa cleanser. It smells amazing! I like to use this one in the morning to wake me up and refresh my face.
Last but certainly not least is one made with clay and red algae. I like this one when my face is feeling dirty! It has bits of clay in it to help exfoliate your skin and leave you feeling refreshed.
My routine has been using the charcoal at night and rotating between the red algae and eucalyptus every morning. If I am feeling a breakout coming on or I am in need of a good scrub, I will use the red algae. Sometimes if I feel crazy, I will use all three, normally the charcoal on my nose, red algae on my trouble spots, and the eucalyptus on my forehead. 😆
After just three days of my new skin cleanser routine, my skin feels great! My common breakout spots are clear, my skin feels smooth, pores feel tighter and overall probably the best my face has been in a few years. You can’t beat the product and its a fraction of the price compared to its competitors!
Even sweeter – I noticed my fiancé using them too! He was totally busted but his face feels baby smooth, so I guess I’ll share. 😉
Have you tried these face cleansers? Did they work for you?
*Disclaimer: L’Oreal did not sponsor this post. I’m not a Dermatologist or an expert in skincare. Please talk to your Dermatologist and get their advice on which of these products (if any) might be right for you.
Nicole says:
Thanks so much for this! I suffer from acne during that lovely time once a month when my hormones are all out of whack, I’ll have to try this out, my chin breaks out sooo bad! I never thought at 31 my skin would look like this, when I was a teenager I NEVER had breakouts.
ana says:
I’ve always have had breakouts during that time of the month as well and I’ve taken different prescriptions to try to help it. It’s not terrible but kind of a pain. So I noticed when I get out of the shower I would end up with a lot of hair in my brush so I bought hair, skin and nails when I was at Costco and I have to say, my hair grows like crazy and my nails, but an unexpected thing happened, my skin is perfectly clear. I’m telling you guys because it’s definitely worth trying if you struggle with breakouts. I’ve gone off all prescriptions and no problems since I’ve taken this. I hope it helps someone else. Also, I promise I have no affiliation with them 🙂
stephanie says:
Thanks ana! Was this Costco brand or something else. Imma look out for this next time I go 🙂 I am 33 and still have acne problems all month long. I have tried sooo many products! I will also try this one from hip2save as I haven’t tried this kind before but have another loreal kind I liked the best so far! Thanks yall!
ana says:
Stephanie, The brand is Nature’s Bounty in a white and pink bottle. I asked my pharmacist if he thought the Costco brand would be okay and he said that it’s not as good. It’s missing a lot of vitamins that the other brand had. I don’t even think about breakouts anymore. I don’t know why my dermatologist never recommended it. I really hope it works for you too!
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
That is one of my favorite vitamins as well, Ana!
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
I never had a problem as a teenager either, Nicole! I hope it works for you like it did for me 🙂
Mel says:
Yes! I have all 3 as well. Hard to choose a favorite as I love them all too!! The red algae helped keep my skin soft & smooth during the winter, as my skin is prone to being dry & flaky. I alternate between the Charcoal and Eucalyptus in the am & pm. I also use the charcoal clay mask (in the jar) about once a month when I feel like pampering with a long soak in the tub with my favorite bath salts!
I busted my hubby too with the charcoal cleanser, and he told our son he should use it too. He has teenage acne and after a wk, his skin was so much clearer. It’s great that we can all use the same product. Now I’m not buying 3 or 4 different brands for everyone to use!
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
I have not tried the masks yet, but I will now! Thanks for the recommendation Mel.
Wendy says:
Oh & CVS usually has great coupons to matchup for these!
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
Definitely keep an eye out for deals. I scored my first set when Walgreens had a great sale plus Ibotta! *Happy savings dance*
Sandy says:
Maybe list the prices so people will know if it’s something they might want to try. Just a suggestion!
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
Thank you for the suggestion, Sandy. I was lucky to score my first batch with a great sale stacked with coupons and Ibotta. The links in the post also bring you to the product on Amazon.
Gscribble says:
Thank you! I’ve been using the Clinique acne line, but I’m now on a budget and it’s no longer an option. Thanks so much for your recommendation!
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
Clinique has a special place in my heart, it was the first skin care product my aunt introduced to me as a teenager. But I love these clay cleansers now just as much. Keep an eye out for coupons too!
Holly says:
Thanks for this. Proactiv no longer works for me and I’ve been needing something new. I’m going to try the algae.
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
Anytime Holly! I used Proactiv for many years but now that I have children I need simple and easy.
Bunny says:
Hi Alana!
Do you have an Aldi store near you? They sell this wonderful night cream (Lacura Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream) that has retinol in it. Have been using it for months now with great results. The best part….it costs less than $4!
Read these wonderful reviews about it here…
https://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=117386/Q10-Anti-Wrinkle-Night-Cream-/Lacura/Moisturizers
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
I do have an Aldi near me. I will look out of this, can’t wait to try it! Thank you Bunny.
adrianne says:
I have noticed (for me anyways) that if you drink more than 64 oz of water a day, it helps with monthly breakouts.
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
Thanks for the tip, Adrianne!
Rebecca says:
I have recently started dealing with eczema on my face! Never had any eczema at all til very recently (I’m 30), although both my kids have it. Anyone recommend any products for that?
Rockma says:
Hi Rebecca,
My daughter has eczema & has had a lot of success with her recent cream. Feel free to email me & I can give you more info. Ltpooh79 @ Hotmail . Com
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
I only see eczema flare-ups in the summertime. I personally use Gold Bond Eczema Relief. But I would check with your doctor to see if they have any recommendations. My office occasionally will have samples as well.
klvnh says:
Your picture makes me wonder if I’ve been using this right. You suds it up and scrub it on your skin like a normal face wash, right? Are we supposed to let it dry and harden on?
I’ve been using the red clay for about 3 weeks and I haven’t been in love, but maybe I need to save that one for the winter like another person above suggested.
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
I do use it as a face wash. I used a little more than normal just for picture purposes. I prefer to actually use it while in the shower.
Brooke says:
Thanks for your recommendation, Ana! I’ve noticed my hair falling out a lot when showing and I was wanting to try something to slow it/stop it. I’ll give this a try. Thanks again!!
Gisette says:
Thanks for the review! I’ve been wondering about how well they work.
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
You’re welcome, Gisette! Glad you enjoyed my review 😁!
lilianna says:
I tried the clay and red algae one, it burned so bad…and when I removed the product fully from my face my face looked like I had a sunburn for several days (and felt like it). so I’ve stayed away from the other two products. I do have sensitive skin.
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
Oh no, Lilianna! I am sorry to hear that. I’m sure that was not fun 😦
Marie says:
I received samples of these and had the same experience. I wouldn’t recommend them if you have any skin sensitivity.
Iluvh2s says:
Thank you for this article! So many of my friends sell Rodan and Fields and while I know it works wonders, I can’t justify $160 for the acne creams. I would like to try the L’Oréal masks instead!
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
The masks are next on my list to try now that I have fallen in love with the cleansers.
Cherryluva says:
Hi! Anyone have reccomendations for teen boy acne?
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
Hi Cherryluva! I do not have teenage boys (yet!) but my fiancé has been using these products with me. He loves them. Another reader, Mel, mentioned that her husband and son enjoy using the charcoal cleanser.
AZ says:
Take him to a dermatologist…you’ll be saving a lot of time and $ trying a bunch of OTC stuff that usually isn’t very effective for acne, and can often make it worse.
PC says:
The best clay mask hands-down is the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay mask…I apply it once a week w/ apple cider vinegar (never use water w/ this clay, as you need the acid from the ACV to neutralize the clay’s pH and make it safe/effective for use on skin). This gives me glowing, squeaky clean skin and fades brown spots. It even works for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Just patch test first. HTH!
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
Thanks for the tip, PC!
Rebecca says:
Thanks!!
heather says:
Hey everyone!!
These are on amazon and with the extra 15% coupon and subscribe and save i got the charcoal for $4.32!
Lolita says:
Which one helps best with pores? That is my big thing I am wanting to address. Next is preventing wrinkles 😉 (in my mid to late 30’s)
Alana (Hip2Save Sidekick) says:
Hi Lolita! According to L’Oreal, the red algae is for minimizing pores. I use all three, so I can’t personally say which one does what. I like using the trio 🙂 Hope that helps.
Michelle says:
My Sam’s club has a 2 pk of the charcoal type for $7.91 right now. I think that’s a great price since I saw them individually at my target for $5.99. I’ve noticed that items ending in .91 at Sam’s are being discontinued though. I remembered this post and grabbed a pack!