We were treated (and I do mean it was a real treat) to a visit from the lovely Josh Rosebrook, in person. It was such a pleasure for me and the Truth In Aging team to learn about how Josh got started in skincare with his sumptuous Cacoa Antoxidant Mask (we’ll be publishing our interview with Josh soon). His passion for his products, process and holistic outlook on life was infectious and inspiring. Before he left, Josh gave us his brand new Moisturizing Cleanser ($27).
I must confess that when he handed us the 2oz bottle, I thought it was a sample. I almost felt my jaw drop when we were told that this was actually the full size bottle of Josh Rosebrook Moisturizing Cleanser and it was retailing for $27. Josh assured us that only a small amount was needed and the cleanser could be expected to last two to three months. Although skeptical, I was excited to try it as the all natural ingredients list included some impressive antioxidants. This was a serum posing as a cleanser, which makes it my kind of cleanser.
The first thing to say is that a little does not go a long way, instead a miniscule amount goes a really long way. Josh was right. A pea-size dollop is all that is needed to cleanse face and neck. It smooths on beautifully and is easily rinsed off. I leave it on for as long as possible first to get the most out of the ingredients. After rinsing, my skin looks bright and clear and this is achieved without it feeling at all stripped.
There isn’t even water in this extraordinary cleanser; the base is aloe gel. The soapy stuff is African black soap, which is also in Josh Rosebrook shampoo. Typically, this comes from roasted plaintain skins. Plantains are a very good source of vitamins A and C, and they have a reputation for soothing irritated skin - even combating acne. For gentle exfoliation there is anti-inflammatory white willow bark. According to Josh Rosebrook, the sea minerals listed are “tiny molecules, small enough to penetrate deeply into the skin cells to deliver a rich concentration of phytonutrients”.
There are botanical extracts too numerous to mention, but I’ll call out some of the more interesting. Seabuckthorn is a source of omega fatty acids, skullcap contains flavonoids including baicalin, an anti- inflammatory and analgesic and is used to combat cancer in Chinese medicine. Hawthorne berry is an antioxidant, as is fennel seed, while chickweed is packed with vitamins and minerals and is particularly good for flakey, irritated skin.
I love this cleanser. It has it all and absolutely no nasties. I will gladly fork over $27 to replace my sample when it runs out.
Ingredients: vitamin-infused aloe gel, organic african black soap, organic honey, vegetable glycerin, white willow bark, sea minerals and grape seed extracts, lemon juice, organic pectin, organic oils of: olive, jojoba, sesame, evening primrose, meadowfoam, sunflower, apricot, almond, and seabuckthorn, organic herbal infusions of: calendula flowers, bilberry, slippery elm, fennel seed, chickweed, skullcap, ginkgo leaf, hawthorn berry, green tea, marshmallow root, St. John’s Wort and alfalfa; organic plant sourced kosher vegan xanthan gum & potassium sorbate, natural plant sourced vitamins A, C & E; vinegar; organic essential oils of: rosemary, ylang ylang, litsea cubeba and vanilla bean.