Neighbourhood Botanicals Face Off: An Oil Cleanser That Actually Rinses Off

During the new normal of working from home, my skincare regimen has suffered…almost becoming nonexistent. Now I’m trying to undo the damage. Most days, I wear minimal-to-no makeup so I prefer a mild cleanser. Although I am familiar with oil cleansers, I’ve mainly used them previously for makeup removal, and always coupled with a wash cloth. Rarely can you actually rinse them off, despite the claims. They tend to leave a residue – and sometimes makeup – without the assistance of a cloth

This is what piqued my interest in Neighbourhood Botanicals’ Face Off Oil-to-Milk Cleanser. It’s advertised as an oil cleanser that rinses off, no washcloth needed. From first use, I tested out these claims, and I’m happy to report: it’s actually the truth!

Product Description: Face Off combines a blend of plant oils and mild plant-derived emulsifiers that completely cleans your face but won’t alter the pH or strip it of moisture. With the benefits of raw oils but the ease and mildness of a milk cleanser, even waterproof mascara is easily removed without the petrochemicals, alcohol, or astringents in traditional cleansers and makeup removers. The fresh spa scent from its light essential oil blend which has aroma-therapeutic properties for calming, balancing, purifying and stimulating.

Ingredients: Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, MIPA-Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Calendula officinalis Flower Extract, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil, Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Linalool, Limonene.

*naturally occuring compounds from the blends’ essential oils.

I am able to use Face Off as a morning cleanser and also as a makeup remover. Before each use, shake the bottle because the ingredients settle. In the morning, I shake it up and massage it into dry skin and rinse with lukewarm water. As a makeup remover, I apply Face Off on dry skin, thoroughly rubbing it in to break down the makeup, and then I rinse. Occasionally, I apply it again as my second cleanse and use a silicone brush.

It’s hard to describe the fragrance of Face Off; I pick up on different essential oils each time I use it. The lavender and eucalyptus are the most prominent. It’s not my favourite, but it’s not terrible by any means. It’s quite refreshing and soothing. The eucalyptus isn’t overwhelming and sometimes this ingredient can make products teeter on the edge of smelling on medicinal. Not the case with Face Off!

I really like the Face Off Cleanser; it’s exactly what I was looking for. It’s readily available in the UK and not too expensive when compared to similar oil cleansers. However, this wouldn’t be a full review without commenting on the cons. The main con for me is that the product separates; I don’t always remember to shake it.

The second con is related to the packaging. I got the cleanser in one of the new Neighbourhood Botanicals Christmas sets. The sets are packaged in clear neon orange bags; it sounds lovely right? That’s until you realise there’s loose glitter in the bag, which ends up everywhere! There was glitter inside the pump for the cleanser. It’s like being pranked by your skincare order. I’ve not yet managed to get rid of the glitter. I keep finding it in the most random places. Someone might like the glitter aspect; I, however, did not. Overall, that won’t deter me from repurchasing, but it is something to be mindful of when ordering (and when opening your order!).

Neighbourhood Botanicals Face Off retails for £27, pricing may vary from site to site. It is available on the company’s site, Selfridges, Feel Unique, and my preferred option Amazon. If you’re impatient about deliveries – like me – and have a Prime account, click here for next-day delivery. Face Off is also currently on sale on Amazon.