UPDATE update 2/23/2015: Sorry I should have update updated this awhile ago...but good news! Seems the dryness I was experiencing was either temporary or caused by something else (still not sure which?!). I've been happily using this almost daily for awhile now with no problems!! :-)
UPDATE 1/24/2014: I've since realized this dries out my skin if used too often. I discovered this after my eye area severely dried out and was dehydrated when using this day/night regardless if I had been wearing makeup or not. I now only use this on days I wear makeup, and even then I alternate it with the Tatcha cleansing oil.
Koh Gen Doh Cleansing Spa Water, $39/10.15oz and $13/3.38oz and $52/16.23oz @ Sephora (only carries the 2 smaller sizes), kohgendocosmetics.com, Barneys
You may recall from other posts that I've tried four cleansing/micellar waters (not including KGD):
* Bioderma Crealine
* Bioderma Sensibio
* Caudalie Cleansing Water
* Avene Micellar Lotion
Bioderma Crealine I still have a little left, but can only use it on my eyes because it clogs everywhere else. Bioderma Sensibio stung my eyes. Caudalie gave me milia and was cloggy. Avene I hated the smell and I didn't find it that effective.
But stop the bus!!! Koh Gen Do is everything I've been looking for and then some!! It removes everything, even my mascara (I haven't tried waterproof yet - anyone have opinions on this?) and sunscreen when I wear it. I use this with my Shiseido Facial Cotton and my face is so happy. No tugging, rubbing, pulling or other makeup removing gymnastics. Even around my eyes this feels supremely gentle, with absolutely no irritation or stinging. It truly feels like putting water on your face - unlike other waters that can feel oily or sticky and can leave a film. No film left here, nor have I experienced any clogs (YAY!). My face feels hydrated, soft and refreshed!! A simple and excellent product - I have nothing but love for this Cleansing Spa Water!!!
From the Koh Gen Do site:
Gently remove even waterproof makeup and skin impurities in a single sweep with mineral-rich Cleansing Water.
From the Yumura Hot Springs in Izumo, Japan, comes pure water, rich with skin-absorbing nutrients, to replenish and rejuvenate as it cleanses.
White Birch Sap, harvested only three weeks in early spring, contributes an abundance of minerals and xylitol as it lifts off makeup, oils and residue. No washing or rinsing required!
Perfectly convenient for on-location makeup artists and busy on-the-go women.
Oil-free. Alcohol-free. Safe for contact lens wearers.
Infused with six essential herbs to protect and nurture skin
- Rosemary Leaf Extract
- Sage Leaf Extract
- Lavender Extract
- Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
- Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
- Ginger Root Extract
Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water ingredients:
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Lactic Acid, Arginine, Butylene Glycol, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Betula Alba Juice, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Glycerin