Finding a cleanser for skin that's sensitive and blemish-prone is no easy feat. There’s a lot to get right; you need a formula that will effectively lift away daily grime, help to control oil, and keep future blemishes at bay – all without causing irritation. In fact, it’s so hard to find that it’s the product you’ve always asked us for, and now it’s finally arrived.
Our in-house chemists have worked tirelessly to bring you Phaze: our first ever PHA-powered foaming face wash to clarify congested skin, without stripping or drying even the most sensitive complexions. A new ‘Phaze’ in the sensitive skincare game – and a new era for your skin.
Keep reading for the complete guide to our foam face wash for sensitive, spot-prone skin, from our stand-out trial results to the natural ingredients that clarify congestion with care…
Proven to clarify sensitive skin
The trouble with traditional foam cleansers is that they often leave skin feeling stripped. This is usually down to the choice of detergents used; the most common being sulphate-based SLS and SLES, which are known to dry out the skin. But it’s also about the formula as a whole. The key is to find the right recipe – and that’s our team’s forte.
Phaze is a sulphate-free face wash that’s specially formulated for sensitive, blemish-prone skin. The innovative gel has been cleverly designed to give you that refreshing foaming action, with none of the usual consequences. How? By combining exfoliating, hydrating and nourishing actives that work in perfect harmony to leave skin feeling balanced, rather than tight and uncomfortable.
Like every other product in our range, Phaze has been independently patch tested and is clinically proven for sensitive skin. But we also put its clarifying and oil-controlling powers to the test with an independent trial – and it passed with flying colours.
In a two-week independent consumer trial with 115 women:
- 87% said their skin felt less oily
- 81% said their skin felt smoother
- 79% said their skin looked clearer
- 72% said it reduced the appearance of blemishes
- More than double the number of testers agreed that the appearance of blackheads was reduced after two weeks, compared to initial use
The results were just as we’d hoped – and the reviews were glowing, too. One tester told us:
"This is without question the very best facial cleanser that I have ever used. My skin is radiant, blemish-free, clearer, with reduced pore size. My skin looks so healthy, it has never looked or felt as good."
How we did it
We really put our chemists to the test on this one. Our first ever foam face wash had to tackle blemishes and blackheads without irritation, using only COSMOS-approved natural ingredients.
It took time, but they found a way. Here are the hero ingredients in our certified natural formula that make it so unique – and so supportive for even the most sensitive skin.
POLYHYDROXY ACID
Some exfoliating acids (like AHAs and BHAs) can penetrate deep into the skin because they have smaller molecules – but that means they naturally have a greater risk of irritating your skin too. Instead, we use a sensitive skin-friendly Polyhydroxy Acid – otherwise known as Gluconolactone – that is sourced from the glucose in maize. This PHA has larger molecules that only work on the skin’s surface, sloughing away dead skin cells and unclogging pores for clearer skin, without disturbing what’s underneath. It’s kinder, but just as effective.
PREBIOTIC INULIN
Extracted from chicory roots, this protective prebiotic rebalances the skin’s microbiota to form a natural defensive shield and keep the skin barrier healthy – no matter what your skin type or condition is. And as you know, a stronger barrier means happier, less sensitive skin. We only source Inulin from suppliers that ensure it's scientifically tested for its prebiotic properties – so your skin reaps its benefit in full.
NMF SUGAR COMPLEX
Sourced from the sugar in harvested kernel corn, this hero hydrator is almost identical to the carbohydrate complex found in the skin’s own Natural Moisturising Factor. It binds to keratin like a magnet, staying behind even once the cleanser is rinsed away – locking in moisture for visibly smoother, less flaky and deeply hydrated skin.
How to use our face wash for clearer skin
Cleansing is the most important step in any skincare routine – and even more so if you have blemish-prone skin. Why? Because removing the impurities, dirt and grime that clog up your pores is the key to reducing the formation of blemishes and blackheads.
The right formula is then the key to oil control; use a cleanser that strips your skin too much, and your sebum production will go into overdrive – causing even more breakouts. That’s where Phaze comes in.
Phaze can be used in both the morning and the evening, or just in the evenings if you prefer – whatever works for you and your skin. And because it’s designed to be applied to wet skin, you can even save time and use it in the shower!
At night, use it alone if you don’t tend to wear much make-up. Alternatively, it makes a great second cleanse as part of a double cleanse routine. Try our bestselling Light Work Cleansing Oil to remove make-up - including waterproof mascara - first, then apply Phaze to damp skin to give it a deeper clean.
Phaze is part of our Re-Balance range, so if you want a complete routine for blemish-prone skin, follow with a targeted serum such as our All Becomes Clear Blemish Serum. It’s made with powerhouse ingredients Copaiba and Zinc to help keep breakouts at bay. In the evening, add in a nutrient-rich face oil to decongest your skin as you sleep. Our certified organic Carbon Star Overnight Face Oil contains Charcoal and Black Cumin Seed Oil to help clear imperfections so you can wake up to clearer, balanced skin.
Shop our foaming face wash for oily skin now and discover our Re-Balance range for more products designed for blemish-prone skin.
For more help and advice, book a free online skin consultation with our in-house skin experts.
Middlemist Seven
Light Work
Phaze
