I have combination skin and had the same worry when I first tried Purity. I have had no problems with the oils in it causing me to break out. On the contrary, many oil free cleansers don't really clean the oil that accumulates on our face during the day because water cannot dissolve oil - it takes oil to break up the oil. I think this is why it has worked for me. I broke out all the time with the oil free cleansers I was using prior. I have been using this product for 6 years now and my skin has never looked better. I actually found that the oily patches got less oily and the dry patches subsided because I stopped stripping my face of all it's natural oils with the other cleansers I had tried. You should give it a try.... it may not work for you but you'll never know if you don't try it. Bottom line - don't be but off by the oils because it may be just what your skin needs (it was for me!).

im pretty sure philosophy carries a product for acne prone skin, and if not then i have definatly seem a system for oil skin. i would recommend the systmes of combination packs whatever their called.

I have oily skin and have had acne in the past. I have been using this for over a year now and it never makes me break out. Great product, you just have to figure out the perfect combination of products for your skin. But this doesn't dry out my skin or make it oily.

I have had near perfect skin for 2 years and added this and the exfoliating one to my routine... well after 1-2weeks i have 12 ginormous zits on my face.... i switched my old ( store brand stuff may i add) to philosophy because i thought my skin would be unbelievable, but unfortunately im one of those people who broke out BAD. Im a rare case though apparently. I also used the hope in a jar... im not sure exactly which product made me break out, but i dont care, i'm not risking 2 more weeks of Stubborn acne !! Its also been a pain clearing up... taking waaaay longer than normal..:(

I have oily, acne prone skin, and this cleanser does NOT make me breakout. I use this as a "1st step" cleanser. I dampen my face and use this to remove makeup and mascara. I then rinse or wipe off and follow with a treatment cleanser (I use Clinique Acne Solutions Foaming Cleanser). I found that my Clinique wasn't enough to get makeup off and Philosophy was great at dissolving makeup but didn't "treat" my skin, so this is my combo. Usually when I don't wear a full face of makeup and esp. in the winter time when I dry out, I use just Purity.

This made me break out. I have oily skin, but rarely break out, and this did it. I kept using it to see if it would go away, and I got more acne in a different area instead. But everyone is different.

The oils could actually help. Skin normally breaks out because it's not getting enough moisture and produces it's own which can lead to breakouts. But if you keep your skin moisturized then it will have no need to produce it's own oil.

i wouldn't recommend this cleanser if you have oily skin. this is best suited for people with normal to dry skin.

It doesn't make me breakout and I oily skin.

I've used this product for a month and it has cleared up my skin completely. It's a miracle-worker!

This cleared up my skin better than anything I have ever used, including Proactiv. I use this at night and the microdelivery exfoliating wash in the morning, and I never break out anymore. My skin hasn't look so good since the fifth grade, seriously.

I found it to be drying to my skin. I think it would be very good for someone with normal to oily skin.

yes, I have combination skin and have had no problem with additional oil.

No, the oils in this product (before they changed the ingredients) wouldn't make your skin too oily. I also have combination skin and found that it added moisture to my dry areas and because it cleaned so deeply it controlled my shiny areas better.
HOWEVER- they have recently added 2 sulfates in the top 5 ingredients and this will have more of a drying effect on your skin. So, I would be careful.
I no longer plan to use it for this reason.

i am not very prone to acne now that i've gotten older but it cleans and it doesn't feel dry like when washing with ordinary soap. i really recommend this product.

I break-out easily, and this seems to keep me blemish free without the
drying effects

I ALSO HAVE OILY SKIN AND THIS WORKS GREAT FOR ME., I HAVENT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MORE BREAKOUTS.

I have combo break-out prone skin and have used this without any lingering problems. After the first few days I used it I did get a couple of pimples, but I kept using it and they cleared up. I came to the conclusion that Purity was just pulling the junk out of my skin.

i feel as though it did cause more frequent breakout

I have oily skin & have used this product for over 2 years without any problem whatsoever. It leaves my skin feeling clean without feeling stripped & without any oily residue.

yes you can absolutely use this fantastic cleanser!!! i use it everyday & i have oily acne prone skin, and contrary to many myth's out there, you're skin, no matter what type needs oils to keep it looking it's best. when deprived of cleanser's & moisturizer's you're skin actually has to compensate and produce oil's which will lead to break-outs!! so don't hate, participate in taking care of you're skin<3 lizzy79

Definitely. This is a must-have!

This is the BEST waterproof mascara remover I have ever used, and will not sting your eyes. I use it to clean my face and remove makeup, and my 8 yo uses it to wash her face and eyes. It removes the toughest mascara better than anything I've ever come across.

Oh yes definitely, it breaks up the mascara in stages in my opinion which causes it to come off as soon as u wash it of. :)

Yes this product is amazing at removing makeup and even mascara, not sure of waterproof i tried this on my bad gal waterproof and it did get half it off but in the morning I'm left with mascara residue but still this cleanser does wonders

It sounds weird but the BEST thing I have found for removing eye make-up is No Tears Baby Shampoo. My eyes used to water quite a bit in SF, especially if it was a windy day. My optometrist made the recommendation to me saying not all of the makeup was being removed and was clogging my ducts. I have not used anything since. It's great and super cheap. And no, it doesn't hurt your eyes. I do keep mine closed when using it :)

Yes it removes even waterproof mascara.

Purity gently yet thoroughly cleanses off stubborn waterproof eyeliner and mascara. I just rub gently with my finger on the lash line and under my eyes and *poof* it's all gone. I don't need a separate eye makeup remover. Even when the product gets in my eyes, it does not irritate at all. I recommend this as a mascara remover over all other eye makeup remover products out there. I haven't found anything more effective than Purity.

I use mascara as well as eyeliner and this removes it all for me. If using waterproof mascara, I usually wash my eyes with this first before moving on to the rest of my face but if cleansing for the 30-60 seconds as recommended you shouldn't have a problem with removing eye makeup.

Takes care of my mascara, but then again, I don't use waterproof mascara. I wash off my eyeliner with it, and it doesn't burn my eyes at all. I love this cleanser, I can't say enough good things about it. Everyone should use it.

Since I have been using Purity, I have not used a separate eye makeup remover. I just wash my face with Purity, and the mascara comes off. I don't even have to rub hard around my eyes. With some mascaras that have a lot of pigment, I sometimes have a little black smudge around my eyes. However, I usually just wash with a little extra Purity around my eyes, or I wipe it off with my washcloth. I am so glad I don't have to use a separate product for my mascara, especially when I travel.

I think Purity Make Simple does a great job removing makeup, including mascara. I usually wear a waterproof mascara, when washing my face I gently rub my eyelashes and just below the lash line on the lower lids to remove all traces of mascara and eyeliner.

YES IT DOES. IT GOES ALL OVER THE FACE AND IS GENTLE ENOUGH FOR THE EYES. I LOVE IT!!

not so great on mascara

From my experience, you'll still need a makeup remover. It works quite well for mineral eyeshadows though.

I wouldn't put anything with toner in it near my eyes. It's best to buy a seperate remover! I'm sure it would work, but it would be very uncomfortable as an eyemakeup remover...

Great for all skin typesfrom oily to dry.
Removes all makeup including mascara with ease!

Hi

It seems to work well with everything. Remember, this is a cleanser that is being rinsed off, so there's nothing left to cause problems.

I use this cleanser every morning and then I use a moisturizer from Bare Escentuals. They both work beautifully together. They do not clash at all.

Yes. I started using the cleanser before i ever bought the moisturizer and nighttime products and it works great! I used a Neutrogena moisturizer while using the cleanser and they were very compatible!

Yes, it is compatible; I have no problem using other moisturizers with it. I have used HOPE - it seems to be pretty heavy when first putting it on. I have dry skin so after a few minutes it absorbes into the pores and actually gives my skin a more youthful appearance.

I've used several other moisturizers with Purity with success. I've tried everything from Olay to Kinerase. I actually prefer them to some of the heavier Philosophy moisturizers like Hope In A Jar.

I use a different moisturizer because I didn't like thiers. I use the clinique gel for oily skin and it works just great.

I use Dr. Perricone's products with the philosophy cleansers and have no weird reaction. I use the Serum Prep, Amine, and Intensive Moisture Therapy with great results. I have sensitive skin.

I have used other moisturizers with Purity and have not experienced any clashing. I believe it works well with other products that are not from the Philosophy line

I've used Boscia and DDF moisurizers with Purity and I also use Ole Hendriksen eye cream. I have sensitive skin and I haven't had any problems with those brands after cleansing with Purity.

I use other products and have not had a problem at all. I use another brand of toner and moisterizer with no problem.

Using too little will make a diffrrence. Using too much won't make a difference, it will just waste it. i use a dime sized amount for my face. A nickel if I am washing my neck too.

I use a nickel-sized amount of this product and it suits me just fine.

This is kind of watery so I would say about a half-dollar size. I don't think it lathers much and I wouldn't call it concentrated either.

I use about a nickle size amount and it works just fine.

I usually use about a dime to nickel size amount and it's plenty. That's what's so great - it lasts forever! You're not buying a new bottle once a month!

I use just a small amount- about a dime size drop.

A dime size will work. A little goes a long way!

I use about a nickel size amount and I am good to go!

It takes of my foundation easily but I still use eye makeup remover for my mascara and eyeliner to make sure I get it all off.

Right. Just keep false lashes away from it.

In my experience, it's an extremely effective make-up remover. I wear DiorShow mascara and Kat Von D brand Tattoo Liner, both in black, and it even removes those (all be it with a little bit more rubbing than the rest of the face requires). It genuinely surprised me a ton the first time I used it and it took off my whole face of make-up better than any of the harsh make-up removers I'd been using before.

On some days, especially after a night out when I wear more eye makeup then usual, I will still need to use makeup remover for that. But the rest of my face feels clean from Purity...so for an everyday makeup look (I don't use much on normal days) I don't need makeup remover.

I have been using for years and don't even own makeup remover. If I am using water resistant mascara, I will rub it around mey eyes and let sit a minute before washing. I removes everything .

No need to use make up remover

As Brooke said, I need to use eye makeup remover for liners and mascaras, but it works fine on shadow. I don't use foundation, but with all of the raves about how it removes make-up I have to assume it does a great job on that (other wise my experience with liner and mascara would make me question other peoples' claims).

It takes off foundation easily. Eye makeup is a bit of a different story. I have to use eyemakeup remover for my mascara and eyeliner, but it will take off eye shadow.

I use it and have no issues or side effects. I am very oily and acne prone and it has helped.

My face is oily and acne prone, I thought I had to use a medicated face wash to help clear my face up but after using this for 2 months my face feels and looks amazing. The medicated face wash dried my face out and left it tight and then oily by the end of the day. Don't be afraid to use this face wash, it's amazing!

I HAVE OILY SKIN AND I HAVE USED THIS FOR YEARS. IT WORKS GREAT FOR ME. I ALSO USE HOPE IN A BOTTLE FROM THEM WHICH IS GOOD FOR OILY SKIN.

i would say not to try this one. i don't think it will break down the oil and dirt enough

Don't be afraid of oils! Quick simplified chemistry lesson: there are basically two types of organic molecules in the world, those that like water, and those that don't like water (oils fall in this category). Soap or detergent molecules, are a combination of these, with one end liking water and one end not liking water. So, one end sticks to oils and dirt and other things that don't like water, while the other end sticks to water molecules and allows the molecule to be washed away. Oils, however, can still be washed away with large quantities of warm water (this is because, technically, it's not so much that the oil doesn't like the water as the water doesn't like the oil, but that's a little more complicated). And, it binds very well to other oils and dirt and things that don't like water. So, in the context of this cleanser, it acts just like soap does, it just doesn't foam.

Vegetable oils are actually moisturizers for the skin. Most lotions are made with some sort of vegetable or synthetic oils mixed with water and an emulsifier to make that creamy consistency. Most vegetable oils will not clog your pores. In fact, Jojoba oil has almost the same chemical structure as the sebum your own skin produces to protect itself and so it's really good at dissolving blackheads.

I have sensitive/combination skin, and tried for over three years to find a good balancing moisturizer that wouldn't irritate my skin. In the end, I started mixing my own blend of jojoba oil and squalane (from olive oil) with a little bit of lavender essential oil for the antibacterial effect. Not only is my skin tone vastly improved, I haven't had a pimple in the middle of my forehead since I started. =)

I've been using this cleanser for a little longer than that, and while I like my oatmeal/cold-process soap/clay cleansing grains better, it did improve my skin tone and did not make me break out. And it really is a great cleanser as far as removing dirt, makeup and grease.

But not oils are created equal. Mineral oils can clog your pores. This is not, however, to say that mineral oils are bad for you. They provide a better moisture barrier than vegetable oils. That's why they are used often in body lotions, but also why you probably shouldn't put body lotions on your face, if oiliness or acne is a problem for you.

Yes, this should be fine. If you want a similar product without oil try Cosmedicines foaming wash, but I really have never heard of problems with acne worsening with this product.

Yes, I have oily/acne skin. It works amazingly. Also, its great as a maekup remover/cleaner. One step shorter to great skin.

Yes. I would also get a clarisonic.

I would say you would be better off using Murad's clarifying cleanser

I would not recommend this wash. It is quite gentle and not ideal for acne-prone skin. (I never felt that truly clean feeling after using it, and it did nothing for my boyfriend's skin either). I recommend Anthony exfoliating wash for men or anything from the Clinique line for acne-prone skin. The blue wash in the tube...what is it called?...works great for me. It is just face wash for normal to oily skin, and it does the trick.

Remember, if you are breaking out, it is really important to use a good exfoliator at least once a week. I woudl recommend the Microdelivery peel by Philosophy or Clinique's exfoliating scrub.

This dried my skin out a bit, so my husband uses it. His skin looks great! I do believe it is more for those who have normal to oily skin.

ABSOLUTELY YOU CAN USE IT. MY HUSBAND USES MINE ALL THE TIME.

i wouldn't try this one

I would not recommend this product, as I have combination skin that breaks out, and I found this cleanser to be too heavy. I love, however, philosophy's Hope In A Bottle moisturizer. it is EXCELLENT for acne-prone skin, as it fights pimples by exfoliating but is very gentle. instead of Purity Made Simple I would try Caudalie's Instant Foaming Cleanser, which is soap-free so it is gentle. this cleanser has been beneficial to my sensitive skin and seems soothes break-outs and irritation. I hope this helps you. good luck.

What do you mean works? It is not a treatment product. it is just a cleanser. Are you having blackheads? It takes at least as long to get rid of them, as it took for them to form. try salicylic acid product placed strategically on your blackhead prone areas. Do you have acne? It depends on how bad it is. If you have moderate to severe acne, this won't be enough to completely clear you up. It also takes a few months.

I'm with Dreamyone - are you using this cleanser for something other than to gently clean your skin - remove dirt, oil and grime from your face? They offer products for acne-prone skin, if that was what you were aiming for, but that's not what this particular formula is meant to treat. It may have been all that people with short term or hormonal shifts with acne have needed (a slight helping hand), but it's not intended to replace anything that specifically targets acne.

If it's not doing what you were hoping for within two weeks, I'd return it and look for something meant to do whatever else you were hoping to achieve. :(

I saw results within a few days. After about three days I already noticed that more of my acne was ready to be delbt with and my skin was clearer.

I felt the effects immeadiately but it took, oh, I don't know maybe 5 days to see the full results. I would suggest getting the Hope In a Jar Moisterizer... the two together are amazing.

I noticed a difference after about 3-4 weeks. However that was also around the time I started to use Philosophy's Micro-massage exfoliating wash. The 2 of them together are dynamite!!
My blemishes are gone, no blackheads or breakouts!!

I love Philosophy!

Hi,

I'm not really sure I understand your question. This product is supposed to clean your face of dirt and grime. It's very gentle and effective. Are you following the directions? ("At the end of each day or at the beginning of each morning, use a small amount of product with a little water, massage onto skin for 30-60 seconds and then rinse" or are you doing something else with it?

This should work the first time you use it because it will clean your face exactly as intended.

Hope this helps.

Hmmmm? Perhaps, you need to leave it on your face for a bit longer......also, I used too much the first few times I tried it. I recommend mixing it with a bit of water. Steps.....wet face / mix cleanser with water / rub gently on face / wait a few minutes / then use a wash cloth to remove (I have been using a wash cloth or flannel my whole life and nothing beats it.) / You may need to rinse out the cloth a few times to get the soap out completely. Try this and see if it helps. Good luck.

Acne?? The best product is the basic Serious Skin Care kit. I gave one to my neice who had acne......it cleared up in no time. Otherwise, Purity is a good choice as well, since it's not irritating and cleans well. Good luck.

Thanks, everyone!!! Your answers have been very helpful. :-)

I don't think this product is helpful for any kind of acne. I sent it back. I normally have clear skin and use benzoyle peroxide to keep it that way, but I broke out when I used this. It's also very drying. Do you have cystic acne? My friend has it and started using aveda products. Shes cleared up. Maybe try that?

This cleanser helps in keeping my acne at bay, but I would definitely consult a dermatologist before using, and also to find different anti-acne creams that you can use in conjunction with this cleanser.

I hear you!! I struggle with congested combination skin (in my mid 20's- so embarrassing!). Products formulated for acne/problem skin dry me out and make my skin worse (especially in the winter). Philosophy Purity cleanser works well for me. It doesn't irritate or cause me to break out.

Also, I've had great success with argan oil (after using for 4+ weeks). It really helps balance my skin and has a high concentration of vitamin E which is supposed to help heal acne scars. Sephora sells Josie Maran's line of Argan oil which is highly recommended.

Another option (I know its pricey) is Sephora's Tanda Clear Acne Therapy system. It uses blue light that's been proven to kill the bacteria that causes acne, without harming your skin- check it out if you can afford it (or charge it, lol!).

Girls like us, with adult acne, have experiment with so many different products. Good luck!

Have you had an allergy test done? Sometimes acne is caused by what we eat, especially dairy.

I had trouble with acne as well and got on accutane (a super harsh perscription) for it, which cleared it up. After I stopped using accutane my skin was fine for several months until I started using this cleanser. After a few days of using purity I noticed my forehead started breaking out. The only change in my routine was the addition of this cleaner, so I can only assume it was what caused me to break out again. I was really surprised after having heard so many great things about this product line, but it just didn't work for me. I spoke with a worker at Sephora who suggested Caudalie gentle cleanser and gave me some samples and it seems to have cleared it up pretty well. I'm going to go back and purchase it. Your best bet is to ask someone in the store for advice and ask for a few samples of some different cleansers! Good luck!

Do you have normal skin? If you wash it and are normal, your skin will still feel normal. If you are oily and wash it, you should not feel oily. You should feel clean, but not sapped of moisture like is the normal cleanser feeling. Are you using enough? Dime size for face. Nickel face and neck.

It didn't work for me either, this cleanser is best for dry skin, I have combination skin, so it doesn't do anything. I also HATE the smell. Go with something else.

your face should feel clean. thats it.

its a great cleaners that is very gentle but still manages to take off eye makeup ect.

not sure what you could be looking for beyond that, as it does its job quite well?

My skin feels like it's a little softer since I've been using Purity. Before, after washing my face my skin felt really dry. It's been about 3 weeks since I switched over and no complaints from me. I hope this help :-)

It strips away dirt and dead skin but leaves in it's place a moisturizer. It feels that way for me too, but once i realized it's like skipping the moisturizing toner, then I got used to it.

well there could be a lot of things wrong here.

1. what else are you doing in your routine? you need a cleanser and a moisturizer, minimum. oily skin needs moisturizer, that's why it's oily (it's counter-intuitive, i know.)
2. what is your skin type? you might need something more specialized.
3. how are you washing your face? you might not be cleaning it enough. i'm not saying get a clarisonic, but put a little more time into it.
4. remember that everyone's skin is different and that this product might not just be for you. it's not necessarily terrible (i think it's a miracle product).

Your face shouldn't feel different (taut and dry) after you wash it - this cleanser is pH balanced, which means that it maintains the skin's natural balance of acidity, so there is no alteration in the softness of your skin. To test its cleansing ability, after you have washed with Purity Made Simple, take a little alcohol on a cotton ball and wipe a small part of your skin that you think might not be clean. The alcohol will tell if the skin is clean, but don't wipe it all over your face!