@lexiwood receiving a facial at Alo house using Alo's Enzyme Facial Cleanser.

What To Look For In A Facial Cleanser

The 5 golden rules & some extras 

With a myriad of clean beauty brands offering hopeful facial cleansers with promising results — and aesthetic packaging that catches the eye — it's exhausting finding the product made for us. This essential component of our skincare lineup that should elevate our self-care routine morphs into an anxious cycle: buying new products, cautiously testing them out, and sprinting to the mirror in the morning to interrogate our skin’s acceptance or rejection of our new full-of-promise cleanser.

The issue is that we don’t have a skincare roadmap that points us to the product that will make us feel like a million bucks — so around and around we go in the stressful skincare cycle.

With one (or two or three) too many revolutions through this routine that began to feel less and less like self-care, Alo decided it was time to further our mission of wellness.

How? We developed a clean skincare line that reintroduced self-care into beauty with clean, easy, effective choices that work for all skin types.

And when we say “we”, we mean our amazing team of chemists, dermatologists, and wellness enthusiasts behind the Alo Glow System — the ones who believe that what you put on your body matters as much as what you put into it.

As people living a life in pursuit of wellness, this dream team identified the essential components of skincare products that complemented their mission. Rather than cherry picking trending ingredients and throwing them into the pot, they dove deeper.

Now we know you’re here for the facial cleanser, but before we get into the specifics of our Enzyme Facial Cleanser, let’s first cover the hard-and-fast non-negotiables to look for in all of your skincare products...

An array of Alo Glow System products laying out on top of a mirror with a bright blue sky and soft clouds shown in the reflection behind.

1. CLEAN

Our bodies are constantly exposed to harmful chemicals found in our diet, in everyday containers, in pollution, and in our beauty products (*gasp!*). That's right, the things we use to care for ourselves may actually cause more harm than good. When we went to formulating skincare products that aligned with our mission of wellness, it simply didn’t make sense to include potentially carcinogenic, hormone-disrupting, immuno-compromising ingredients — so we didn’t and never will.

2. NONE OF THE BAD STUFF

There are over 1300 chemicals banned or restricted for personal care products in the European Union. While the U.S. doesn’t regulate these substances, we chose to not only leave them out of our products, but also chose to say goodbye (and good riddance) to a few other iffy chemicals that aren’t yet regulated.

No parabens, phthalates, gluten, animal products, sulfates, mineral oil, artificial colors or dyes, synthetic fragrance, aluminum, pegs, silicones, or propylene glycol. Ever.

3. HYPOALLERGENIC

We also said no to several common allergens, the substances that cause standard symptoms of redness and itchiness but also the more subtle symptoms of bumps and dryness. While people know of their severe allergies, many have slight, undiagnosed aversions to substances commonly found in skincare products, and we thought it best to skip out on these potentials. As all of us are unique with varying reactions to different substances, it’s always best to defer to a physician, but we've created products that are less likely to cause a reaction in the majority of people.

4. DERMATOLOGIST TESTED & APPROVED

Dermatologists are certified doctors who specialize in the health of the skin. They know what happy skin looks like, they know how to get skin looking happy, and they know what problems inhibit happy skin. We’re happy to say these skin-enthusiasts have tested our products, found them safe when applied to the skin, and stamped them as safe and healthy for use on the skin.

5. RESPONSIBLE SOURCING & SOCIAL COMMITMENT

All of the ingredients used within the Alo Glow System are certified organic, non-GMO, sustainably farmed, follow social commitments established by the International Labor Organization, and are Leaping Bunny Certified—the most trusted certification that backs up the fact that all of our products are 100% cruelty-free and vegan. The Alo Glow System is entirely vegan, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny Certified. Additionally, all of our products are produced under safe conditions in compliance with social and environmental rules. Why? Because these practices contribute to cleaner, safer, happier environments and communities, which comes full circle for a healthier you.

@meredithmickelson posing next to a plant-wall with a bottle of Alo’s Enzyme Facial Cleanser.

With these 5 golden rules set in stone, the team set out to formulate the base of the skincare lineup: a facial cleanser. The common frustrations with gel cleansers? Tightness, oiliness, stripping. We know, because we’ve experienced them all.

When it comes to cleansers, you need one that gently removes sweat and surface impurities, without stripping the skin’s natural, protective barrier that keeps in moisture. Something powerful that gets the job done but is gentle enough for everyday use.

The Enzyme Facial Cleanser is it. Equipped with a solid, wellness-inspired foundation and meticulously selected ingredients that elevate self-care. Here’s the low down on what to look for in a facial cleanser and why...

AMLA - BRIGHTENING

As a powerful source of antioxidants and vitamin C, this super berry helps brighten and refine the look of skin’s tone while minimizing the appearance of everyday wear and tear caused by environmental stressors.

COCONUT OIL - HYDRATING

Let’s just say it’s an IT-ingredient for a reason — intensely hydrating, cleansing, and purifying, all the while promoting a dewy, glowing complexion.

PINEAPPLE ENZYME - RADIANCE-BOOSTING

Bromelain, the enzyme found in pineapples, gives an appearance of resurfaced skin and reveals radiance. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and for use morning, noon, and night.

AVOCADO OIL – SOFTENING

Avocado oil nourishes the skin with vitamin E and potassium — a yummy concoction for the skin.

With a lineup like that, we know this is going to be the longest relationship you’ve ever had with a facial cleanser. Say goodbye to the stressful skincare cycle and hello to clean, happy skin via the Enzyme Facial Cleanser. Be sure to follow @AloWellness_ for clean beauty tips & tricks!