5 Powerhouse Ingredients That Make This New Cleanser a Non-Negotiable

It might be called a cleanser, but these days, your average face wash has to do so much more than cleanse. For starters, it needs to rinse away grime, excess oil, and sweat (no surprise there), but it has to do so without stripping skin of moisture. Then, if it’s really showing off, it should also gently melt away makeup.

Finally, it should do all of the above without harming the environment. Anything that heads down the drain could potentially return to the water ecosystem once you rinse it off—and that includes the not-so-environmentally friendly detergents found in some formulas.

That’s where the new Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser goes above and beyond. It checks all the desired boxes—gently but effectively cleanses skin, removes makeup, leaves skin soft and smooth—with sustainably sourced ingredients that keep water crystal-clean. (Bonus: It also smells incredible.) As so many of us, your end-of-day cleanser is a de-stressing meditative ritual to a hectic day so it needs to perform. Here, five key ingredients that make it work like a dream.

1. Squalane

Squalene is one of the most common lipids found in skin, where it contributes to a strong moisture barrier and smooth, soft skin, but research has found that it takes a nosedive once you hit 30. Squalane (note the “a” in there), on the other hand, is a stabilized version of this all-important compound; in this cleanser, it’s sourced sustainably from fermented sugarcane (a proprietary molecule developed by the brand). Research shows that it can offer lightweight moisture to skin, double as an antioxidant, soothe irritation. Not only does squalane hydrate, but because it is bio-identical to squalene, it helps ingredients work that much more effectively. It’s no wonder it’s the star of this cleanser (and the heart of every Biossance product).

2. Amino acid complex

You might recall amino acids from biology class as the building blocks of protein. As a synergistic complex in your skin-care routine, however, these organic compounds serve as more than a throwback. Once they hit your skin, they get to work breaking down and dissolving makeup—and, unlike harsh detergents, they actively condition skin to keep it soft and comfortable.

3. Organic aloe vera leaf juice

You’ve heard of putting aloe on a sunburn, right? It can feel just as refreshing on your skin, particularly in this cleanser, where it works to hydrate and calm skin. Think of it as a long chug of hydration for your skin.

4. Moringa extract

Pollution, meet your match: Moringa extract is so effective at removing impurities, particularly environmental pollution, that it’s even used to clean wastewater. (For the curious: It works by flocculation process, meaning it gathers the pollutants into little bundles and removes them when you rinse.) And since pollutants can stoke inflammation on skin, you’re in luck here, too: Moringa has also been found to soothe stressed-out when applied topically.

5. Alfalfa extract

Lowly sprouts? Think again. Alfalfa extract is a nutrient-rich powerhouse that serves as an antioxidant. In this cleanser, it infuses skin with oxygen to revive skin after a long day.