* UPDATE 10/4/2020: As of October 2020, Peet Rivko has started offering a new sizing option for this cleanser. Now, it is available in a 5 oz size for $32 USD in addition to the 3.4 oz size for $28 USD and the mini 1 oz size mini size that is $12 USD when sold separately. The new size is packaged in a pump bottle like the 3.4 oz bottle discussed in the review.
One of the most intriguing and groundbreaking new beauty brands I've tested recently has been Peet Rivko skincare. They are a line of cruelty-free, 100% plant-based skincare focusing on sustainability, relative affordability, and skincare that is healthy and universal for all, including the most sensitive and reactive of skin types. What initially struck me as especially intriguing about this brand is that, although they are an all-natural, plant-based skincare brand, they expressly avoid the use of essential oils and fragrant floral extracts in all of their products, as some emerging research has shown that the incorporation of fragrant components of any kind (be they natural or manmade), can be break down the skin barrier,leading to more irritation down the road both immediately and over time, especially for those who already may have sensitive, inflammation-prone, or acne-prone skin. Though my skin is quite sensitive and can be prone to inflammation and also breakouts, even though it is dry, I have used and do still use products with essential oils and other fragrant ingredients and usually don't have many issues, however, hearing more of this information has caused me to want to look into more gentle and universally applicable plant-based skincare options.
For Christmas, I received a trial set of the Peet Rivko Gentle Cleanser, Balancing Face Oil, and Daily Moisturizer from my best friend and sister. Over the last month or so of testing all three products, I am beyond impressed with all of them. However, at this moment, the be-all-end all hero product from the set has been the Gentle Facial Cleanser.
The Gentle Facial Cleanser could not be more perfectly named. At first glance, it might even seem overly simplistic-- a pearly white, medium-thick cream that almost seems more like a lightweight lotion than a cleanser. Yet, the moment you start massaging it into a slightly wet face--or with dampened hands-- the formula melts into the softed cloud like consistency and gently lifting all the day's grime and makeup off of the face. It does not take a lot to get a good clean either, even in spite of its total lack of any sort of lather. One pump per use is generally all I ever need. Though it is a cream consistency, it rinses away very easily, but it also works beautifully when steamed off and wiped away with a warm washcloth. Best of all, though it won't take off waterproof or water-resistant mascara all that well, the Gentle Face Cleanser can remove light eye makeup and does not sting or irritate my eyes at all.
The cleanser is a perfect blend of being both calming and getting the job done. It leaves no filmy residue and absolutely NO trace of tightness or dryness. In fact, I have only ever THOUGHT cleansers I have used in the past did not dry out my skin, but that was before I realized how truly gentle , yet still effective, a cleanser could be. Among the ingredients I think contribute to this are a generous dose of aloe vera and comfrey root extract. Both of these plants are renowned for their skin healing and calming properties as well as for reducing inflammation and redness, and in this cleanser, both seem to truly live up to their reputation. I am also happy to see a nice amount of vegetable-derived glycerin, which is great for drawing water into the skin and keeping it there as well as green tea for some mild deep cleansing and antioxidant renewal.
Overall, if you are looking for a cleanser that is easy-to-use, effective, skintone evening, and has a list of great natural ingredients that can be used by almost anyone, I highly recommend the Peet Rivko Gentle Face Cleanser. Currently,o the full-size 3. 4 oz bottle costs $28 USD and is only available for purchase on PeetRivko.com. I truly feel that this is a new brand worth trying and that goes any product in the line. Though I have not tried their most recently-released product, the Exfoliator, nor their Body Oil, both are high on my "to-try" list, and I also cannot say enough good things about this new brand.