Review: Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser (2020 Formula)
I’ve been using Krave Beauty’s Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser (MHHC) since 2018. It is formulated without fragrance, essential oils, and colorants. It has a jelly-like texture. It contains mild cleansing agents, so it produces a light lather, rather than a foam. It’s not likely to leave your skin feeling stripped. Thus, it won’t harm your skin’s barrier. While it is not marketed as a makeup remover, I have been able to remove leftover eye makeup (including mascara) with this cleanser, without any irritation to my eyes.
You know that tight feeling your skin has after using other cleansers? That is an indication that the pH is too high and your skin is being dehydrated and stripped of the oils and lipids it needs to function and maintain its health. This cleanser’s pH ranges from 5.0 – 6.0. This is very important. Your cleanser should always be acidic on the pH scale. Your skin is already naturally acidic. Using alkaline (pH of 8 or higher) products disrupts the barrier’s function.
Usage
I always use an oil cleanser first, before following with MHHC. You only need to dispense a small amount of MHHC – less than the size of a dime. Be sure to massage it onto your skin for a full minute to ensure you are cleansing effectively.
Ingredients
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Water, Glycerin, Coco-Betaine, Methyl Gluceth-10, Ethoxydiglycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Sodium Chloride, Butoxydiglycol, Diglycerin, Glycereth-26, Xanthan Gum, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Diethoxydiglycol, Coco-Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Decyl Glucoside, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Butylene Glycol, Octanediol, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium PCA, Disodium EDTA
KraveBeauty.com; original 34 ingredient formula
Matcha: Though you probably would benefit more from drinking it than applying it topically, matcha is known for being one of the most potent sources of antioxidants.
Hemp seed oil: Antioxidant rich and high in amino acids and linoleic acid. Protects your skin against free radical damage. Stimulates cells to produce more collagen and elastin. Hydrates and plumps skin.
Quillaja saponaria bark extract: Otherwise known as “soapbark,” this is high in saponins and is used as a natural surfactant (lathering agent) in cleansers. This allows the chemists that formulate products to forgo sulfates that may be harsh for some skin types. This cleanser also contains other surfactants that are derived from coconuts.
Avena sativa (oat) kernel extract: Soothing and great for sensitive skin. It’s found in many different products, but given that it’s included in some of my favorite cleansers, it’s safe to say it is particularly useful in aiding with the cleansing process.
Results
On its own, MHHC is great. My skin feels hydrated yet still thoroughly cleansed. However, it appears to not pair well with some other products in my routine – namely, Dermalogica’s Precleanse and Daily Microfoliant. When used in conjunction with these products, my skin ends up with bright red erythema and occasionally even stings. When used alone, I don’t experience this issue with MHHC at all. All products are not formulated with the intention to be used with products from other brands that are on the market. Generally, they are formulated to be used with products within their own brand. This could be an individual problem; others may not experience this as everyone has their own skin types, conditions, and concerns.
In conclusion, this cleanser is not only budget friendly ($16) – it’s also appropriate for most skin types. I do not recommend it to anyone with very dry skin or major sensitivity issues, but virtually everyone else can use it. I have recommended it, and even gifted it, to friends, family, and clients. All have had great results, without any of the aforementioned issues that I have experienced.
Formula Changes
In 2022, Krave Beauty changed their cleanser formulation to one with less ingredients. I stopped supporting this brand in 2021, so I have never tried the new formula and never will. The brand promotes this as an improvement over their old formula, one that benefits their customers. To me, it seems logical that the changes are a direct result of supply chain issues, not a conscious choice from the Krave Beauty team. Making products less unique than their predecessors isn’t a positive change from a business standpoint. The new formula has a broader pH range of 4.5 – 6.5. The new ingredients deck is as follows:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Water (Aqua/Eau), Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Coco-Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Methyl Gluceth-10, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Benzyl Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Sodium Polyacrylate, Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Chloride, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Sodium PCA, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
KraveBeauty.com; new 24 ingredient formula
Further Reading
The Healthy: This Is the Hottest Skin-Care Ingredient You’re Not Using
Krave Beauty: Why did Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser change?
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