It’s time for another battle! Out on the ring this time is Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant and Image’s Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Exfoliator Powder.
What Do They Claim?
Dermalogica claims that their daily microfoliant is gentle enough for daily use and for all skin conditions, and that it instantly leaves skin smoother and brighter. But let’s look at the first five ingredients, or the so-called “active ingredients.”
Image Skincare defines this product as a “uniquely luxurious polishing powder that gently cleanses and exfoliates skin.” Similar to Dermalogica’s claims, this exfoliator powder is said to be gentle enough for daily use and perfect for all skin types. The Iluma Intense Brightening Exfoliator Powder has natural botanical brighteners, enzymes, and antioxidants that work to buff away dead skin cells, leaving skin smooth helping skin to “reach a new level of radiance.”
Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant
- KEY INGREDIENTS
- Microcrystalline Cellulose: A naturally occurring component found in the cell walls of plants, this one in particular coming from refined wood pulp. It is used as a texturizer, an anti-caking agent, an emulsifier, and an extender in cosmetics.
- Magnesium Oxide: Magnesium oxide is a fine white powder with a dull luster. It is found in skin care products as both an active ingredient (one that enhances the look and feel of skin) and an additive (one that improves the quality of a formula.) Because magnesium oxide is comprised of tiny crystals, it is sometimes added to facial scrubs in an attempt to mimic the gemstone crystals used in microdermabrasion. The FDA has listed magnesium oxide as “Generally Regarded As Safe” but other ingredients in products that contain magnesium oxide could potentially irritate skin.
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: A surfactant based on fatty acid from coconut oil and isoethionic acid that also functions as a cleansing agent. It is determined safe for use in cosmetics, subject to its concentration levels.
- Colloidal Oatmeal: This kind of oatmeal is used as a moisturizing agent to help treat or prevent dry, rough, itchy skin. It is basically an emollient that helps soften and moisturize the skin while decreasing itching and flaking.
Iluma Intense Brightening Exfoliator Powder
- KEY INGREDIENTS
- 1) Coconut Milk Powder: Rich in protein and vitamins, coconut milk powder aids in cell regeneration.
- Pumpkin Enzyme: Provides gentle exfoliation removing dead skin cells and impurities while delivering vitamins and nutrients to the skin.
- Protein Peptide Complex (Whey protein, lactic acid, lactose): This protein blend aids in cell regeneration and correction of uneven skin tones.
- Protein Peptide Complex (Whey protein, lactic acid, lactose): This protein blend aids in cell regeneration and correction of uneven skin tones.
- Green Tea Left Extract: This is a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient.
And the Winner is….
Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant costs a lot ($45 ?!) for what amounts to cellulose, magnesium oxide powder, detergent cleansing agents, and plant extracts (some of which function as a sort of scrub). It’s not terrible, but that isn’t good enough! You will get a granular exfoliation from this scrub, but you’d be better off just using a washcloth with your water-soluble cleanser. Or better yet, switching over to Iluma’s Intense Brightening Exfoliator Powder, which has a unique proprietary blend of ingredients that definitely trumps Dermalogica’s Daily Exfoliator. For example, Iluma’s use of Coconut Milk Powder infuses the skin with nutrient-rich vitamins, while its Pumpkin Enzyme gently sloughs away dead skin cells. Licorice Extract and a Protein Blend (Lactic, Whey and Lactose) act as skin lighteners to even out the skin tone and the skin-softening exfoliation process is gentle enough to be used on all skin types and can be used daily, as claimed. The powdery formulation turns into an active foam once it comes in contact with water, so there is no need for stripping cleansing agents.